VACATED HDB BLOCKS AROUND STRATHMORE AVENUE (Redevelopment)

Mr Chay Wai Chuen asked the Minister for National Development if plans are already finalized for redevelopment of the vacated Housing and Development Board blocks around Strathmore Avenue which are affected by relocation exercise phase 1A.

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have informed Members that sites vacated as a result of relocation exercise will be redeveloped in accordance with HDB's overall public housing development programme. Redevelopment will take place first in new towns where there are on-going building programmes. The Central Area will be redeveloped more slowly in order to tie in with the comprehensive urban planning with a view to maximizing the long-term potential value of the land. In the case of the blocks around Strathmore Avenue in Queenstown, HDB originally scheduled to redevelop the vacated blocks in mid-1990. HDB will review the schedule and see if this can still be accommodated within the slower pace of redevelopment now envisaged.