MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS IN HDB ESTATES (Conversion of unused roof-top floors to recreational facilities)

Dr Wang Kai Yuen asked the Minister for National Development whether he will consider converting those unused roof-top floors of multi-storey car parks in Housing and Development Board estates to recreational facilities such as tennis courts.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr John Chen Seow Phun) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the roof-top floors of multi-storey car parks that are accessible but not used for parking are meant as a provision for additional parking lots when the need arises. Before allowing recreational facilities to be built on the unused roof-top floors, HDB has to study whether the technical constraints such as design load of the roof deck can support such uses. HDB also has to consider whether the recreational facilities would create noise and lighting nuisance to nearby residents. HDB will study each individual case should the MPs and residents request for such facilities.

Mr Sin Boon Ann (Tampines): Sir, will the Minister of State consider allowing the grassroots organisations to use the roof-top facilities from time to time for their activities, aside from the recreational facilities which we talked about earlier?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, the grassroots organisations can make an application to use the roof-top facilities, and we will consider it.

Dr Tan Boon Wan (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, I notice that some of the roof-tops of the carparks are beautifully decorated. I wonder whether the Ministry will consider beautifying the exposed carparks by painting them in nice colours so that neighbouring residents looking down the carparks will have a far more pleasant environment to look at?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Subject to technical constraints we can look at the Member's suggestion.