Yishun to get exciting new facilities in facelift

July 26, 2008
Yishun to get exciting new facilities in facelift
Among them are a library and possibly a shopping complex linked to
interchange
By Francis Chan

YISHUN might be showing its age but it is in line for a radical
renewal that will smarten up existing facilities and add exciting new
ones.

Details of the rejuvenation plan were announced yesterday, and
include additions to the town centre, including the Khoo Teck Puat
Hospital, a new library, covered walkways and possibly a new shopping
complex integrated with the bus interchange.

A new boardwalk will also connect the town centre to outdoor areas
like Yishun Pond.

The plan, Remaking Our Heartland: Enriching My Yishun, is part of a
nationwide Neighbourhood Renewal Programme announced by Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech last year.

Its aim is to enhance the value of homes and neighbourhoods through
upgrading and estate renewal projects.

'Through this initiative, the Government will build the HDB heartland
of tomorrow to match the rising expectations of our people and make
Singapore our best home,' said National Development Minister Mah Bow
Tan, who outlined the Yishun details yesterday.

'Give us another five years and you'll be able to see the change in
Yishun.'

Residents are keen on the plan. Mr Jef Ng, 27, who has lived in the
area for 13 years, told The Straits Times: 'It is high time Yishun
got a facelift. We have always felt somewhat neglected, but these new
plans sound really exciting.'

Mr Mah also officiated at the launch of the first Home Improvement
Programme (HIP) in Singapore.

The HIP allows flat owners to have certain essential improvements
carried out at the expense of the Government, which will also
subsidise some optional ones.

Owners can vote on the work they want done at their estates and in
their flats. Essential improvements include mending weathered
concrete and replacing waste pipes, while optional ones refer to
upgrades of toilets, entrance doors, metal grille gates and refuse
hoppers.

Owners co-pay between $550 and $1,375 if they choose any of the
optional improvements, depending on flat size.

Exhibitions have been set up in Yishun Street 21 to give owners a
better idea of their options under the HIP before they vote on their
choice of improvements.

Polling closes on Monday. HDB needs a minimum support of 75 per cent
from eligible residents before works can be carried out.

'I encourage residents to take some time to tour this HIP exhibition
and the Enriching My Yishun exhibition at the town centre,' said Mr
Mah.

'With feedback and participation, we can make Yishun an even more
vibrant and exciting place to live and play.'