Mixed-Use Complex to be Built Above Hougang MRT Station to Meet Growing Housing Demand
In a significant development for Hougang, plans are underway for a mixed-use residential and commercial complex, complete with a bus interchange, above Hougang MRT station. This new project by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) aims to support housing demand in the area and will offer residents easy access to transport links and a variety of new amenities.
The URA recently released a proposed amendment to its Master Plan 2019, indicating the creation of a 4.7-hectare site above Hougang MRT that will feature this mixed-use complex. The site, which is about the size of 6½ football fields, has been allocated a gross plot ratio of 2.5, which could allow for up to 117,500 square meters of space, subject to government approval.
The development will be conveniently located directly above Hougang MRT’s Exit B on the North East Line and will eventually connect to the Cross Island Line when it opens in 2030. This access to multiple transport options promises to make the location even more appealing to future residents.
More Housing Developments Planned in Hougang
The new Hougang site is one of three major plots of land in the area designated for residential use but still awaiting development. Mr. Nicholas Mak, chief research officer at property portal Mogul.sg, highlighted that a nearby 3-hectare plot south of the planned site has a gross plot ratio of 3, which could support around 750 to 800 HDB flats or 1,000 condo units. A third site, located further south, measures around 4 hectares and has a gross plot ratio of 3.5. This site could potentially hold over 1,200 flats or 1,550 condos, making Hougang a vibrant hub for new housing options.
Mr. Mak expects high demand for homes in these upcoming developments, given their close proximity to Hougang MRT, which will become a major interchange once the Cross Island Line is complete. He also anticipates that the site will be released for sale only after the MRT construction wraps up, as the completion of the rail works will likely boost the site’s value.
New Housing Estates Planned in Mount Pleasant, Newton, and Lakeside
URA’s October updates also include amendments for other areas, including the upcoming Mount Pleasant estate, which will feature around 5,000 homes spread across six BTO projects. Two additional housing plots have been mapped out for Mount Pleasant, with one plot of 2.7 hectares potentially yielding up to 1,300 condo units and the other, a 3.2-hectare plot, offering space for as many as 1,800 units. Both sites will have direct access to the Mount Pleasant MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, making them attractive to future residents.
In Newton, URA has designated a 0.57-hectare plot with a high-density plot ratio of 4.9. The site, which could accommodate around 270 to 320 condo units, is located near the Newton MRT station. Analysts suggest it’s likely to be sold to private developers due to its prime central location, making it a desirable choice for residents who prefer easy access to the city.
In the west, a new 1.4-hectare site at Lakeside Drive, adjacent to The Lakefront Residences and close to Lakeside MRT, has also been earmarked for housing. With a gross plot ratio of 3.6, the site could offer between 360 and 600 units, depending on whether it’s developed for flats or condos. The development will include ground-floor commercial spaces and potentially stunning lake views.
Conservation and Redevelopment in Mount Pleasant
In Mount Pleasant, six buildings from the Old Police Academy will be conserved, with plans to repurpose one as a new neighbourhood police post. Minister of State Faishal Ibrahim expressed excitement about adapting these heritage buildings for modern use while preserving their historic character.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
The URA is welcoming public feedback on the proposed amendments, with deadlines set for November 12 for the Hougang and Mount Pleasant sites and November 27 for the Newton and Lakeside sites.
These latest plans are part of Singapore\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\’s ongoing efforts to meet the demand for new homes while creating lively and well-connected communities across the island. With convenient transport links and thoughtful amenities in place, these developments are expected to be popular with both new and longtime residents looking for vibrant and accessible neighborhoods.
