HDB unveils Chencharu masterplan with park, bus-only corridor

Analysts expect positive response to BTO project in the new housing area in Yishun

Jun 12, 2024



The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has released further details of the masterplan for Chencharu, the new housing area in Yishun.

The plans include a park, a mixed-use integrated development with a bus interchange, as well as a bus-only road – Chencharu Link – for public transport connectivity within and outside of Yishun town, said HDB on Wednesday (Jun 12).

Additionally, the first Build-To-Order (BTO) project in Chencharu will be launched in June. Some 1,270 units of the project will comprise a mix of two-room flexi to five-room flats.

Analysts highlighted the attractiveness of the BTO project given its location and nearby amenities.

Mohan Sandrasegeran, head of research and data analytics at SRI, noted that one of the most recent BTO launches in Yishun in 2022 saw significant demand.

“Over 1,400 applicants competed for 917 four-room flats, and another 1,400 applicants vied for 795 five-room flats in the BTO projects Vanda Breeze, Miltonia Breeze, and Aranda Breeze at Yishun,” said Sandrasegeran, adding that he expects a positive response to the new BTO project in Chencharu.

ERA’s key executive officer Eugene Lim believes the new project will “rejuvenate” the HDB enclave in Khatib, given that over 80 per cent of the existing flats along Yishun Ring Road were built before 2000.

“We can expect Chencharu to develop into a sustainable and car-lite estate – similar to Tengah. The upcoming BTO launch will provide ample housing supply for those who grew up in Yishun, and wish to live near their parents,” Lim added.

Chencharu, the 70-hectare site bounded by Yishun Avenues 1 and 2, as well as Sembawang Road, will offer around 10,000 new homes by 2040, of which at least 80 per cent will be set aside for public housing. HDB will progressively launch the rest of the projects in the coming years.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said in a Facebook post on Wednesday: “As we reimagine older estates and neighbourhoods, we also want to design future homes that celebrate the rich heritage and history of different areas.”

Designs of the BTO project and other precinct facilities will draw inspiration from Chencharu’s history to incorporate elements of a colonial-era bungalow along 50 Bah Soon Pah Road.

The development of the area will also be guided by sustainable design strategies, and homes there will come with smart infrastructure, HDB noted. This includes north-south orientation of the homes to improve natural ventilation by minimising the build-up of heat, on top of provisions to facilitate smart home solutions.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/pro...-only-corridor