Hi all,
This thread is an outreach to all persons vested in Upper Changi Road North/Flora Road/Flora Drive/Mariam Way. This includes current and future owners and residents of:
1. Azalea Park Condominium
2. Ballota Park Condominium
3. Carissa Park Condominium
4. Dahlia Park Condominium
5. Edelweiss Park Condominium
6. Ferraria Park Condominium
7. The Gale Condominium
8. Hedges Park Condominium
9. Inflora Condominium
10. Palm Isles Condominium
11. Parc Olympia Condominium
12. Avila Gardens Condominium
13. Estella Gardens Condominium
14. Landed property around Mariam Way
The expected population of the area is estimated 15-20k+ (3+ persons per unit, 400 units per development). This is rather sizeable and is comparable to smaller townships like Joo Chiat SMC.
Joo Chiat area has been served by amenities in Katong Shopping Centre, Katong Mall/112, Parkway Shopping Centre, Parkway Parade, Tanjong Katong Complex, City Plaza, etc. for the last 20+ years.
The Flora area is not too much different in that it is predominantly private properties (condos and landed vs apartments and landed), and is neighboured by HDB neighbourhoods (Tampines vs Marine Parade/Eunos/Kallang Airport).
From a convenience perspective, I feel that the Upper Changi Road North/Flora region can be better served with a small commercial development like some family restaurants, eateries, cafes, super/minimarts, clinics, childcare, etc. There is a decent population with respectable spending power with needs to be fulfilled.
I believe this view is shared by several fellow forumers, and we have the desire for a small commercial development to be within the enclave of 1km radius. I also trust that we have the critical mass to sustain a small commercial development with a few eateries, a small supermart, and a clicnic without upsetting the unique attributes of tranquility of the neighbourhood. I think some would perhaps like a childcare centre and I wouldn't be surprised it would be fully subscribed should it happen.
Unfortunately in the 2008 URA Masterplan, there is no commercial or mixed use designated land plots in the vicinity. In the recent draft 2013 URA Masterplan, there are no changes to the area. Some of us in the Hedges Park thread have put into motion a (future) residents initiated feedback to URA to consider rezoning a currently empty plot of land along Flora Drive belonging to Tripartite Developers (TID) into a commercial use land.
I have personally spoken to the project manger of Hedges Park in TID and it appears that TID have/are considering this proposition. The vibes in my conversation with the PM is that TID is receptive and would seriously consider/support the wishes of the residents in the area.
Some of us from HPC and over the last few days, our neighbours from PI and PO have joined in to further our motion by submitting the request/feedback/recommendation to URA. I believe there could be more potential supporters who are perhaps not following the discussions in the few BUC threads and hence this thread was started. I hope that more eyeballs would attract more feedback and viewpoints to the authority, developer, and of course our community.
In summary, we are proposing for a plot of land (MK31-04824K) to be rezoned as commercial use so that a small commercial development could be built on it. See the maps below for the location of the proposed land plot. "Star" marks the spot.
Most of the discussion that I am aware of regarding this are in the HPC thread starting from #272 onwards that you may like to read.
If you are supportive of our initiative, may I request that you submit your feedback to URA to lend weight to our initiative. The links to submit the feedback are:
http://www.ura.gov.sg/MS/DMP2013/int...xhibition.aspx
or
http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/feedback.aspx
Let us all do our part to make the Flora region a better place to live in. Let us be the neighbourhood of envy and a sought after location that people want to live in! Thank you!