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12.00 pm Order. For the record, I have to inform hon Members that on 20 July 2026, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim resigned from his seat in Parliament for the electoral division of Marine Parade-Braddell Heights. Members were informed of the resignation of Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim by me on the same day.
12.00 pm In accordance with clause (2)(c) of Article 46 of the Constitution, the seat of Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim became vacant on 20 July 2026.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 1 Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for National Development given that HDB announced housing plans for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way on the same day consultation opened (a) which parameters remain open to change, including footprint, yield, retained areas, heritage and mitigation; (b) whether site clearance or tender awards will await feedback; and (c) whether HDB will publish its response before approving final plans or tenders.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 2 Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether alternative sites for housing were evaluated as alternatives to Gillman Barracks; (b) whether smaller-footprint or lower-density options on the Gillman Barracks site itself, with greater retention of forest cover and heritage buildings, were also assessed against the current conceptual plan; and (c) what planning considerations led to the proposed site and footprint being preferred.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 3 Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for National Development whether, after the online feedback period for the Gillman Barracks Environmental Impact Assessment and Heritage Impact Assessment closes on 6 August 2026, the Government will hold dialogue sessions with residents, heritage groups and nature groups as part of the process of refining the development plans.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 4 Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the phased directional clearance plan for Gillman Barracks under the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan will include checkpoints at which monitoring data from earlier phases is reviewed before authorising further clearance; and (b) if so, what criteria would trigger a pause or adjustment to the clearance schedule.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 5 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development in light of the recent announcement on Maju Forest (a) how has the Government's approach to balancing public housing needs with the conservation of ecologically significant forests and heat resilience evolved over the past five years; and (b) whether alternative sites, redevelopment opportunities or higher-yield development options are systematically evaluated before such locations are selected.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 6 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development with regard to proposed housing developments on former forested sites (a) what criteria are used to determine whether retained forest areas are sufficiently large and connected to remain ecologically functional over the long term; and (b) how is the effectiveness of wildlife corridors subsequently monitored.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 7 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development in light of the possible development at Maju Forest, whether the concerns and recommendations of the nature and conservation groups on preserving greenery, flora and fauna can be adopted.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 8 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development given that the Environmental Impact Assessments at Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks rate the biodiversity impact as major negative after mitigation (a) what threshold of harm sets a site aside if that finding does not; and (b) whether under-used state land, including the grounds of black-and-white bungalows and ageing low-rise estates, has been assessed as an alternative before clearance.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 9 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) how were findings from the Gillman Barracks Environmental and Heritage Impact Assessments weighed against housing needs; (b) whether alternative sites were considered; and (c) what resident engagement was conducted prior to the redevelopment announcement, including whether closed-door discussions were held and how participants were selected.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 10 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) how are findings from the Maju Forest Environmental Impact Assessment taken into account in ongoing considerations for housing at Sunset Way; (b) whether alternative sites can be considered; and (c) what measures are being considered to ensure any retained ecological corridor minimises edge effects and supports wildlife movement.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 11 Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for National Development (a) what microclimate or urban heat-island modelling was conducted to assess the localised temperature impact of clearing forest cover at Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks; and (b) what will be the projected impact on surrounding residential areas.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 12 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development regarding the Gillman Barracks redevelopment (a) what measures will be taken to ensure the preservation of its secondary hill forest and heritage buildings; (b) whether alternative brownfield sites were considered to minimise ecological impact; and (c) how public feedback from the environmental and heritage impact assessments will be incorporated into the final master plan.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 13 Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for National Development what planning criteria does the Ministry use to determine that brownfield and other previously developed sites are insufficient before greenfield sites are selected for residential development.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 14 Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will further enhance the public accessibility of Environmental Impact Assessments by providing plain-language summaries of key findings and clearer explanations of how public feedback has informed planning decisions.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 15 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for National Development (a) how was public feedback gathered for the redevelopment of Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks; and (b) what other sites are being studied over the next five years for similar possible redevelopment for housing or other uses that may substantially affect existing heritage or natural areas.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 16 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development in light of the recent announcement on Maju Forest (a) whether future Master Plans will refrain from zoning forested greenfield sites for development where feasible, especially where the forested sites are of ecological significance, and prioritise the redevelopment and intensifying land use on existing brownfield sites; and (b) if not, why not.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 17 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development in relation to the Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks redevelopments (a) what is the impact on surface temperature and greenhouse gas emissions; (b) whether brownfield alternatives were surveyed and what is the rationale for selecting these sites; (c) what is the estimated cost of clearing Maju Forest versus redeveloping a similar area in mature estates; and (d) whether Environmental Impact Assessments measure climate-related factors.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest 18 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will publish, before consultations on the Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks sites close on 6 August 2026 (i) the projected housing demand these sites are intended to meet and (ii) the reasoning for selecting them over available alternatives.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to take Questions Nos 1 to 18 in today's Order Paper together, please?
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Please proceed.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, my response will also cover related questions raised by Mr Cai Yinzhou, Mr Christopher de Souza, Mr David Hoe1, Ms Lee Hui Ying, Mr Shawn Loh, Miss Rachel Ong, Dr Hamid Razak and Mr Patrick Tay2, scheduled for subsequent Sittings.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Mr Speaker, allow me to make one point clear at the outset. The plans for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way have not been finalised. Government will continue to engage stakeholders, to take in views and feedback before deciding how we will carry out the development of both sites. This could involve adjustments to the development layout and the amount of greenery and heritage to conserve.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We published the studies and conceptual plans so the public can study them, share their views and help us to shape the final development plans.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest I want to assure Members that while the formal consultation period for the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) ends on 6 August 2026, our engagement with stakeholders will continue, as we adjust and refine the development plans based on the inputs received.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, in my response, I will first explain why Singapore needs to build, where we choose to build and how we build. I will then explain how these principles apply to Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest First, why we need to build.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Mr Speaker, let us start with what I believe we can all agree on. We value our heritage and green spaces. We also want Singaporeans and our future generations to have access to affordable public housing. We want hospitals, schools, and places where we can work and earn a good living. We want roads and public transport so we can get around. We also need land for defence, essential infrastructure and coastal protection. And I wish we had an abundance of land, so we can provide all of these without having to make trade-offs.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest But that is not our reality. Our choices are narrower than those faced by larger countries. We thus have to make the best use of our limited land. That is why we plan decades ahead, to meet Singaporeans' needs today while keeping enough options open for future generations.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Housing is one of our most pressing needs. Some asked why housing demand continues to grow even though our total fertility rate (TFR) is lower than before. Current low TFR figures reflect the smaller number of babies born in recent years. But Singaporeans who are buying Housing and Development Board (HDB) homes today and in the near future were born decades ago when our birth rates were higher.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Another reason is that household sizes are getting smaller. More young married couples prefer a home of their own to living with their parents or extended families. At the same time, many prefer to live near their parents, so they can care for and support one another. More singles are also setting up homes of their own. And more seniors now live alone or only with their spouse.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest These trends mean we need more homes than we did in the past, as the total number of households has increased.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Many Members on both sides of this House have also called for the relaxation of eligibility criteria to provide wider access to public housing and shorter waiting times for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We understand and share these aspirations. But if we want more Singaporeans to qualify for HDB housing and to get their homes sooner, then we must build more homes and we must build them faster.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest So, the question, Mr Speaker, is not whether Singapore should continue to build homes, hospitals, schools and other developments to meet our people's needs. The question is where we build and how we build responsibly.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Let us go on next to where we build.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, we do not start with sites that have significant heritage or ecological value. We first ask a series of practical questions. Can we make use of vacant land? Can we make better use of existing land? Can we build higher, go underground, bring compatible uses together, or better use under-utilised spaces? That is what we have been doing and we will continue to do.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest For example, relocating Paya Lebar Air Base to Changi and Tengah will free up a substantial area for redevelopment, as will consolidating our port activities at Tuas Port. We are also phasing out some golf courses and redeveloping older industrial areas for other uses. We are already redeveloping the former Keppel Golf Course as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront. By 2030, we will have taken back more than 400 hectares of golf course land for redevelopment.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, we will also build taller where we can. This year, we announced Singapore's tallest public housing project – an over 60-storey development at Pearl's Hill.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Relaxing aviation height limits near airports also opens up new possibilities for us to build more intensely in suitable locations.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We build underground where possible too. We are developing rock caverns at Gali Batu, building on earlier projects such as the Jurong Rock Caverns. And through the North-South Corridor, we are moving vehicular traffic underground, freeing surface space for walking, cycling and greenery.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We are also doing more with existing sites and underused spaces, through integrated mixed-use developments, and by activating spaces beneath viaducts and on car park rooftops.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest As we do all this, we pay close attention to greenery and heritage. Today, Singapore has about 7,800 hectares of green spaces, including our nature reserves. Even after accounting for planned developments in the latest Master Plan, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has safeguarded an additional 1,000 hectares of green space.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We are also strengthening ecological connections between core habitats. By 2030, we aim to restore and enhance 80 hectares of forest, marine and coastal habitats, and establish 300 kilometres of Nature Ways.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest These efforts help make Singapore one of the world's greenest high-density cities. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Green View Index found that Singapore is ahead of most cities in urban tree coverage, including cities with much lower population densities.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We take a similar approach to heritage as well. We have conserved more than 7,200 buildings and structures in over 100 areas. Where possible, we retain significant heritage buildings and elements, and incorporate them into new developments.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, these are guided by our long-term land-use planning process. Through our Master Plan, we engage Singaporeans and set out how we use our limited land for the next 10 to 15 years. And we review the Master Plan every five years through a major public consultation exercise, to ensure it remains relevant to our nation's changing needs.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest A site's zoning reflects its long-term planning intention. But when we develop the site depends on our national needs, the availability of alternatives and if the supporting infrastructure is ready. Within this framework, we will always do our best to retain sites with significant greenery and heritage value.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest But there will be occasions when no other suitable site can meet the same need, in the same area and within the required timeframe. And when that happens, we must weigh the trade-offs carefully and consider whether we can develop a site responsibly to meet an important national need, such as providing homes for Singaporeans.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, the next question, then, is how do we build responsibly when it is necessary to develop a site.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We proceed with great care when a site has significant ecological or heritage value. Government agencies appoint independent external consultants to conduct an EIA or HIA, or both. These studies draw on inputs from nature and heritage groups. And the consultants do three things.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest First, they establish what is on the site today. For an EIA, this means identifying the site's important habitats, plants, animals and ecological connections. For a HIA, it means establishing the significance of the site's buildings, structures, landscape and other heritage attributes.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Second, the consultants assess how the proposed development could affect these features.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest And third, they recommend how to avoid, reduce or mitigate potential impact to the site. Depending on the site, this could mean retaining areas of high ecological significance, maintaining ecological corridors, preserving important buildings or incorporating heritage elements into the new development.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest For an EIA, the consultants also propose a preliminary Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP). The EMMP sets out mitigation measures, monitoring arrangements and reporting requirements that will apply during development.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest So, our general approach is to avoid impact where we can, reduce them where we cannot, and mitigate those that remain. We publish the findings, potential impact and proposed mitigation measures in the EIA or HIA report. This allows residents and the wider public to study the proposal and to give their feedback and views. Agencies then consider the studies and feedback before finalising the detailed plans.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest EIAs and HIAs are not meant to justify a detailed plan that is already fixed. They are an integral part of the consultation process through which the plan is shaped.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Once development proceeds, HDB and the National Parks Board (NParks) will monitor the works and require contractors to provide regular updates, to ensure the measures are implemented properly.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Mr Speaker, Sir, let me now explain how we apply the principles that I have laid out for both Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, both sites have been earmarked earlier for residential use.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest For Sunset Way, the planning intention for housing had been reflected in the Master Plan since 1980. That intention has been reviewed and reaffirmed at each subsequent Master Plan review, including the most recent review in 2025.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest For Gillman Barracks, we announced the intention to study the site for development during the 2024 Committee of Supply debate. The site was subsequently rezoned to reflect that intention under Master Plan 2025.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest But we did not come to these sites first. Over the years, we prioritised brownfield redevelopment in Clementi, Bukit Merah and surrounding areas. In Clementi and Bukit Merah, we redeveloped several older estates under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme. In Bukit Merah, we are redeveloping the former Keppel Golf Course, as I mentioned earlier. But demand for housing in these estates remains strong. The recent BTO launches at Clementi Emerald and Berlayar Rise were each oversubscribed by over four times.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Many Singaporeans, especially young families, want to continue living near their parents for mutual care and support. Many understand this and so asked if we can build on sites that appear vacant or underused instead.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, let me explain that some of these sites are already intended for housing. One example is the former Raffles Junior College site at Mount Sinai where we are planning to introduce public housing in the near term, and the former bus facility at Ghim Moh where BTO construction is already in progress.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Some asked about the former Institute of Technical Education Headquarters site at the Dover-Medway area and a nearby site at Albert Winsemius Lane. The former will be redeveloped for a mix of public and private housing, to be launched over the next few years, and the latter is a Land Transport Authority (LTA) worksite that is needed to support ongoing works for the Cross Island Line. It will be considered for redevelopment in future after the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line is completed.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Others also asked about Maju Camp. Sir, we need Maju Camp to support our national defence needs, so we cannot use it for housing at this point.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest For Gillman Barracks, some suggested building homes at Depot Lane Industrial Estate, the former Central Manpower Base (CMPB) and the "reserve site" at Pasir Panjang.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Depot Lane Industrial Estate is indeed part of our future housing supply and demolition of the buildings is currently ongoing to prepare the site. While the former CMPB has moved out of Depot Road camp, the site is still required by the Ministry of Defence and other users. This also applies to the Pasir Panjang reserve site, where there are existing uses like the Ministry of Education Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre. This site can only be redeveloped in the longer term.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest In short, many of the sites suggested are already being developed for housing, are needed for other national purposes or cannot be redeveloped yet. That is why we need to develop Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way to meet our housing needs over the next decade.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest But we recognise, Sir, that Gillman Barracks has both environmental and heritage value. That is why we commissioned the EIAs and HIA, because we assessed that the development could have significant environmental or heritage effects and wanted to carefully study the impact before finalising any plans. These are comprehensive reports, reflecting months of data collection and analysis by independent experts.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest At Gillman Barracks, we are studying how to retain most of the native-dominated secondary forest within the site. We are also studying how to maintain ecological connections in the East-West and North-South directions.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest The East-West connection would link Telok Blangah Hill Park and HortPark, and the North-South connection would comprise an ecological corridor, supporting the movement of birds towards Berlayar Creek and Labrador Nature Reserve.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Gillman Barracks also has a distinctive heritage character. We are thus studying the retention of all buildings assessed to be of "Exceptional" heritage significance, as well as most of those assessed to be of "High" heritage significance. This would allow the future neighbourhood to build on the character and charm of the former colonial buildings.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest But where a heritage building cannot be retained because of practical site constraints, we will explore other ways to preserve its history. These include detailed documentation, salvaging and reusing suitable materials, and incorporating heritage interpretation into the future development.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest At Sunset Way, we are studying the retention of a significant stretch of greenery along the former Jurong Railway Line. This would preserve an important part of our railway heritage while maintaining ecological connectivity within the site.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest We are also studying the retention of a natural stream and its surrounding riparian buffer, which provides refuge for wildlife. These retained green areas will be supplemented with more native trees, and serving as buffers between the future neighbourhood and existing residential estates.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Our approach to both sites will be informed by science and evidence.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way lie within the wider Labrador Nature Park and Clementi Nature Corridor respectively, as NParks identified through its ecological profiling exercise. The proposed retention areas are based on findings of the environmental studies, that aim to maintain ecological connectivity across these wider landscapes. HDB will also study how to design these future neighbourhoods to reduce urban heat. This includes using environmental modelling to improve wind flow, incorporating greenery, using cool-paint and orientating residential blocks to minimise direct sun exposure.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, some Members also asked how many homes the sites will eventually provide. We are not yet able to give an exact figure because the layout, scale and detailed design have not yet been finalised. But in our current conceptual plan, we already reduced the number of homes to retain important green and heritage areas identified through the studies. If we conserve even more, we will build even fewer homes. So, we must weigh this trade-off carefully before reading a final decision.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest HDB has also been attending local grassroots advisers' dialogues with residents to hear their concerns and suggestions in person. We appreciate the time and effort that many have put into studying the reports, attending dialogues and submitting detailed feedback. I personally engaged many stakeholders myself and walked the ground at both Sunset Way and Gillman. Young People's Action Party (PAP) and PAP Sustainability Group have also conducted engagements, gathering feedback and sharing that feedback with me and my team.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Some nature enthusiasts, heritage advocates and nearby residents also asked us to preserve more greenery and heritage. Some also proposed additional mitigation measures.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest At the same time, we also heard from many Singaporeans, including residents in Clementi and Telok Blangah, about their desire for more affordable and accessible public housing. Many tell us they hope their children will have an opportunity to live near them.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, both perspectives reflect legitimate concerns and aspirations. After the formal consultation period closes on 6 August 2026, we will conduct further engagements with stakeholders and closely review the study findings and feedback we received before finalising our detailed development plans. We will also publish a report summarising agencies' responses to the feedback and any amendments made to the original set of plans.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Mr Speaker, Sir, the question before us is not whether housing, greenery or heritage matters. They all do. The challenge is how we balance these needs responsibly within our limited space. We will and must always make the best use of existing land and safeguard our most important natural and heritage assets.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest But there will be times where we cannot avoid difficult trade-offs. When that happens, we must be clear about why we need to build, deliberate about where we build and take great care over how we build. We must be honest with Singaporeans about the choices before us, listen carefully to their views and improve our plans wherever we can. And after weighing all these different considerations, Government must decide in the best interests of Singapore and Singaporeans.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest This is the approach we are taking for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way. We are studying the environmental and heritage findings, listening to public views and examining how the proposals can be improved before the detailed plans are finalised.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, these difficult choices are not unique to Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way. And they will continue to confront us as we build homes, strengthen our economy, expand our infrastructure and realise our vision of a City in Nature.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, generations before us faced similar choices. They made them with courage and foresight, and Singapore is now better for it. Our responsibility is to do the same – so that we can leave to our children a country that is greener, more liveable and continues to provide opportunities and good homes for our people.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Miss Rachel Ong.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Thank you, Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for your response and for receiving the feedback and proposals that my residents and I submitted on Gillman Barracks. These came from in-person meetings, community sessions and written feedback, including well-researched proposals that the residents put together themselves.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest I understand and appreciate the stated need for more housing and the potential benefits for many families. Along these considerations, my residents have also raised deep concerns including the loss of biodiversity and ecological connectivity in the area, the loss of the very greenery that drew many residents to make this precinct to their home. For many, Gillman Forest is a place of respite, reflection and connection. Also raised is the impact on climate resilience and urban heat.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest With that, I would like to ask four supplementary questions.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest First, can the Government clarify whether, and if so how, the earlier Berlayer EIA informed the Gillman Barracks EIA, particularly in relation to ecological connectivity corridor design and the cumulative impact across the two adjacent developments?
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Residents have raised concerns over developing Berlayer and Gillman Barracks in close succession, particularly since both sides form part of the same ecological network and serve the same wildlife. In this context, they have asked why the recommended ecological widths differ between the two, despite this shared ecology.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest The Gillman Forest links the Southern Ridges, which includes the Telok Blangah Hill Park, Berlayer Creek through to Labrador Nature Reserve and Kent Ridge Park, forming a larger ecological landscape. Retaining it alongside shared residents, would also honour Singapore's 2021 pledge under the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest My second supplementary question: instead of residential development on Gillman Barracks, will the Government consider re-imagining and re-engineering the site to better meet the evolving needs of our next generation, creating spaces that protect and promote human creativity and connection?
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest My third supplementary question: will the Government review our planning and consultation processes to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the changing climate, specifically for forested or ecologically sensitive sites, could EIAs and public engagement begin at the master planning stage before land is slated for development?
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest My final supplementary question: will the Government provide a summary of the feedback collected, together with clarity on how it shaped the final development decisions? This matters deeply to residents, who want assurance that their voices have made a difference.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest Sir, I thank Miss Rachel Ong for her strong advocacy on behalf of her Telok Blangah residents and for working together with our agencies to provide those feedback.
Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest As I mentioned earlier on, the plans for both Sunset Way, and in this case, Gillman Barracks are not yet finalised. Even beyond 6 August, when the consultation period closes, we will continue to engage her residents. And after this further engagement and reviewing the feedback and findings from additional engagements with the residents, we will release reports summarising the responses to feedback and also any adjustments that we make to the original set of plans.