The final BTO exercise of 2022 is shaping up to be quite the event. With launches in popular mature estates like Kallang/Whampoa and Queenstown, attractive locations in non-mature estates Yishun and Bukit Batok, and new projects into the fledgling estate of Tengah, there is much to love about the November 2022 BTO exercise.
To further add to the buzz and hype, HDB announced that they will be adding an additional 1,330 units to the BTO exercise from the estate of Ulu Pandan. Here’s what you need to know about the latest news.
3,000 additional BTO units on offer in Ulu Pandan
There will be a total of 3,000 BTO units launched across three housing projects in Ulu Pandan. The first project will be launched during next month’s BTO exercise, comprising 1,330 units of 3-room and 4-room units. The two other projects will be scheduled for future BTO exercises.
Image credit: HDB
As for its exact location, the new HDB blocks for this November’s exercise will be located with Dover MRT station practically at its doorstep.
According to the HDB, they will also be “designed sensitively in response to its surroundings”; for instance, the blocks closest to the Ulu Pandan Canal will be “stepped down and lower than the rest of the blocks to maximise views to the canal”.
This will create somewhat of a cascading effect and ensure that the further blocks will still be able to have great views of the canal without being obstructed. The development will also feature sky terraces and roof gardens, which is not common in new BTO projects.
Image adapted from: Google Maps
Despite its name, don’t be put off by the “ulu” in Ulu Pandan – it really isn’t as isolated or far flung as you might think. From our checks, it seems likely that the existing Dover Forest opposite Singapore Polytechnic will be cleared to make way for these new public housing projects. Dover Forest East will be cleared first for this November’s launch, while plans for Dover Forest West are still in the conceptual stage.
Image adapted from: Google Maps
Naturally, Dover MRT will be the main highlight in terms of connectivity, allowing residents to travel up and down the East-West Line. There are also around 7 bus services that ply the main Commonwealth Avenue road, which can get you to places like Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Serangoon and Buona Vista.
Otherwise, you can travel either further East or West to reach more populated town centres, which are but a short 10-15 minute commute away. Heading East will lead you to places like Buona Vista and/or Holland Village, while travelling the opposite way will bring you to Clementi.
Both estates will have all the essentials that you might need and more, such as supermarkets, dining outlets, retail shops, amenities and recreational options. In terms of shopping malls, the main ones you’ll look out for is Star Vista in Buona Vista, and Clementi Mall in Clementi.
The locale is also chock-full of educational institutes. The new HDB blocks will be right opposite the Singapore Polytechnic campus, with NUS just a slightly further travel away. There are also other pretty reputable brand-name schools not too far away, such as Nan Hua High School, ACS (Independent), Fairfield Methodist Secondary, and New Town Secondary School.
Redevelopment of Ulu Pandan
The recent announcement of public housing in Ulu Pandan is essentially part of a broader plan to redevelop the vicinity.
Image credit: HDB
Using Dover MRT as the middle reference line, the Eastern side of the plot of land will be redeveloped into public housing, as we’ve previously mentioned. While existing forestry will have to be cleared, the government will look to retain elements of the flora and fauna, such as its existing stream and greenery.
On the other side, it will be redeveloped into a nature park for the medium term, and plans for it will be revisited again in around 10 years time. There will also be health and medical care and amenities introduced near Dover MRT, though details are scant for now.
Transformation into a ‘Green’ estate
One exciting part of the recent announcement pertains to the plans for Ulu Pandan. According to the HDB, various nature elements will be integrated within the estate, to make it essentially a “green-living” type of concept that retains the original character and spirit of Ulu Pandan.
Image credit: HDB
For one, there will be 4 unique walking trails in and around the estate, meant to promote active living as well as an avenue for residents to relax and unwind. They each serve a purpose, and are accordingly named Restorative Trail, Recreation Trail, Therapeutic Trail, and Fitness Trail.
Image credit: HDB
In addition, there will be a ‘social and wellness hub’ that will be built in the estate, most likely connected to the existing Dover MRT. The hub is meant to provide a whole range of services and conveniences for residents, such as retail outlets, a supermarket, and of course, dining joints.
Just like other community plazas or social hubs that you might find in other estates, there will also be plenty of spaces for people to gather for recreational activities or just to hang out with their fellow residents.
Naturally, this is a huge plus for residents. If you’re feeling kinda lazy and don’t really want to travel out, or if you find yourself with a sudden emergency due to a lack of certain items around the home, then all you’ll have to do is head down and pop by the hub to get what you need.
The HDB will also be designating Ulu Pandan to be one of the first few car-lite estates in Singapore.
What this essentially means is that there won’t be any vehicular roads plying through the estate; rather, said roads will be limited to the perimeter of the estate, while the main connectivity within the estate will be via pedestrian pathways as well as cycling paths that will be connected to the wider park connector network.
Image credit: HDB
As for the housing blocks themselves, there will be a terraced rain garden that’s incorporated with the lower levels. This is meant for residents to enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst lush greenery, and we can certainly attest to the calming effect of nature!
Remember the Fitness Trail that we mentioned earlier? Well, this is essentially a 600m jogging track that will be on the 34th floor, as part of a sky bridge that connects the three housing blocks together.
Nov 2022 BTO Launch in Ulu Pandan
All in all, the latest announcement about Ulu Pandan joining the November 2022 BTO exercise will certainly generate a huge amount of buzz and interest, especially amongst eligible homeowners. We’re pretty sure that it will be hugely oversubscribed, and able to draw some heat off Kallang/Whampoa and Queenstown.
If you do decide to apply for Ulu Pandan and eventually was unsuccessful in getting one, then fret not – there will be two more BTO projects scheduled for future launch exercises, and so you’ll be able to throw your name into the hat for those should you be unsuccessful during this run.
Nevertheless, we’re fairly confident that Ulu Pandan will be amongst the more popular estates in terms of BTO launches in the near future, and we’ll continue to break down the details as and when they are available?
In the meantime, if you’re preparing to put in an application for the upcoming November 2022 BTO exercise, here are some of other articles worth reading to ready yourself:
- Why You Should Pick Yishun For The Nov 2022 BTO Launch If You Value Affordability & Waterfront Views
- Why Queenstown Should Be Worthy Of Your Ballot This Nov 2022 HDB BTO If You Love The Green Corridor
- Why You Should Choose Kallang/Whampoa For The Nov 2022 HDB BTO For The Best Of Both East & Central
- Why Tengah Should Be Your Top Pick For The Nov 2022 HDB BTO Over A Jurong Resale Flat
Cover image adapted from : HDB
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