Singapore’s land is famously scarce, and redevelopment has long been part of how the island keeps up with its growing housing needs. This time, it’s Gillman Barracks’ turn. The well-loved arts enclave, known for its galleries, lifestyle spaces, and cosy cafes, is set to take on a new chapter as a housing estate with both public and private homes.
For those eyeing a potential future BTO hotspot or just curious about what will happen to the enclave, here’s what we know about the redevelopment plans and what it could mean for future residents.
Contents
- A 40ha housing estate on former military land
- How many homes could be built here?
- Parts of Gillman Barracks’ heritage will be preserved
- 4 heritage clusters to be retained
- Old barrack buildings could become shops or community spaces
- Significant green sites near Gillman Barracks
- HDB’s new Gillman Barracks estate
A 40ha housing estate on former military land
Image credit: Alex V via Google Maps
Environmental and heritage studies for Gillman Barracks kicked off in 2024. On 10th July, HDB announced that the site will eventually be transformed into a residential estate with both public and private housing.
Originally built in the mid-1930s as a British military barracks, the 40ha site later became known for its contemporary art galleries, lifestyle spaces, and F&B outlets.
Existing tenants will gradually see their leases expire by 2030, making way for future construction and the development of a new residential neighbourhood.
How many homes could be built here?
HDB has yet to reveal the exact number of homes planned for Gillman Barracks, but the scale of the site gives us a rough idea of what to expect.
For example, the nearby Berlayar estate will have around 7,000 new flats and 3,000 private homes across the 48ha site. Given Gillman Barracks’ similar scale, the new estate could potentially bring thousands of new homes to the area, although the final number has yet to be confirmed.
Parts of Gillman Barracks’ heritage will be preserved
The former Alexandra School building, now occupied by ISS International School.
Image credit: ISS International School via Google Maps
Not every building from Gillman Barracks’ past will disappear. A heritage study assessed the 86 state-owned buildings across the site and identified 25 buildings for retention, preserving parts of the area’s history within the future estate.
“Exceptional” heritage significance buildings
Among those preserved are 4 buildings classified as having “exceptional” heritage significance, including the original Alexandra School block along Preston Road and 3 former military buildings from the original barracks built in the 1930s.
“High” heritage significance buildings
The former Pasir Panjang Vocational Institute (PPVI)
Image credit: Heritage SG Memories via Facebook
Of the 27 buildings assessed as having “high” heritage significance, 21 will be retained as part of the future estate.
However, not every nostalgic landmark will survive the redevelopment. Under current plans, none of the buildings from the former St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) and Pasir Panjang Vocational Institute (PPVI) will be preserved as the site is transformed into a new residential precinct.
What this means for future residents
For future residents, this could mean a new neighbourhood with modern homes that feel rooted in its historical past.
Similar to how the former SIT flats in Tiong Bahru became a defining feature of the neighbourhood, or how Bidadari Estate incorporated references to its past as a former cemetery ground, these heritage elements could eventually become a distinctive part of the Gillman Barracks estate’s identity and character.
4 heritage clusters to be retained
Image credit: omegaforest via Flickr
Other pieces of Gillman Barracks’ history have also made the cut, including 4 heritage clusters along Preston Road, Lock Road, and Malan Road.
Along Preston Road, 14 of the original 16 garrison-style semi-detached houses, built between 1935 and 1939 for military personnel and school staff, will be retained.
The Telok Blangah Substation, a functioning power substation completed in 1974 and recognisable by its bronze exterior, will also be retained, adding a unique architectural landmark to the neighbourhood.
Old barrack buildings could become shops or community spaces
Image adapted from: @singaporelandauthority
Some of the retained buildings along Lock Road and Malan Road could take on a new life in the future estate. Originally used for military administration, workshops, garages, and medical facilities, these older structures may be repurposed into commercial spaces, amenities, or community areas for residents.
Future residents could enjoy everyday conveniences with a bit more character than your typical void deck. Picture your nearest coffee shop or minimart being housed within a restored heritage building, giving your daily kopi run a more indie feel.
Significant green sites near Gillman Barracks
Image credit: NParks
Beyond its history, Gillman Barracks is also a surprisingly rich natural habitat, with more than 293 plant species and 178 fauna species recorded on-site.
Around 8ha of the future estate will remain as green areas, making up roughly a fifth of the site. Plans include retaining the existing forest stream and much of the native species-dominated forest, so future residents won’t have to travel far to enjoy some greenery.
The estate will also feature ecological corridors of at least 30m wide, combining 5.6ha of existing greenery with 2.4ha of newly planted native species. These green links will connect Gillman Barracks to nearby nature spots such as HortPark, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Berlayer Creek, and Labrador Nature Reserve.
This nature-focused planning follows a similar direction seen in other upcoming developments in the area, such as Berlayar Rise, with a fifth of the space saved for green spaces, so residents can enjoy easy access to Labrador Nature Reserve and Berlayer Creek too.
HDB’s new Gillman Barracks estate
While HDB has shared the conceptual plans for Gillman Barracks, details such as the final number of homes, flat mix, and development timeline have yet to be confirmed. Members of the public can also submit feedback to HDB on the heritage and environmental studies until 6pm on 6th August 2026.
For future homeowners, this could become one of the more unique housing estates in Singapore, combining new homes with preserved heritage buildings and significant green spaces. Whether it becomes the next sought-after BTO location will depend on the final plans, but Gillman Barracks is definitely one to keep an eye on if you’re planning your next home.
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Cover image adapted from: Alex V via Google Maps, @singaporelandauthority
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