Three new plots of land on the city fringe in Tanjong Rhu could potentially see more than 5,000 new homes built

SINGAPORE: Three plots of land in the Tanjong Rhu area are now set to become the foundation for a new wave of high-rise housing developments.

Analysts estimate that these plots have the potential to yield over 5,000 new homes in a location that combines central accessibility with proximity to various amenities.

This transformation became possible following recent amendments to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) 2019 masterplan, which included the re-parcelling of residential plots and an increase in their plot ratios.

These changes have paved the way for new high-density residential developments, which are expected to address housing demand while capitalizing on the area’s central location.

It has been more than a decade since the launch of a new private residential development in the Tanjong Rhu area.

The last such development, The Line @ Tanjong Rhu, a 130-unit freehold condominium, was introduced in 2012.

The plots in question, dating back to HDB flats from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, have been largely untouched since then.

Situated across the Geylang River from the Singapore Sports Hub, these three plots offer accessibility, with Tanjong Rhu and Katong Park MRT stations within 1km.

Besides, with the scheduled 2024 opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line stations, the area’s connectivity is set to receive a significant boost.

In addition to transportation convenience, the new homes will be within walking distance of Dunman High School, Katong Community Centre, and a park connector leading to Marina Bay.

While Tanjong Rhu has historically been a private residential enclave, public housing developments are not ruled out for these plots.

The government’s recent efforts to make flats in prime areas more accessible to homebuyers have opened the door for various possibilities.

Although none of the plots are currently designated for Build-To-Order (BTO) projects in 2023, the Housing Board’s land sales list is expected to be updated by December.

Depending on the government’s decisions, these plots may pave the way for both private and public residences.

The plots are strategically located near the Greater Southern Waterfront and MRT stations, making them suitable candidates for the Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model.

This model, set to be known as Prime flats from the second half of 2024 (H2’24), aligns with previous statements that the Greater Southern Waterfront could host PLH developments.

Delving into specifics, the first plot adjacent to Sampan Place covers approximately 2 hectares, with a plot ratio of 3.6. This translates to an estimated 600 to 720 public housing units or 800 to 900 condominium homes.

The second plot at the intersection of Tanjong Rhu and Kampong Arang Roads spans around 3.9 hectares, boasting a plot ratio of 4.3. This plot has the potential to accommodate 1,400 to 1,700 public flats or 1,950 to 2,000 private residential units.

A new park, roughly the size of half a football field, is planned for Kampong Arang Road, providing additional amenities for both current and future residents.

The third plot, situated between Tanjong Rhu Road and East Coast Parkway, covers about 5.8 hectares with a plot ratio of 3.5. This plot could host 1,700 to 2,100 public flats or 2,300 to 2,400 condominium units.

Property analysts suggest that given the attractive location and extended period of vacancy, new homes in the area are likely to draw significant demand from both owner-occupiers and investors, driven by strong rental demand in Tanjong Rhu.

The vastness of these plots means that a mix of private and public residences is possible, and the two larger plots could potentially be subdivided for phased development.

Whether these plots are used for BTO projects or otherwise, they represent a promising opportunity for Singapore’s housing landscape, reflecting the ever-evolving cityscape and the quest for accessible, high-quality housing options.

The first plot, adjacent to Sampan Place, is about 2ha – equivalent in size to just under three football fields – and has a plot ratio of 3.6. Graphic by The Straits Times