Plans to add homes, amenities to Newton area being studied

Move aims to cater to demand for more diverse housing options in central locations

Singapore's urban planners are looking to build new homes and amenities in Newton to meet demand for more diverse housing options in central locations.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said in an ongoing exhibition that "there are plans to introduce new housing and amenities, more delightful public spaces, and improved connectivity within a neighbourhood rich in heritage charm".

The exhibition, which is about current and future recreational facilities and amenities in the central region, is part of URA's public engagement for its upcoming Recreation Master Plan, which will be incorporated into the next Draft Master Plan, to be launched in 2025.

URA's Master Plan is a statutory document that guides Singapore's development for the next 10 to 15 years.

Asked for more details on its plans for the Newton area, URA told The Sunday Times that these "are still being studied".

The agency added that plans will "take into account the heritage and identity of the area, while catering to meet Singaporeans' aspirations for more diverse housing options in more central locations".

According to URA's current 2019 Master Plan, about 29ha of land - equivalent in size to about 40 football fields - near Newton MRT station has been zoned as reserve sites, indicating that their specific use has yet to be determined. In the interim, the sites can be used for other purposes.