Revamp of sport centres, new Sengkang park among ideas to transform north-east region

Yio Chu Kang Sport Centre could be redeveloped when the area around Yio Chu Kang MRT station is turned into a hub for sporting, wellness and healthcare facilities a plan currently under study.

- Ng Keng Gene

Plans to transform the area were showcased at a travelling exhibition at One Punggol detailing current and future recreational facilities and amenities for Singapore's north-east region, including a new park in Sengkang West.

Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the roving exhibition is part of the agency's public engagement for its upcoming Recreation Master Plan, which will be incorporated into the Draft Master Plan to be launched in 2025.

Yio Chu Kang Sport Centre, which was completed in the mid-1980s, houses a swimming complex, multipurpose sports hall, squash centre, tennis centre, gym, and a stadium with a running track and field.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, URA and Sport Singapore (SportSG) noted the centre's age and said the authorities are seeking public feedback on ways to refresh facilities in the area to "meet the evolving needs and aspirations of the community".

Plans exhibited showed that the area bounded by the upcoming North-South Corridor, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 and the MRT viaduct could be used for "community nodes", while the space currently occupied by the sport centre could house sports, wellness and healthcare facilities.

URA said in exhibition panels that bringing such facilities closer to communities in and around Yio Chu Kang would support active living and ageing in place.