According to The Straits Times, a new masterplan for the western part of Toa Payoh will be developed over the coming decade. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat unveiled the plans on Oct 31 as part of wider efforts to renew one of Singapore's oldest Housing Board towns.

Homes, mall and amenities

The plans include over 6,000 new homes, mostly public housing with some private housing, according to the report, which cites HDB. A new mixed-use development with Toa Payoh's first shopping mall will be built next to the housing, with a plaza in front for residents to gather and exercise.

The Straits Times reports that the area is meant to become a "second heart" for the town, complementing Toa Payoh Central. A 1.2-hectare wellness park with nature-themed playgrounds, a jogging track, fitness stations and quieter spaces such as a butterfly trail and gardens will be linked to the plaza.

Green valley and access to Caldecott station

A series of parks and green spaces, described as a "central green valley", will run through Toa Payoh West. It is designed to connect homes to amenities, including Caldecott MRT station and the new mall. Building heights will step down towards the valley to follow the area's hilly terrain.

A new 15-metre-wide, tree-lined walkway will also be built between Caldecott station and Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, linking Toa Payoh West with the rest of the town.

Toa Payoh Hillside and assisted living flats

Toa Payoh Hillside is a 1,600-unit Build-To-Order project next to Caldecott station. It will be launched at the Housing Board's sales exercise in November. The project includes one block of assisted living flats, also known as community care apartments, with sheltered access to the station and an Active Ageing Centre. Of these, 260 flats will have features such as coloured navigation signs and grab bars along common corridors.

The Straits Times notes that these will be the first assisted living flats launched since the eligibility age was lowered from 65 to 55 in July. Service fees are also set to be lowered by between 18 and 75 per cent.

Schools and next steps

A new school is being studied for Toa Payoh West to meet demand from new families. HDB has not specified what type of school is planned. The next major development in the town is the Toa Payoh Integrated Development, slated for completion by 2030.

The plans for Toa Payoh West are on display at the Level 1 gallery of HDB Hub until Nov 2.