Just like necessity is the mother of invention, scarcity, being the central problem of economics, gave rise to Singapore’s determination to resolve its housing problems in the early days. This was the period when the Housing and Development Board was born.
However, HDB didn’t just intend to eradicate the problem but to do it in a grand fashion. It wasn’t after the quick fix but to provide quality, affordability, and convenience, making sure that the residents’ well-being is also being taken care of. One great example of this is the Ulu Pandan Glades Project.
What We Know About Ulu Pandan Glades Project
Ulu Pandan East (Photo credits: https://saaarchitects.com.sg/projects/ulu-pandan-banks/)
Nestled within the Queenstown estate in the central-western side of Singapore, the ULU Pandan Glades Project is a Build-To-Order (BTO) project by the Housing and Development Board. It got its name from its lush surroundings, which are adjacent to the Ulu Pandan Connector and a park with a natural spring.
The project has two residential blocks with 34 to 43 stories, split into 732 units. These are offered to citizens under the Prime Location Public Housing model. Under this model, any new public housing constructed in prime locations shall remain accessible and affordable exclusively for Singapore citizens.
Ulu Pandan Glades’ project site has been developed to support local biodiversity, weaving in some green and blue elements, apart from enhancing its residents’ overall comfort and well-being.
Queenstown and Housing and Development Board (HDB)
Queenstown is a pioneer of multiple stake collaboration projects that create integrated solutions for enhancing the overall health and comfort of residents, whatever life stages they may be in. This vision is in line with the Housing and Development Board’s “Designing for Life Roadmap,” which prioritizes its residents’ holistic well-being when designing sustainable housing.
HDB, on the other hand, is Singapore’s national public housing authority. It was formed on 1 February 1960 after the country finally attained its self-government.
The agency was built around the desire to reduce the Singapore’s severe shortage of housing during that time. It was first tasked to provide sanitary living conditions for Singaporeans to replace the unhygienic squatter settlements and slums, which were very much prevalent at that period in the country’s history.
Advantages of Living in Ulu Pandan Glades
Ulu Pandan Glades at Queenstown (Photo credits: https://www.renonation.sg/)
True to the core of the Prime Location Public Housing model, here are the reasons why living in Ulu Pandan Glades is such an excellent decision to make:
- It is situated in a prime location that is ideal for people who are always on the go due to its ease of access to public transportation, such as Bouna Vista MRT and Dover MRT stations. Ulu Pandan Glades also has a car-lite zone, which means it has a more sizable cycling and walking network within lush greenery, making cycling and walking more enjoyable.
- Families with kids and student family members will find the location ideal as it is very close to some reputable schools such as Anglo-Chinese Junior College, Fairfield Methodist School, New Town Primary School, and Singapore Polytechnic.
- Residents will never run out of things to do as it is surrounded by the Buona Vista Community Club and Ulu Pandan Community Club, which provide a range of classes and activities that they can participate in. The Ulu Pandan Park Connector, the One-North Park, and the Rail Corridor also offer a nice view of the lush greenery and other scenic settings that are ideal for leisure strolls.
- Being in close proximity to some of the healthcare facilities such as Alexandra Hospital, National University Hospital, and Queenstown Polyclinic can ease the minds of residents, knowing that medical and emergency care are within reach when needed.
- Access to a wide options of amenities, such as dining places and shops, makes Ulu Pandan Glades an ideal place to live in. Some options include the Holland Drive Market and Food Centre, Holland Village, Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre, and The Star Vista.
Factsheet
Project Name: Ulu Pandan Glades
Project Type: Public Housing Apartments
Developer: Housing and Development Board
Architect: SAA Architects Pte Ltd
Location: 54A Ghim Moh Link, Singapore
Contractor (EPC): CES Engineering & Construction Pte. Ltd
Value: Estimated SG $606M
Construction Start: Q2 2024
Construction End: Q4 2027
TOP Date: June 1, 2029
