The first new generation public housing at SkyTerrace@Dawson has been completed, while Skyville@Dawson is on track to be completed by the third quarter of 2015.
Both projects were mooted under the “Remaking Our Heartland” plan which aims to build a more cohesive and vibrant community, as well as encourage multi-generation and family-friendly living.
The first batch of residents at SkyVille@Dawson received the keys to their units on Saturday (May 2).
Many were pleasantly surprised with the development’s design. For example, it boasts 12 sky villages – where a cluster of homes share a sky garden. The aim is to allow neighbours to interact freely, to build a cohesive and vibrant community.
“Previously, people were hanging around at void decks interacting with each other, but this time round you have a roof terrace with a million-dollar view,” said Mr Leon Tan, a SkyVille@Dawson resident. “It’s going to be something that you look forward to and hang out quite often. We think a lot of people will make use of the sky terrace for gatherings.”
CLOSER TO NATURE
Dawson’s remaking plans included new ideas such as the “Housing-in-the-Park” concept. Award-winning local architects were appointed to translate their ideas into the design proposals.
One key focus when designing these developments is lush greenery which can be seen in the sky terraces and gardens – bringing residents closer to nature. The design features include a heritage gallery tracing the history of the Dawson and Queenstown estates over the years.
At a carnival at the Alexandra Fire Station nearby, Member of Parliament Dr Chia Shi-Lu also spoke about the heritage of these estates. He said while developments are in the pipeline, efforts will be made to combine the old and new.
Dr Chia said: “If you live in this area or pass by this area or have relatives in this area, over the past 10 to 15 years you will see there have been many changes. However, you will see that there are certain aspects that still remain the same.
“For example, the library and wet market that we have, some of these have been preserved. So there’s a link between the past and present here in Queenstown. Of course over the next few years you will see many new developments, so that not only the old residents get to enjoy new homes in Queenstown but a new generation of Singaporeans can make their home in Queenstown and continue the vibrant history and heritage in Queenstown.”
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LIVING
Another feature of the developments is to encourage multi-generation and family-friendly living.
“At SkyTerrace, you have a combination of a studio apartment together with the four room and five room flat where the children can stay and help look after their parents in the studio apartment,” said Dr Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of Housing & Development Board.
“It’s also about a conducive family living environment because some of the new flats in SkyVille have very flexible layouts. A young couple may need to have bigger rooms when the children comes they can partition their flats to have more bedrooms for the children.”
HDB said it will implement concepts and ideas learnt from the Dawson projects in other towns such as the upcoming Bidadari, Punggol Northshore and Tampines North.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 3 May 2015