The Ministry of National Development (MND) has unveiled details of its plans for the redevelopment of Geylang Serai, including new plans for the current Malay Village whose lease expires at the end of the year.
The move followed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s announcement of the government’s plans for Geylang Serai in his National Day Rally Speech on August 14.
The 10,000-square-metre Malay Village is expected to house a Community Club, a Malay Heritage Gallery, Community Development Council offices and other community-related facilities.
The civic centre will be developed by the People’s Association (PA) together with other partners such as the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Heritage Board (NHB).
The new civic centre, which has a working name of Wisma Geylang Serai, is expected to be completed by 2015/16.
A 2,000-square-metre public plaza beside the civic centre will cater to cultural and community events.
The Malay Village site will also host commercial developments.
MND said to retain the annual Hari Raya festivities in the Geylang Serai area, wide pedestrian malls and attractive public areas along Geylang Road will be built.
While that is taking place, street improvement works to support the annual Hari Raya bazaar will be carried out. These improvement works are expected to be completed by June 2012.
The lease of the Tanjong Katong Complex will be extended for another 10 years after the building is upgraded around 2013.
The ministry said this is to ensure that Malay trades remain in the area and have the opportunity to slowly evolve into new developments in Geylang Serai.
Existing tenants will have the opportunity to renew their leases after they expire in December next year.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, who is chairing a workgroup to guide the implementation of the Geylang Serai precinct, said he is encouraged by the many feedback and suggestions that he has received from members of public in the last few days.
He said a dedicated Facebook page has been launched for members of the public to share their ideas on the development plans for the area.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 18 Aug 2011