The upcoming housing development at Turf City is set to redefine the Bukit Timah landscape, with plans to build between 15,000 and 20,000 homes over the next few decades. This project signals a monumental shift for one of Singapore’s most exclusive districts, introducing the first public housing initiative in Bukit Timah in almost forty years. Combining modern urban planning with heritage conservation, the new precinct promises a vibrant, well-connected community anchored in inclusivity and sustainability.

Comprehensive Housing Development Plans

The Turf City Master Plan outlines the development of up to 20,000 homes across the next two to three decades. This move reflects Singapore’s long-term strategy to meet housing demand close to the city centre while maintaining affordability and diversity. The new estate will feature a blend of public and private housing, designed to encourage cohesion among residents of all backgrounds.

This evolution in urban design mirrors Singapore’s broader vision for inclusive living—creating dynamic spaces where families, professionals, and retirees can thrive together in one cohesive neighbourhood.

Seamless Connectivity and Urban Accessibility

Accessibility sits at the heart of the Turf City redevelopment. The precinct will be just a short 10-minute walk from both the existing Sixth Avenue MRT station and the upcoming Turf City MRT station, scheduled for completion by 2032. These connections will provide residents convenient access to the city and major employment hubs.

Complementing the MRT network, enhancements to surrounding roads—including Dunearn Road, Bukit Timah Road, and Eng Neo Avenue—will ensure smooth traffic flow. Plans also include a new exit ramp from the PIE and an expansion of Eng Neo Avenue into six lanes, reflecting forward-thinking infrastructure planning for modern urban living.

Neighbourhood Design and Lifestyle Concepts

The Turf City site will be thoughtfully divided into four distinctive neighbourhoods, each designed with its own character and amenities:

• Racecourse Neighbourhood: Serving as the social and recreational hub of the estate, featuring sports facilities and community spaces.
• Stables Commune: A lifestyle-focused zone offering cozy cafes, boutique retail, and relaxed gathering spaces.
• Saddle Club Knolls: A family-oriented enclave centered around parks and play areas for all ages.
• Tinggi Hills: Elevated homes with panoramic views of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, merging nature and city living.

Together, these zones will create a vibrant, interconnected community offering a complete lifestyle experience—where leisure, work, and living coexist harmoniously.

Revitalising Public Housing in Bukit Timah

The development’s inclusion of public housing in Turf City marks a historic milestone for Bukit Timah, which has seen minimal public housing for nearly four decades. The initiative not only provides affordable options but also strengthens social diversity within one of Singapore’s most desirable areas.

This transformation will complement existing high-end developments nearby, such as Vila Naga at Jalan Naga Sari, reflecting how Bukit Timah’s future residential fabric will blend both exclusivity and inclusivity. Young professionals and families seeking proximity to top schools and workplaces are expected to find great appeal in this new urban district.

Balancing Growth and Environmental Stewardship

The Turf City master plan balances growth with environmental preservation, guided by two detailed studies. A total of 27 heritage structures will be conserved, ensuring architectural history is retained amidst redevelopment. The preservation of Eng Neo Avenue Forest and Bukit Tinggi demonstrates a continued commitment to biodiversity and green living, with ecological corridors maintained for local wildlife such as the Malayan colugo.

This integrated approach allows progress without sacrificing nature—a model for sustainable city planning where heritage buildings and natural greenery thrive alongside modern homes.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Public feedback remains a key pillar of the planning process. Through open exhibitions, including those at the URA Centre, planners are incorporating residents’ opinions into the final design. Input from the community has emphasized the importance of green connectivity, accessible amenities, and vibrant common spaces that encourage interaction.

Such collaboration fosters a genuine sense of ownership and ensures the new development aligns with both community aspirations and Singapore’s long-term urban goals.

Celebrating Heritage in Modern Design

Preserving the heritage of Turf City is at the heart of this project. With 27 conserved buildings, the design approach focuses on integration rather than replacement. Restored structures will become focal points within new residential and commercial clusters, serving as cultural anchors for the community.

Architectural teams are working closely with heritage specialists to ensure new buildings complement the historical aesthetic, blending contemporary form with classic style to create a rich, layered streetscape.

A Vision for the Future

The redevelopment of Turf City symbolizes a new chapter for Bukit Timah—one that embraces inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. By delivering up to 20,000 homes supported by strong transport links, preserved architecture, and community spirit, the project aims to turn this former racecourse site into a vibrant, forward-looking neighbourhood.

Bukit Timah, with its hallmark prestige and timeless appeal, is poised to evolve once again—proving that thoughtful urban planning can honour the past while creating a sustainable and dynamic future for generations to come.