Bukit Timah has long been regarded as a prime residential enclave, predominantly featuring luxury private condominiums and landed properties, given its proximity to the Core Central Region (CCR). However, this landscape is set to evolve over the next 20 to 30 years.
In May 2024, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) unveiled a development plan to transform Bukit Timah Turf City into a new residential estate.
Notably, for the first time in nearly 40 years, Bukit Timah will see the introduction of Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.
Here’s what you need to know about this highly anticipated transformation.
Bukit Timah Turf City had a colourful past
Covering 176 hectares, Bukit Timah Turf City was once a hub for sports and recreational activities, most notably horse racing. Previously known as the ‘Singapore Turf Club,’ it hosted horse racing events from 1933 to 1999, drawing avid punters for over 66 years.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee stated that while the site had been zoned for residential use since 1998, it was leased for lifestyle and recreational purposes until the end of 2023.
Over the years, Bukit Timah Turf City housed various sports associations, including a saddle club, country clubs, commercial spaces, and other sporting facilities. Following the relocation of the Singapore Turf Club to Kranji, the site evolved into a shopping complex serving residents in the surrounding private residential enclave.
Football match held at Turf Club
The former site of the Singapore Turf Club is currently underutilized, presenting significant redevelopment potential to restore vibrancy to the area. Bukit Timah, traditionally dominated by private residential properties, has long been regarded as an exclusive enclave for the affluent.
By introducing a mix of public and private housing in the upcoming residential developments, the area will become more inclusive, bridging the gap between different financial backgrounds and challenging existing perceptions of exclusivity. Additionally, the availability of affordable housing in such a prestigious location will appeal to those working or studying in the area, offering them greater accessibility and convenience.
Diversify Housing options in Bukit Timah
This part of Bukit Timah, like the rest of the estate, is often seen as exclusive due to its high concentration of private residential properties and its prime, well-connected location.
Introducing a wider range of housing options would make the area accessible to a broader demographic, particularly those seeking a centrally located home near workplaces, schools, and the Core Central Region (CCR). Moreover, the inclusion of public housing would provide children from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to attend the esteemed schools in the area.
Better amenities and connectivity
The rich history of Bukit Timah Turf City is reflected in its various buildings and structures, which showcase the former Turf Club’s unique heritage. These will be evaluated for preservation and repurposing, ensuring they are seamlessly incorporated into the future residential developments.
Artist’s Impression of a repurposed Fairways Quarters and community space
The development will also feature recreational spaces and sports facilities, providing convenience for residents while preserving the area’s unique heritage. The new neighborhood will be designed around the former grandstand, with the existing oval-shaped open space retained for recreational use.
Currently, Bukit Timah Turf City lacks bus services, with the nearest MRT station being Sixth Avenue. Enhancing connectivity through new bus routes and MRT lines would greatly benefit both future residents and those already living in the area.
What Can We Expect with the Upcoming Estate
Map of the 4 New Neighbourhoods in Bukit Timah Turf City
Bukit Timah Turf City is set to accommodate 15,000 to 20,000 residential homes, both private and public, across four distinct neighborhoods: Racecourse Neighbourhood, Stables Commune, Saddle Club Knolls, and Tinggi Hills. These areas will be designed with open public spaces seamlessly integrated with historic buildings, alongside a range of amenities such as shops, community and recreational facilities, and enhanced transport connectivity to meet the needs of future residents.
The development is also planned as a car-lite, pedestrian-friendly estate with strong public transport links. As a result, fewer spaces will be allocated for parking, allowing more room for greenery and community spaces.
Improved connectivity
Currently, the area is served by Sixth Avenue MRT Station on the Downtown Line (DTL), located about 15 minutes from the site. However, by 2032, Turf City will have its own MRT station along the upcoming Cross Island Line, placing residents within a 10-minute walk from either station. This will enhance connectivity, making it easier to travel across the island without relying on private vehicles.
Additionally, new bus services may be introduced to provide future residents with more convenient transport options both within and beyond the Bukit Timah Turf City estate.
Road enhancements will be undertaken along Dunearn Road, Bukit Timah Road, and Eng Neo Avenue to accommodate the expected increase in traffic from future developments at Bukit Timah Turf City. Simultaneously, a study is being conducted to assess the technical feasibility and impact of introducing a new exit ramp from the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Tuas at Bukit Timah Turf City.
BTO flats in Bukit Timah could be a’ golden ticket’ to enter popular Schools
After nearly 40 years, URA and HDB have announced the inclusion of HDB flats in this area. The addition of these flats aims to offer a more affordable housing option for Singaporeans wishing to live in Bukit Timah.
Currently, the existing HDB flats in the area are older and limited in supply.
For those seeking to buy HDB flats in Bukit Timah, the only available option is the Toh Yi Gardens estate. With approximately 2,555 HDB flats built in 1988, the new HDB flats in Bukit Timah Turf City are expected to be in high demand, thanks to the area’s prestige, convenience, and proximity to several renowned schools.
HDB Transactions At Toh TYi Drive (1H 2024)
Parents with young children are likely to be interested in future properties in Bukit Timah Turf City, hoping to secure spots in the well-regarded schools nearby.
Based on OneMap, if BTO flats are built on the site of the former Grandstand, they could fall within a 1-2 km radius of renowned schools such as Methodist Girls’ School, Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School, and Raffles Girls’ Primary School.
Map of Schools within 1km of Bukit Timah Turf City
Once considered an area beyond the reach of most Singaporeans, the new HDB flats in Bukit Timah Turf City will help create a more diverse living community in Singapore. Both current and future residents will enjoy the added benefits of new amenities, particularly the enhanced public transport links that will improve connectivity to the rest of the island. By “un-priming” the area, a more inclusive community can emerge.
That said, existing residents may face some inconvenience due to the upcoming construction work. Nonetheless, they will ultimately benefit from the future development in the area.
So, would you consider making Bukit Timah Turf City your next home?