Stables being set up in Sembawang for over 100 horses from Bukit Timah Turf City: Ong Ye Kung

Stables are being set up in Sembawang to facilitate the move of over 100 horses from the former Bukit Timah Turf City, Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on Mar. 23, 2025, adding:

"So, there will be horse riding in Sembawang."

Minister Ong also teased the possibility of a new primary school by 2029, as well as a public library that is set to open sometime in 2026.

The announcements were made during the launch of the Bukit Canberra Forest Gym and Canberra Cove, an outdoor gym and water play area.

Ong also said that there will be "equine therapy" on offer at the new Sembawang facility. Equine therapy refers to when horses are used to provide mental health support.

The future Bukit Timah Turf City estate will soon include about 15,000 to 20,000 public and private homes.

Something for the kids, too

Ong also noted that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has been supportive of plans to possibly open a new primary school in East Canberra.

If all goes well, he added, a new primary school could come to the area by 2029.

Ong also said that a new public library is in the works; there is currently a Sembawang Public Library at Sun Plaza.

Vacationing at repurposed black-and-white bungalows

20 black and white colonial bungalows in Sembawang will also be repurposed, Minister Ong said.

He said that people could be able to take a "short vacation" in Sembawang by the beach, and have a holiday:

"Some of the houses can be for retail, some for restaurants, some for chalets, that you can stay for one week or beyond".

He noted that the Singapore Land Authority had put them up for tender for short-term stay.

A dog run park is also in the works for the second half of 2025.

Top photo by Tharun Suresh.