10,000 new homes to be built at former Keppel golf course site, with green spaces & waterfront views

A total of 10,000 homes are slated to be built at the former Keppel Club golf course site as part of the upcoming Berlayar estate, which offers "harbourfront" living close to nature, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Sep. 23.

The 48-hectare site, located along the waterfront not far from condominiums like Reflections @Keppel Bay, will enjoy waterfront views.

It is also in close proximity to nature areas, such as Labrador Nature Reserve, Berlayer Creek and the Southern Ridges.

The Berlayar estate marks the start of the transformation of the Greater Southern Waterfront, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) said in a release.

Approximately 7,000 public housing units and around 3,000 private housing units will be offered in the estate.

Speaking at the HDB Awards on Sep. 23, Chee said Berlayar is "just one of many exciting new developments to come".

"As we build more quality homes, including homes in attractive locations, we will keep these flats affordable and accessible, so that Singaporeans at every life stage can find a home that meet their needs," said Chee.

First BTO project will launch with 1,070 units

HDB said the estate's first Build-To-Order (BTO) project, Berlayar Residences, will be launched in October 2025 with 870 units across two-room Flexi, three-room and four-room flat types.

It will also include 200 public rental flats.

The blocks will range from 19 to 46 storeys tall.

More details about the project, along with the flats' classification, will be announced at the October 2025 sales exercise.

The remaining projects will be launched progressively by HDB in the coming years.

Design of the blocks

HDB said the BTO projects in Berlayar will be designed with staggered heights "to form a distinct terracing skyline along Singapore's southern coast".

They will have cascading blocks that "step down" towards green spaces to facilitate the movement of bird species.

Blocks will be oriented to provide more residents with scenic views of the Southern Ridges and the coast.

The estate's low-rise zones also ensure visitors at the surrounding vantage points, such as Henderson Waves, can still enjoy coastal views.

The BTO projects will adopt a white and blue colour palette as a nod to the waterfront setting, and will be painted with cool paint coatings to reduce urban heat.

In terms of sustainability, the blocks will feature smart lighting systems, as well as rain gardens and bioswales to improve stormwater management.

The Berlayar estate is part of a broader strategy to "enhance the geographical distribution of public housing and cater to the evolving aspirations and diverse needs of Singaporeans", HDB said.

Close to nature

Up to 10 hectares, or 20 per cent of the site area, has been set aside for green spaces, including four green corridors, rooftop gardens and skyrise greenery.

This comes after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted by HDB in collaboration with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and NParks, seeking to mitigate the impact of the project on the area's biodiversity.

For instance, the nearby Berlayer Creek, one of two remaining mangroves in the south of Singapore, is rich in biodiversity with 60 bird species, 19 species of fish and 14 true mangrove plants.

The agencies also held several rounds of engagements with different stakeholders such as nature groups to gather their feedback and suggestions, which have been incorporated into the plans for Berlayar, where feasible.

Four green corridors, ranging from 30m to 60m in width, will weave through the estate and facilitate ecological connectivity between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve.

An existing hill knoll with several mature trees, which was identified as an important resting and landing point for birds flying over the West Coast Highway, will be retained and integrated into the estate's green spaces.

The Berlayar estate's design will also pay homage to the area's biodiversity.

Flora and fauna species in the area, such as the smooth-coated otter, mangrove horseshoe crab and mangrove forests, will feature in the designs of the blocks, including their community living rooms, signage and playgrounds.

Connectivity

HDB said most homes in the estate will be within a 10-minute walk from Labrador Park or Telok Blangah MRT station.

Residents will be able to enjoy amenities such as preschools, supermarkets, eateries, shops, and clinics located in commercial clusters within the estate.

It is gazetted as a "car-lite estate", with convenient access to public transport nodes, amenities and green spaces by walking or cycling, HDB said.

The estate will also be connected to upcoming cycling networks in Bukit Merah, as well as the Henderson park connector.

Future plans

The site has been earmarked for residential use in the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Master Plan since 2014, and is planned as an extension of Bukit Merah town.

Its name, Berlayar, has historical significance as there was previously a granite outcrop — "Batu Berlayar" or "sailing rock" in Malay — that served as a navigational marker at Keppel Harbour's western entrance.

Chee said Berlayar marks an "exciting first step towards realising our vision for urban living along the Greater Southern Waterfront".

The first private housing site in the Berlayar estate, at Telok Blangah Road, was also released for sale in June 2025.

The tender for the Telok Blangah site will close on Nov. 4.

The public can visit the Berlayar exhibition at HDB Hub, Level 1, from Sep. 24.

More details about the plans for the Greater Southern Waterfront will be announced when ready.

Top image from HDB