Plans for new development to form a 'second heart' for Toa Payoh: Chee Hong Tat

On Oct. 31, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat spoke at the launch of the Toa Payoh West Master Plan exhibition at the HDB Hub atrium and gallery space.

He encouraged residents to participate in the exhibition and engagement exercise to help shape the future development of the neighbourhood, and said that the government sought to retain the strong community spirit and sense of belonging that made Toa Payoh special.

Evolution

In his speech, he talked about how Toa Payoh has evolved over the years to meet residents' changing needs. Because of that, when the government plans and rejuvenates towns, it looks beyond individual housing projects.

Instead, it plans the town as a whole, including homes, transportation, shopping, exercise, and healthcare, as well as “where children can play, and where neighbours can meet and spend time together.”

Chee said that Toa Payoh West, located around Caldecott MRT station, will “grow into a vibrant community with more homes, amenities, green spaces, and recreational facilities.”

Chee said that in the November 2026 BTO sales exercise, HDB would launch the Toa Payoh Hillside BTO development, which he said would “anchor” the Toa Payoh West rejuvenation.

HDB has announced that the new Toa Payoh Hillside BTO development would have about 1,600 new flats, part of the broader plan for Toa Payoh West, which would see over 6,000 homes, mostly comprised of public housing.

Chee said that the Toa Payoh Hillside development would have a wide range of flats, including 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats.

It would also include public rental flats as well as Toa Payoh’s first community care apartments (CCA) for seniors.

Chee said that the mix was important and deliberate, allowing HDB towns to remain inclusive communities where “Singaporeans of different ages and backgrounds can live alongside one another.”

Community Care Apartments

There would be 260 CCA units available for application, which combine senior-friendly housing with care and social support, allowing seniors to live independently while receiving additional support when they need it.

From the November 2026 sales exercise, the eligibility age for CCAs would be lowered from 65 to 55 years old, giving seniors more time to plan ahead.

The environment around CCAs was also designed with seniors in mind, with the CCA block being connected to Caldecott MRT station and nearby amenities such as the Active Ageing Centre and Residents’ Network Centre.

Future residents could also look forward to a range of amenities and facilities in the area, such as a mixed-use development that integrates homes with Toa Payoh’s first shopping mall, as well as community spaces.

A new wellness park would provide green spaces for residents to play, exercise, and unwind, and plans for a new school in the area were being studied to meet growing demand from families moving into Toa Payoh West.

A second heart for Toa Payoh

Chee said that these plans would transform Toa Payoh West into a vibrant new community and into a second heart for Toa Payoh.

He also emphasised that good town planning meant listening to residents and the importance of the exhibition and engagement exercise.

He encouraged residents to take a look at the plans, speak with HDB and People's Association representatives, share their views, and take part in activities.

Residents' feedback would help the government refine plans and “shape a Toa Payoh that continues to meet you and your family's needs in the years ahead".