Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) is not merely a provider of flats. It is the architect of communities, history, and innovation. The “HDB Towns, Your Home” series presents each town as more than bricks and mortar, but as living chapters of Singapore’s evolving identity.
Crafting Homes For All
Since its establishment in 1960, HDB’s mission has remained steadfast: to deliver affordable, quality housing for every Singaporean. Its roots trace back to addressing housing shortages and resettling kampong communities, evolving through decades into a thoughtful, dynamic public housing landscape.
As “HDB Towns, Your Home” suggests, every town—be it mature estates like Toa Payoh or a modern township such as Tengah—bears a unique narrative. From architectural designs to social programming, each locale reflects a chapter in Singapore’s broader development.
Pioneering Towns: Toa Payoh And Beyond
Take Toa Payoh, Singapore’s second-oldest satellite town and the first built by HDB. Rising from a marshy squatter area in the mid-1960s, it transformed into a vibrant self-contained community. Iconic landmarks—such as the HDB Hub at its town centre, Toa Payoh Stadium, and the serene Town Park—serve as living testaments to its multilayered journey.
The Five Regions of HDB Towns
North Region
- Sembawang – A town with naval heritage, now known for parks, waterfront promenades and family-friendly developments.
- Woodlands – Gateway to Malaysia, boasting integrated transport hubs, vibrant commercial centres and scenic waterfront parks.
- Yishun – Once plantations, now a bustling heartland with town hubs, hospitals, and diverse housing estates.
North-East Region
- Ang Mo Kio – One of the oldest towns, designed with precincts that foster strong community ties.
- Hougang – Retains rustic charm with many eateries, while undergoing renewal with modern developments.
- Punggol – Singapore’s first “eco-town”, featuring waterfront living, smart technologies and lush green connectors.
- Sengkang – A young town themed around rivers and maritime heritage, offering vibrant recreation and family amenities.
- Serangoon – Known for connectivity and a diverse mix of modern and traditional housing.
East Region
- Bedok – The largest HDB town, featuring coastal parks, sporting facilities, and extensive dining options.
- Pasir Ris – Popular for its laid-back lifestyle with a resort-like ambience of beaches and greenery.
- Tampines – A key regional hub, with major malls, business parks, and a thriving residential community.
West Region
- Bukit Batok – Scenic town with Little Guilin and modern neighbourhood centres.
- Bukit Panjang – At the doorstep of nature, near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Dairy Farm.
- Choa Chu Kang – Once farmland, now modern estates with lush green corridors.
- Clementi – A mature estate blending education, housing, and city connectivity.
- Jurong East – Rapidly transforming into Singapore’s second Central Business District.
- Jurong West – Home to NTU, Lakeside Gardens, and family-centric estates.
- Tengah – Singapore’s newest smart and sustainable township with car-free zones and eco features.
Central Region
- Bishan – Known for its iconic park and transport nodes, balancing greenery and city life.
- Bukit Merah – Centrally located, with heritage enclaves and industrial-commercial linkages.
- Bukit Timah – Mainly private housing, with HDB clusters and access to nature reserves.
- Central Area – Encompasses Singapore’s financial and cultural districts, with integrated public housing.
- Geylang – Heritage shophouses alongside distinctive HDB developments.
- Kallang/Whampoa – A riverside town blending old estates with rejuvenated precincts and sports facilities.
- Marine Parade – One of the earliest reclaimed housing estates, offering seaside living and strong cultural identity.
- Queenstown – Singapore’s first satellite town, rich in history yet renewed with modern housing.
- Toa Payoh – A pioneering estate symbolic of resettlement, now a thriving mature town.
From Past To Present: Void Decks As Communal Canvas
A quintessential HDB feature is the void deck—an open ground-level space introduced in the 1970s to enhance communal living. Originally accommodating amenities like bicycle racks, kiosks, and telephone booths, void decks evolved to host chess tables, vending machines, and shared community facilities through the 1980s.
By the 1990s, void decks doubled as “Senior Citizens’ Corners” and community gardens under the “Community in Bloom” initiative. Designed initially as multifunctional communal spaces, void decks have become symbolic of HDB’s efforts to nurture social cohesion. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, they remained central—but often restricted—spaces for interaction.
Tengah: Singapore’s Smart, Sustainable New Town
Tengah, HDB’s latest township, signals the next frontier in town planning. Formerly a military training area, it has been reimagined as Singapore’s first smart and sustainable town.
- A car-free town centre encouraging pedestrian-friendly living
- Eco-features such as bioswales and rain gardens, fostering biodiversity and enhancing water management
- A centralised cooling system—an innovative infrastructure aimed at eco-efficiency
The development unfolds across thematic districts—Plantation, Garden, Park, Forest Hill, and Brickland—each with its own character. The first flats were completed in 2023, while Plantation Plaza, the adjacent neighbourhood centre, opened in 2024.
Honouring Heritage Through Modern Renewal
HDB continually reinvests in its towns through programmes such as the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP). Introduced in 2007, the NRP enhances older estates with upgraded void decks, communal seating, playgrounds, and landscaping—anchoring modern comforts within familiar neighbourhood fabrics.
Such initiatives exemplify HDB’s approach: honour the essence of the estate, while adapting to present-day needs and aspirations.
Conclusion: More Than Homes
“HDB Towns, Your Home” captures layered narratives. From grassroots void decks to smart towns like Tengah, each estate is a testament to Singapore’s commitment—past, present and future—to building homes that inspire, connect, and endure.
When you think of an HDB town, it is not merely a place to live—it is where stories are told, communities flourish, and the city continues to evolve.