Block 1 at East Coast Road to be Retained and Reimagined as a Community Space

Singapore, April 11 - Block 1 at East Coast Road, a familiar landmark for generations of Joo Chiat residents since the 1960s, will be retained and retrofitted into a refreshed community space, bringing together heritage retention, sustainability and new community uses.

This initiative is anchored under the East Coast “A Place to Conserve” pillar, reflecting ongoing efforts to retain places of shared memory while adapting them for future generations. Blocks 1 to 4 at East Coast Road were initially part of a Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme exercise announced in 2011, and residents were progressively relocated over the years. Blocks 2, 3 and 4 have progressively made way for redevelopment, while Block 1 will be given a new lease of life to cater to diverse communities.

Community and Resident Engagements

The People’s Association (PA) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA) today commenced a series of public engagement sessions to better understand the views and needs of the local community, which will help inform the Addition & Alteration (A&A) works for the property.

Grassroots Adviser for Joo Chiat, Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, said, “Block 1 has long been a familiar landmark for many in Joo Chiat. Many residents remember the services that used to be here, from clinics to small shops, and the distinctive design of the blocks from early HDB days. We made a deliberate decision to retain Block 1, to preserve a part of Joo Chiat’s shared history, and to reimagine it as a community space that can serve residents for years to come.”

“What is important is that this next chapter is shaped together with residents and the community. From our recent engagement sessions, we heard a range of ideas, including spaces for seniors to stay active and socialise, as well as areas for youths and community groups to come together. These will guide how Block 1 is developed into a space that continues to serve the community meaningfully,” he adds.

Residents who participated in the engagement sessions shared their perspectives. Mr Donald Magness, in his 80s, a retiree, said, “I was born and bred here where Joo Chiat is located, and Block 1 is one of the places where I have the fondest memories. I used to patronise some of the shops there, such as the photo studio and barber shop. During our group discussion today, we shared our common memories of this place, brainstormed ideas, and envisioned how it could be in the future. I’m excited to see what Block 1 will become.

Mr Tay Chen Peng, a 35-year-old resident, commented, “This is something exceptional, keeping a piece of our past while turning it into something we can use today. With the ageing population in Singapore, I feel that it is important that we set aside some spaces in Block 1 for the seniors’ activities and have it as a common space where I would come here with friend for coffee.”

SLA Leads Adaptive Reuse

SLA, which is overseeing the project, outlined that the works are part of a broader approach to balance retention with adaptive reuse, following relevant agencies assessment that Block 1 can be retained and repurposed for social, community and commercial uses, while continuing to serve as a familiar landmark with social memories for Joo Chiat residents.

Addition & Alteration (A&A) works such as the provision of a lift, new staircases and structural strengthening works will be carried out to comply with prevailing code requirements and to support new uses.

Works for Block 1 include structural strengthening and repairs, internal modifications to support flexibility-in-use, and upgrading of mechanical and electrical systems to modern standards with new toilets and facilities. Accessibility will be enhanced through the addition of lifts and improved circulation, while site infrastructure such as fire access and drainage will also be upgraded.

Sustainability will be incorporated into the rejuvenation plans through the introduction of solar panels. Use of energy efficient light fittings, motion detectors and sustainable construction materials such as green concrete, heat-reflective paints etc., will also be considered. To preserve the shared memories and character of the building, key architectural and familiar features such as its ‘old school’ design, grille gates and mosaic tiles will be retained.

The retrofitted space is expected to be completed and operational in 2030 and is intended to support a mix of uses, including active ageing programmes for seniors, as well as spaces for youth, social enterprises and community activities, allowing multi-generational demographics to come together.

Future Engagement

Residents who wish to be part of future engagement efforts can register their interest at Siglap South Community Club via (https://go.gov.sg/blk1fgds).This initiative reflects a broader effort in East Coast to retain meaningful places while ensuring they continue to serve evolving community needs for current and future generations.

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Mr Tong will be sharing a further update on his Facebook and Instagram pages following these engagements, reflecting residents’ ideas and aspirations for Block 1 on 11 April at 7:00 pm. Photos of his social media post as well as high-resolution event photos are provided in Annex A.

ANNEX A

A preliminary artist impression of how Block 1 may be refreshed, retaining its familiar character while introducing new spaces for community and social use; subject to change

A night view of Block 1 as a welcoming and lively day to evening space for the community to gather and connect; Artist impression of concept only and subject to change

Inside, spaces are being reimagined to offer open and flexible configurations, for residents of all ages; Artist impression of concept only and subject to change

To preserve the shared memories and character of the building, key architectural and familiar features such as its ‘old school’ design, grille gates and mosaic tiles will be considered in the design

While Blocks 2 to 4 have made way for future development, Block 1 remains as a familiar landmark that will be thoughtfully adapted for the community’s next chapter