Joo Chiat presents the vision for its landmark new Community Club

Years of Conversations. One Shared Vision.

SINGAPORE, 18 July 2026 – About 1,200 residents gathered today as Joo Chiat presented the vision for its landmark new Community Club, marking the next milestone in a project shaped by years of community conversations and resident participation.

2. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC (Joo Chiat), officially presented the vision for the new Community Club by illuminating a three-dimensional architectural model that brings to life the community-shaped vision for the new Community Club.

3. Construction tenders for the new Community Club will be called in the coming weeks.

A Community Club Built By The Community

4. The new Community Club reflects one of Joo Chiat's most extensive community engagement efforts, with residents from all walks of life invited to help imagine what their next-generation Community Club should become.

5. Through dialogues, house visits, school engagements, condominium sessions and ongoing conversations, residents shared ideas that helped shape not only the building's design but also the experiences, programmes and community spaces they hoped to see.

6. Their vision was consistent. They wanted a community club that strengthens neighbourhood bonds, nurtures young people, celebrates Joo Chiat's heritage and provides welcoming spaces where residents of every generation can gather, learn, volunteer and build lasting friendships.

7. Many residents who first attended the community dialogues chose to remain involved long after the conversations had ended.

8. Among them is Ms Cindy Chen, Business Operations Manager in the tech industry. Cindy first attended a community dialogue as a resident before following up with Mr Edwin Tong to share additional ideas for the new Community Club.

9. Encouraged that her views were listened to and several suggestions were taken forward, she decided to volunteer and became part of the community effort to bring the project to life.

10. Her journey from resident to community volunteer reflects the spirit of partnership that has shaped the project from the beginning.

A Community Effort

11. The vision for the new Community Club was shaped not only by residents who attended dialogues but also by community volunteers, educators, architects, artists, musicians, sports personalities, business owners and long-time neighbourhood leaders who willingly contributed their time and professional expertise.

12. Their collective contributions helped refine both the facilities and the future direction of the Community Club, ensuring that it reflects the aspirations, heritage and identity of Joo Chiat.

13. More than a new building, the Community Club represents a shared vision for the future, created by the community, for the community.

Celebrating Joo Chiat's Heritage

14. For more than six decades, Siglap South Community Club has been at the heart of community life, where generations of residents have forged friendships, discovered new interests and celebrated important milestones together.

15. The new Community Club has therefore been envisioned not simply as a replacement facility but as the next chapter of a shared community story.

16. To preserve these memories, a Memory Lane initiative will invite residents past and present to contribute photographs, memorabilia and stories, creating a permanent record of the Community Club's rich history for future generations.

17. The Community Club will continue to celebrate the neighbourhood's rich heritage through community programmes, performances and partnerships that honour the people and stories which have shaped Joo Chiat over the decades.

A Home For The Performing Arts

18. Residents consistently expressed the desire for the new Community Club to continue Siglap South's proud performing arts tradition while creating opportunities for future generations to discover music, theatre and dance.

19. Responding to these aspirations, the Community Club will feature dedicated music studios, dance studios, jamming room and a flexible 198-seat Black Box Theatre designed to support performances ranging from community productions to professional showcases.

20. As part of the planning process, Cultural Medallion recipient Jeremy Monteiro, a friend of Mr Edwin Tong, was consulted on both the technical design of the performing arts facilities and their future programming. Building on Mr Edwin Tong's vision, shaped through extensive community conversations, Jeremy contributed professional advice on the technical requirements of the Black Box Theatre and music studios, as well as the programming and creative ecosystem needed to create a high quality performing arts venue that remains accessible, sustainable and communitycentered.

Inspiring Future Generations Through Sport

21. Residents also envisioned a Community Club that encourages healthy living and inspires more young people to participate in sports.

22. Joo Chiat residents Joseph Schooling and Yeo Jia Min were among those consulted on the sporting vision for the new Community Club. Drawing on their experience as elite athletes, they contributed technical advice on the design of the sporting facilities, player safety, user experience and the types of programmes that would encourage residents of all ages and abilities to participate confidently in sport and active living.

Designed For The Future

23. When completed, the four-story Community Club will almost double the land area of the existing Siglap South Community Club, from about 4,600 square metres to approximately 8,000 square metres.

24. Its gross floor area will increase from approximately 3,750 square metres to about 14,000 square metres, providing almost four times more community space than the existing Community Club.

25. Residents can look forward to a wide range of facilities including a multi purpose sports hall supporting badminton, pickleball and community events, indoor basketball and tennis courts, a rooftop gym and jogging track, music and dance studios, activity rooms, a sheltered playground, a community plaza and approximately 2,200 square metres of retail and food and beverage offerings.

26. Basement parking will provide for 226 parking spaces, almost doubling the current public car parking facility, including accessible lots, family lots and electric vehicle charging facilities.

27. The new Community Club has also been deliberately designed as part of a wider neighbourhood ecosystem, rather than a standalone destination. Residents can gather at the Community Club for programmes, performances and activities before exploring and supporting the surrounding cafés, eateries and neighbourhood businesses. Together, the Community Club and the wider Joo Chiat precinct will create a vibrant community destination where community life and local businesses complement and strengthen one another.

28. The development is targeting Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification through energy efficient building systems, photovoltaic panels, waterefficient fittings, and enhanced landscaping.

29. Construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2027, with the Community Club expected to welcome residents in the second half of 2030.

30. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC (Joo Chiat), said: "I would like to thank every resident, volunteer, community leader, school, business and organisation that contributed to this journey.

31. The new Community Club reflects years of conversations with our residents and a shared vision for the future of Joo Chiat. When completed, this will be a space for all of our residents in Joo Chiat, and I am very grateful to the many residents who generously shared their ideas, experience and expertise to help shape it.

32. As we prepare for its opening, I am delighted to announce two initiatives that will continue this spirit of community ownership.

33. First, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Joo Chiat Community Special Advisory Council. Bringing together residents from diverse backgrounds, including sport, the performing arts, heritage, business and the wider community, the Council will provide ideas, professional expertise and strategic advice to help shape the Community Club's future programmes, partnerships and community initiatives.

34. This is not intended to be a closed group. As our Community Club evolves, we will continue to invite more residents with different experiences, expertise and a passion for serving the community to join the Council, ensuring it remains representative of the diverse voices that make Joo Chiat so special.

35. Their ideas and professional expertise will help shape the Community Club's programmes and partnerships, ensuring it continues to evolve with the needs and aspirations of residents.

36. Second, I am pleased to announce that the Community Club will open with inaugural exhibitions by two of Joo Chiat's most celebrated residents. Internationally acclaimed photographer and Cultural Medallion recipient Chua Soo Bin has kindly agreed to present an exhibition of his iconic works, while Lim Su Kok has graciously agreed to curate an exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of his late father, Lim Tze Peng, Singapore's renowned artist and Cultural Medallion recipient, whose works have inspired generations and earned international acclaim.

37. I would also like to acknowledge the husband-and-wife team of Edmund Ng and Jazz Chong, who have both kindly agreed to serve as Community Special Advisers. Edmund contributed his architectural expertise and the original concept that helped shape the design of the new Community Club, while Jazz was instrumental in bringing together these two inaugural exhibitions. Together, they embody the spirit of this project, residents contributing their talents, expertise and networks to build a Community Club that truly belongs to the community.

38. These initiatives reflect what this Community Club stands for. It is more than a place for activities and programmes. It is where our community, heritage, sport and the arts come together, creating a space that belongs to everyone and to every generation of Joo Chiat residents."

39. High-resolution visuals (video and photos – to be credited to SLA and PA) of the new CC are available for download at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z_OQxgdGJ_KlQdNxnX-gtHtmpfO1Nacl

Issued by:

The Singapore Land Authority

People’s Association

18 July 2026

ANNEX A

COMMUNITY SPECIAL ADVISERS

The following community contributors have confirmed their attendance and will be available to support media interviews, subject to availability.

1. Joseph Schooling

Olympic champion and Joo Chiat resident. Contributed ideas on the sporting vision for the new Community Club and how its facilities and programmes can encourage active lifestyles across all age groups.

2. Jeremy Monteiro

Internationally acclaimed jazz musician and Cultural Medallion recipient.Advised on the performing arts vision, including the technical design of the Black Box Theatre and music facilities, as well as future programming and partnerships.

3. Chua Soo Bin

Internationally acclaimed photographer, Cultural Medallion recipient and Joo Chiat resident. Has agreed to support an inaugural exhibition of his works when the new Community Club opens.

4. Mr Abdullah Shafiie, JP, BBM (L)

Former Chairman, Siglap South Community Club Management Committee. Represents the rich heritage and community spirit that have shaped Siglap South over the past decades.

5. Uncle Chin

Stall owner, Soy Eu Tua Chicken Rice. A long-time neighbourhood business owner who represents the local businesses that have grown alongside the community and continue to contribute to Joo Chiat's identity.

6. Cindy Chen

Business Operations Manager in the tech industry. Attended the community dialogues as a resident before becoming a community volunteer, reflecting the community ownership behind the project.

7. Edmund Ng

Architect and former Joo Chiat resident. Community Special Adviser who contributed the original concept and professional expertise to the planning and design of the new Community Club, ensuring it reflects the heritage and aspirations of the community.

8. Yeo Jia Min

National badminton player and Joo Chiat resident. Contributed ideas on sporting programmes, youth engagement and active living. Attendance is subject to availability.

9. Lim Su Kok (son) and Lim Kian Ha (daughter) Children of the late artist and Cultural Medallion recipient Lim Tze Peng. Lim Su Kok has agreed to curate an inaugural exhibition celebrating his father's artistic legacy when the new Community Club opens. Attendance representative to be confirmed.

10. Jazz Chong

Renowned gallerist, arts advocate and former Joo Chiat resident. Community Special Adviser who helped shape the Community Club's arts and cultural vision, including securing the support of Chua Soo Bin and the family of the late Lim Tze Peng for its inaugural exhibitions.

ANNEX B, Project Facts

ANNEX C, Community Engagement Journey

• Dialogue sessions.

• House visits.

• Condominium engagement sessions.

• Community conversations

• Sneak Peek

• Roadshows

• Forum