Modern ‘kampung’ in Woodlands welcomes its first residents

SINGAPORE — Kampung Admiralty, a one-stop hub in Woodlands the includes two residential blocks and is aimed at reigniting the community spirit of yesteryear, welcomed its first residents on Saturday (Aug 12).

The elderly residents received the keys to their newly-completed studio apartments from Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

About 99 per cent, or 103 flats, at this “modern kampung” have been take up so far. Of these, 44 were booked under priority schemes to help elderly residents live near their married children or parents.

About 60 per cent of those who bought a flat there are existing residents of Woodlands or nearby towns.

The apartments, which come in two different sizes - 36 sqm and 45 sqm - are fitted with elderly-friendly features to enable those aged 55 years and above to live independently. They include resilient vinyl strip flooring which is slip- and moisture-resistant, and retractable clothes rack that are suitable for indoor and outdoor drying.

Apart from the residential blocks, the 11-storey development, which is next to the Admiralty MRT station, has a host of facilities and amenities, all under one roof. 

They include the two-level Admiralty Medical Centre, which offers specialist outpatient consultations, endoscopy and day-surgery procedures. The centre is managed by Alexandra Health System (AHS).

Elderly residents can make use of the Active Ageing Hub, which provides active ageing progrmmes, such as senior learning opportunties, along with centre-based and home-care services for frail seniors.

There is also a childcare centre which can cater to about 200 children.

The integrated development will also have a hawker centre, shops and F&B outlets, a bank and a supermarket.

The community garden at level 9 hopes to promote greater opportunities for residents to interact over gardening-related activities, while the community plaza on the ground floor will serve as a gathering point for them.

The project is developed by the Housing and Development Board, along with the Ministry of Health,  AHS, the National Environment Agency, National Parks Board, Land Transport Authority and Early Childhood Development Agency.