Rejuvenated Kallang River to raise appeal of neighbouring properties

SINGAPORE —With the rejuvenation of the Kallang River area, real estate experts say the properties along the river are likely to draw greater appeal through its lifestyle concept — car-lite, healthy living and amenities — and will no longer be just a waterfront housing.

Overall, property prices are also expected to increase in value following the revamp, they added.

The Kallang River, Singapore’s longest natural river that stretches from Lower Peirce Reservoir to the Kallang Basin, is set to undergo a revamp, the authorities said on Wednesday. Some initial ideas include building spiral ramps across the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), a comprehensive pedestrian and cycling network to reduce reliance on cars, and waterfront housing developments.

The 10km river — about three times the length of the Singapore River — passes through several housing estates such as Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Toa Payoh, Bendemeer and Kallang Bahru.

About 800,000 people live within 2km of the Kallang River, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) believes there is potential to add another 100,000 dwelling units into the area in the next 20 years. Analysts expect the new homes to be located close to the river, on vacant land or to take over some industrial areas.

Mr Ong Kah Seng, director at R’ST Research, said: “For Kallang River areas on the whole, there will be enhanced accessibility through a seamless active mobility route from Bishan to the city. It could be indeed a unique, uplifting place and perhaps an improved version of Punggol’s waterway-living concept.

“The Kallang River area is set to be the bolder, more exciting and sophisticated version of Punggol, especially in landscaping, being car-lite and with its amenities. Being car-lite also sets it apart from all estates or localities in Singapore that have yet to offer such a unique living (and commuting) experience.”

Mr Colin Tan, director of research and consultancy at Suntec Real Estate Consultants, added that the properties by the Kallang River will rise in value. “Where previously they only have a view of the river, they will now have recreational facilities along it.”

JLL head of research Tay Huey Ying sees the proposal to transform the Kallang Industrial Estate into a vibrant mixed-used precinct as an opportunity to implement the Committee on the Future Economy’s recommendation for greater flexibility in land use.

“Strategically located at the fringe of the CBD (central business district), there is potential for this locality to be developed to serve the rising e-commerce needs for flexible warehouse-retailing use in light of the blurring of lines between retailing and warehousing in an environment of explosive growth in e-commerce,” she noted.

JTC’s director for land planning division Tang Hsiao Ling said in a statement yesterday that the JTC will work closely with the URA to transform the estate into a vibrant mixed-use precinct with high-rise facilities to meet the evolving needs of industry.

Ms Tang added that the revitalisation plans for the estate are still under discussion, and could potentially include integration with future residential developments along the waterfront and parks, which will bring jobs closer to home.

“In order to provide more social and recreational spaces for the community, we are also looking at the possibility of introducing a comprehensive pedestrian and cycling network, which will enhance walkability within the estate and connectivity to the Kallang River,” she shared.

Property developer UOL Group’s deputy group CEO Liam Wee Sin said in a statement that they are “excited about this opportunity to be part of the rejuvenation of this river.”

The developer is completing the sale and purchase of the en-bloc sale site of Raintree Garden in May, and the development will blend seamlessly with the waterfront promenade, and contribute to place-making and injecting vibrancy along the Kallang River.

“We will be preserving as many of the existing raintrees lining the riverfront to create a distinct identity for this enclave along the river,” Mr Liam said. Angela Teng