Singapore - Residents of the Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in Singapore can look forward to a greener and more energy-efficient area over the next five years. The Jalan Besar Town Council has announced its master plan for 2026 to 2030, outlining initiatives to expand smart LED lighting, increase green spaces, and strengthen amenities for the elderly.

Speaking at the master plan announcement event on April 6th, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo emphasized that sustainability will be a core pillar of this master plan. As the coordinating town council for the ‘Action for Green Towns’ initiative, a green city development project involving 15 People's Action Party (PAP) town councils, Jalan Besar plans to proactively lead in sustainability to support the ‘Singapore Green Plan 2030’.

Over the next few years, shared spaces for all generations to enjoy together will also increase. Improved neighborhood parks, children's playgrounds, fitness corners for adults and seniors, and friendly streets will be created. These amenities will be installed not only in public housing estates but also in private housing estates, ensuring wide accessibility for local residents.

The master plan announcement event on April 6th provided a preview of over 100 proposed projects and facilities to be implemented over the next five years. The goal of this master plan is to make Jalan Besar a more inclusive community for its residents.

Jalan Besar, one of the oldest group representation constituencies in Singapore, will be upgraded to include wayfinding features such as motifs and color-coded zones to help residents, especially those with dementia, navigate their neighborhoods more easily.

Additionally, various community gardens designed with inclusivity in mind, such as raised planter boxes, will be created. Barrier-free accessibility will be enhanced for residents with mobility needs, including wheelchair-friendly paths, ramps, and additional support devices.

This master plan also focuses on fostering strong bonds between older and younger residents in the Jalan Besar area, where the past and present coexist. Jalan Besar is home to some of Singapore's oldest Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, while also having many newly built condominium complexes in recent years.

The Jalan Besar Town Council stated that it engaged in months-long consultation efforts involving government agencies and over 3,000 residents through street interviews during the master plan development process.

Speaking at the April 6th master plan announcement, Minister Teo emphasized that this plan is not just the Town Council's project but also belongs to the residents. Minister Teo, who also serves as Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, said that residents took the time to share their visions for the area, and the Town Council listened to their feedback.

The Town Council also highlighted the developments and improvements made in the area over the past five years.

Key Improvements:

Installation of 62 new and upgraded lifts across Jalan Besar GRC since 2021, benefiting over 53,000 households.
Upgrading of 4 markets and hawker centers.
Installation of solar panels on 439 blocks.
Opening of 6 MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line and Circle Line.
Opening of the Kallang Bahru Underpass.
Upgrading of Golden Mile and Beo Crescent markets and hawker centers (providing a cleaner and more pleasant environment for both customers and hawkers).
Upgrading of 78 blocks through the Home Improvement Programme (benefiting over 8,200 households).
This master plan demonstrates the Jalan Besar Town Council's commitment to making Jalan Besar a more sustainable and inclusive city. Developed through the active participation and feedback of residents, this plan is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the Jalan Besar area over the next five years.

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