Gillman Barracks, Maju Forest need to be developed to meet housing needs over next decade: Alvin Tan

Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan stated in Parliament on August 4, 2023, that the sites of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest require development to address Singapore's housing needs over the upcoming decade. Many alternative locations previously suggested for housing have either already been earmarked for homes, serve other national purposes, or are not yet suitable for redevelopment, according to Tan.

Facing questions from 19 MPs regarding the balance of housing needs with environmental preservation, public feedback, and transparency, Tan reiterated that the plans for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way near Maju Forest have not yet been finalized. After the four-week public consultation period closes on August 6, the government will engage stakeholders further and review feedback before finalizing development plans.

Tan emphasized that the development of both areas will proceed, but stressed the importance of how the buildings are constructed. Some vacant or underused sites are already intended for housing, including the former ITE HQ site in Dover and the Cross Island Line worksite near Sunset Way. However, Maju Camp remains necessary for national defense and cannot be converted into housing at this time.

Regarding the housing demand, Tan attributed it to the birth rates of previous generations being higher, smaller household sizes, an increasing number of young married couples wanting to live independently, and more seniors living alone. He highlighted the need to build more and faster homes to meet the growing demand for public housing and reduce waiting times for Build-To-Order flats.

The government considers various options when deciding on development sites, including vacant land, maximising the use of existing land, building higher, and underground construction. Singapore possesses around 7,800 hectares of green spaces, and while the government aims to safeguard these areas, there may be instances where no suitable replacement site is available.

Tan also acknowledged that the sites were earmarked for residential use in the Master Plan since 1980 and that the intention to study Gillman Barracks for housing was announced in 2024. The government plans to redevelop about two-thirds of the 23 hectares of Maju Forest along Sunset Way into public housing, retaining only wildlife refuges and ecological corridors.

Gillman Barracks, a former military site with heritage buildings, and part of the adjacent forest, is proposed for a mixed-use residential neighbourhood with public and private housing. To address urban heat concerns, the Housing Board will study designing future neighbourhoods with improved wind flow, greenery, and reduced direct sun exposure.