Majority of residents of brick-faced Tampines blocks vote for paint that matches original colour

An eight-block public housing estate in Tampines, distinguished by its brick-faced facade, will be repainted in a colour that mirrors the original paintwork. This decision followed a poll with over three-quarters of the 497A to D, 497F to H, and 497J Tampines Street 45 residents voting in favour. The poll, conducted between August 31 and September 13, was revealed by Tampines North grassroots adviser David Neo during a Kopitalk X Precinct Dialogue on September 19.

Over 80 residents attended the event, where Neo, who serves as Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, discussed housing upgrades, estate maintenance, and rodent control. Resident Wai, a 66-year-old retiree, expressed that while many residents prefer preserving the original brick facades, some had advocated for a change, citing the painted-over brick facades of the 498 series blocks.

The Tampines Town Council acknowledged diverse opinions on the R&R exercise, stating that they took feedback into account during the previous cycle from 2017 to 2019, focusing on painting areas affected by water seepage with a colour matching the original brickwork. However, the council noted that ongoing seepage has impacted residents' homes.

Architectural photographer Darren Soh, 50, was invited to emphasize the estate's heritage, highlighting that these blocks were the first private architect-designed flats under HDB's Design and Build Scheme, built in 1994. Soh stressed that the estate retains one of the last remaining HDB precincts from the 1990s with its original colours, as most others have been repainted multiple times.

Longtime resident Razali Talib, 64, echoed this sentiment, stating that the earthy tones and unpainted brickwork give the precinct a unique charm, which he finds relaxing despite the estate's increased busyness.