HDB to inject S$1.5 million to support projects and strengthen community ties

Singapore, 26 July 2021 –The Lively Places Challenge (LPC) aims to to enliven Singapore’s public spaces and encourage bonding in the House Development (HDB) heartland. Examples of this are a park catering to pets of HDB residents in Bukit Panjang, and a community art gallery in Toa Payoh where residents can grow their vegetables. To support community-led projects such as these, Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, announced at the launch of the HDB Community Week 2021 today, that HDB will set aside another S$1.5 million for the Lively Places Fund (LPF).

Since the induction of the LPF in 2016, HDB has seen a strong take-up of the fund to support an increasing number of ground-up initiatives. To-date, more than S$800,000 in funding have been disbursed to support over 170 community projects, benefitting close to 85,000 residents across various HDB towns.

The latest edition of the LPC saw keen interest, attracting about 650 participants who have gone on to initiate 60 projects in the building and non-building categories in eight HDB towns (Bishan, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Punggol, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Yishun). Of these, 36 projects have been implemented.

HDB CEO, Tan Meng Dui, said, “Despite the challenges and disruptions caused by COVID-19, it is heartening to see residents coming together virtually and making other adjustments, to work on projects that enliven our public spaces, strengthen community bonds and build the kampung spirit in our housing estates. Close-knit communities do not happen by chance. With the injection of more funding, we hope to inspire more residents to take greater ownership and plan for even more impactful community projects.”

In addition to a funding of up to S$20,000 for their project, each team also received training from Institutes of Higher Learning to build up their capabilities in organising ground-up projects. In the implementation of their projects, the teams were guided by an HDB staff member who worked with them through the entire process—from brainstorming and ideation, to refinement of ideas and the execution of their initiatives. Undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project teams took to hybrid forms of engagements, continuing to meet both online and in person to see their projects to fruition.

The teams were judged based on their ability to engage residents and stakeholders, benefits and sustainability to the community, and overall impact. Among the projects, the top three teams in the building and non-building categories were each awarded cash prizes of S$2,500 and S$2,000 respectively. The winning projects include:

• 5G Community Green Hub: Five thematic gardens within their precinct at Blk 112 Bishan Street 12;
• Pets Park @ Segar Gardens: An open lawn in front of Segar Gardens’ multi-storey car park turned into a Pets Park
• Kampong Kakis: A 4-in-1 community incubator space called Kampong Kakis at Blk 158 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 with an indoor hydroponics system, food vending machines, an art gallery, and a space for social gatherings;
• Taste of Toa Payoh: A platform for seniors to share their signature recipes with the younger generation and their neighbours.

– Construction+ Online

Source: HDB