Bishan Town Centre's Development Plans: New Hawker Centre and Polyclinic

SINGAPORE - The National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced that construction of a new hawker centre, polyclinic, and revamped bus interchange in Bishan Town Centre is set to commence within the current government term. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform Bishan into a sub-regional business hub, aligning with the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) 2025 Draft Master Plan, which was unveiled on June 25, 2025.

The Bishan Town Centre development is projected to include approximately 200,000 square meters of office space, equating to about 2.4% of Singapore's total islandwide office stock. This substantial addition is expected to introduce between 18,000 and 20,000 workers to the area, enhancing local economic activity. In a recent Facebook post, Minister Chee emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities closer to residents’ homes to alleviate commuting burdens.

This initiative comes amid plans to improve connectivity, including new cycling paths along the North-South Corridor and Kallang River, which will facilitate access to recreational areas. Furthermore, Bishan Place will be transformed into a pedestrian mall, enhancing the town’s walkability and connectivity to public transport.

According to the URA, these developments are designed to promote an active lifestyle, with pedestrian-friendly streets and improved transport connections being central to this vision. Traffic simulations have been conducted to ensure the proposed road network can adequately accommodate both current and future traffic demands.

Catherine He, head of research at Colliers, noted the significance of the new office space, stating it is more than double the planned office stock for the Jurong Lake District master developer site. She anticipates that the introduction of new amenities, such as the hawker centre and polyclinic, will be essential to support the increased population density resulting from the influx of office workers. However, she cautioned that until more residential projects are developed, the new office space may drive up housing demand, resale prices, and rents in the area.

Real estate consultancy Knight Frank’s research head, Leonard Tay, expressed that while the new developments could attract businesses, some industries may prefer to remain in the Central Business District due to prestige and client proximity. He suggested that office spaces in Bishan should be offered in smaller increments to gauge demand effectively.

Local residents have mixed feelings about the upcoming changes. Retired engineer Peter Sim expressed optimism about the new polyclinic, noting the inconvenience of traveling to Ang Mo Kio or Toa Payoh for medical services. Conversely, student Victoria Teo shared concerns regarding potential overcrowding at Junction 8, which is already a popular dining destination.

The URA’s Draft Master Plan 2025 aims not only to drive economic growth but also to rejuvenate key precincts and foster innovation. The exhibition of the draft master plan is scheduled to be displayed at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh from August 9 to 17, providing an opportunity for public engagement and feedback.

In summary, the planned developments in Bishan Town Centre signify a pivotal shift towards creating a more integrated and vibrant community, balancing residential and commercial needs while promoting accessibility and sustainability in urban planning.