# HDB to build homes 'designed around nature' at Gillman Barracks, Sunset Way after environmental studies

- **Source:** Channel NewsAsia
- **Published:** 2026-07-10T01:00:00.000Z
- **Author:** Erin Liam
- **Original:** https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/gillman-barracks-sunset-way-hdb-environmental-heritage-studies-6240366
- **Topics:** HDB & Public Housing, Government & Policy

## Featured rationale

The projects could expand housing near established towns and transport links, while environmental studies and feedback may shape their yields, mix and development timelines.

## AI summary

HDB plans public and private homes at Gillman Barracks and public housing at Sunset Way, while retaining key ecological and heritage areas.

## Original article

SINGAPORE: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will build new homes at Gillman Barracks and at Sunset Way in Clementi following the completion of environmental and heritage studies. The studies were conducted as part of the planning and development process to assess the expected impact of development on the natural and built environment, HDB said on Friday (Jul 10). At the Gillman Barracks site, HDB proposed retaining more than 20 of the 86 buildings, along with most of the native-dominated secondary forest and a forest stream. Native-dominated secondary forests are forests that have regrown after clearing or other disturbances and are dominated by native plant species. HDB also proposed retaining about 8ha at the Sunset Way site to facilitate fauna movements. The housing developments will be “designed around nature”, it said. In response to queries from CNA on the expected timeline and number of housing units planned for both sites, HDB said agencies will consider the findings and public feedback, and assess how the sites can be developed sensitively and sustainably. "This process will inform the development plans for the sites, including the eventual housing yield, housing mix, flat classification, and development timeline. More details on the plans for the sites will be shared when ready," the agency added.

HOMES AT GILLMAN BARRACKS The new estate at the Gillman Barracks site will offer residents a “charming and vibrant” place to live, with the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Park Network nearby, HDB said. The residential estate, which would comprise both public and private homes, is located near the city centre and close to the future Greater Southern Waterfront district. “The future development will be well-connected, close to Labrador Park MRT station, and planned with new roads and active mobility options,” HDB said in a press release. The government announced in March 2024 that it was studying the possibility of introducing a new residential neighbourhood at Gillman Barracks. The former British military garrison was first built in 1935 for servicemen and their families. It is now an arts and lifestyle enclave that houses offices, creative lifestyle, arts and food and beverage outlets. To redevelop the Gillman Barracks site sensitively, HDB commissioned a study to understand the site’s ecology and heritage, and identify measures to mitigate the impact of development. The studies covered an area of 47ha – comprising an approximately 40ha development area bounded by Depot Road, Alexandra Road, Telok Blangah Road/West Coast Highway and Telok Blangah Street 31, as well as a 7ha green area north of Telok Blangah Heights. HDB also engaged stakeholders, such as nature and heritage groups, throughout the planning process, the agency said. This included various nature group representatives, such as those from Nature Society Singapore, Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity and LepakInSG.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS The study identified 293 plant species and 178 fauna species, concentrated largely in two areas of high ecological value – the native-dominated secondary forest and forest streams. Of the plant species recorded, 22 are of conservation significance, including the Ficus sinuata, a shrub with drooping branches, and the Antiaris toxicaria, a tree from the mulberry and fig family. Eleven fauna species were also found to have conservation significance. They include the violet cuckoo and critically endangered species such as the straw-headed bulbul and bamboo bat. To maintain ecological connectivity and minimise impact on biodiversity, HDB said agencies will safeguard ecological corridors with a minimum width of 30m. A minimum width of 30m was recommended to facilitate fauna movement, based on findings from the environmental study and feedback from nature group representatives. The corridors connect Telok Blangah Hill Park to HortPark in the west and to Berlayar Creek and Labrador Nature Reserve in the south, which will keep the site linked to the broader Southern Ridges ecological network. HDB also proposed retaining the forest stream and most of the native-dominated secondary forest within the green area and large Tembusu trees that provide refuge and habitat for a wide range of fauna. The agency will implement an environmental monitoring and management plan to guide contractors and ensure that the environmental objectives are met. The plan includes a phased directional clearance plan, which will allow animals to move to adjacent greenery before site works begin, HDB said. It is planning for a green link, planted with native species, at the southern tip of the site to complete the corridor from Telok Blangah Hill Park to Berlayar Creek and Labrador Nature Reserve. The area is currently built up. “Together with the retained ecological corridors, this will create a green area of about 8ha, with a continuous forest structure to support avian movement and attract bird species such as the straw-headed bulbul, while forming part of the wider ecological network across the area,” HDB said.

CONSERVING HERITAGE As part of the heritage study at Gillman Barracks, 86 buildings across seven clusters were assessed. Each building was evaluated for its historical, architectural and technological, social and communal, as well as contextual value. Agencies plan to retain all four buildings of “exceptional” significance at Preston Road and Lock Road. A total of 27 buildings were also rated “high” in significance. However, only 21 can be retained. The remaining six buildings are within areas required for essential infrastructure, such as roads, or are near the MRT station where land could be optimised for housing, HDB said. Agencies plan to “largely retain” four clusters representing the “most historically and architecturally significant” parts of Gillman Barracks. They include the housing and school clusters at Preston Road, as well as those at Lock Road and Malan Road. The Preston Road Housing cluster comprises 16 garrison-style semi-detached houses built between 1935 and 1939. Besides military personnel, these once housed the staff of the former Alexandra School in the Preston Road school cluster. The school was the first to be constructed in the area to serve the British army community. The Lock Road cluster is one of the last remaining sections of the original 1935 barracks built for British infantry regiments, and encompasses buildings previously used for military administration, as well as social and communal facilities.

The Malan Road cluster consists of original buildings that served utility and support functions, including workshops, garages, stores and medical facilities. HDB said the buildings that are proposed to be retained could be repurposed to provide commercial offerings and amenities to serve future and existing residents. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) currently oversees the management of Gillman Barracks as a state property. In response to queries from CNA, an SLA spokesperson said there are currently 11 arts tenants and 13 F&B or lifestyle tenants at Gillman Barracks, whose tenancies will expire progressively by the second quarter of 2030. "Agencies have been engaging existing tenants since 2023, and have kept them informed of the environmental and heritage studies being conducted to guide land use planning for the site as well as upcoming development works," the spokesperson said. The development plans will not shorten any of the tenancies. "We understand that business transitions can be challenging, and have encouraged tenants to begin planning early ahead of their tenancy expiry," the spokesperson added.

NEW HOUSING AT SUNSET WAY HDB also announced on Friday that a greenfield site in Sunset Way, located within Clementi Town, will be developed to provide more public housing options for Singaporeans in the west. The site has been largely zoned for residential use since the Master Plan 1980, HDB said. "The development of Sunset Way will provide more housing options for Singaporeans in the west region, including young families who wish to live near their parents in Clementi, Bukit Batok, and Queenstown for mutual care and support," it added. When completed, the future estate will feature biophilic landscape design with native plants to attract biodiversity and maintain ecological connectivity within the site. “Greenery will be woven between new and existing developments, so residents can enjoy nature at their doorstep,” HDB said. An environmental study was commissioned for the approximately 23ha site to assess its existing ecology, and identify measures to mitigate the potential impact of development. Six nature groups were consulted as part of the environmental study for Sunset Way, HDB said. The environmental study recorded 286 flora species and 113 fauna species in the area, of which 49 flora species and six fauna species are of conservation significance, including the straw-headed bulbul. Based on findings, HDB will retain about 8ha of the study area to provide refuge for wildlife and facilitate fauna movement. The retained area includes a natural freshwater stream and its surrounding riparian buffer, a vegetated area along the stream with high biodiversity value. The area surrounding the Old Jurong Line, where a nature trail is being studied, will also be retained. Clementi Nature Trail and the Old Jurong Line Nature Trail will be progressively implemented to maintain ecological connectivity. “Together with Clementi Neighbourhood Park, which will be retained as-is, these green spaces will offer residents a variety of recreational options close to home,” HDB said. The full reports for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way have been published on the HDB InfoWeb. Members of the public can share their feedback from Jul 10 to Aug 6. Editor's note: An earlier version of this article said HDB proposed retaining most of the secondary forest at the Gillman Barracks site. It should be most of the native-dominated secondary forest. We apologise for the error.

## Chinese translation

> Translation model: grok

### 环境研究完成后，建屋局将在吉尔曼军营与日落路建设“以自然为核心设计”的住宅

相关部门计划大体保留吉尔曼军营中最具历史与建筑价值的四个组团。

新加坡：建屋发展局（HDB）表示，在完成环境与遗产研究后，将在吉尔曼军营（Gillman Barracks）以及金文泰日落路（Sunset Way）建设新住宅。建屋局周五（7月10日）称，上述研究是规划与开发流程的一部分，用以评估开发对自然与建成环境的预期影响。在吉尔曼军营地段，建屋局建议保留86栋建筑中的20多栋，以及大部分以原生植物为主的次生林和一条森林溪流。以原生植物为主的次生林，是指在砍伐或其他干扰后重新生长、且以本土植物物种为主的森林。建屋局亦建议在日落路地段保留约8公顷土地，以方便野生动物迁徙。建屋局表示，住房开发将“围绕自然设计”。针对CNA就两处地段预计时间表与住宅单位数量的询问，建屋局表示，各机构将考虑研究结果与公众反馈，并评估如何以敏感、可持续的方式开发这些地段。“这一过程将为地段的开发计划提供依据，包括最终住房产量、住房组合、组屋分类及开发时间表。有关计划的更多细节将在准备就绪后公布，”该局补充道。

吉尔曼军营的住宅
建屋局表示，吉尔曼军营地段的新市镇将为居民提供“迷人而充满活力”的居住环境，邻近南部山脊与拉柏多自然公园网络。该住宅区将同时包含公共与私人住宅，靠近市中心，并邻近未来的大南部滨水区（Greater Southern Waterfront）。建屋局在新闻稿中称：“未来开发将交通便利，靠近拉柏多公园地铁站，并规划新道路与积极出行选项。”政府于2024年3月宣布，正研究在吉尔曼军营引入新住宅邻里的可能性。这座前英国军事驻地始建于1935年，供军人及其家属居住。如今它是艺术与生活方式飞地，设有办公室、创意生活、艺术与餐饮场所。为敏感地再开发吉尔曼军营地段，建屋局委托开展研究，以了解该地的生态与遗产，并确定减轻开发影响的措施。研究范围达47公顷——包括由德普路、亚历山大路、直落布兰雅路/西海岸公路与直落布兰雅31街围合的约40公顷开发区，以及直落布兰雅岭以北约7公顷绿地。建屋局表示，在整个规划过程中还接触了自然与遗产团体等利益相关方，包括自然学会新加坡、Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity与LepakInSG等自然团体代表。

环境考量
研究识别出293种植物与178种动物，主要集中在两个高生态价值区域——以原生植物为主的次生林和森林溪流。在记录的植物物种中，有22种具有保育意义，包括枝条下垂的Ficus sinuata灌木，以及桑科与无科的Antiaris toxicaria树种。另有11种动物具有保育意义，包括紫鹃，以及极度濒危的稻草头鹎与竹蝠等。为维持生态连通性并尽量减少对生物多样性的影响，建屋局表示，各机构将保障最小宽度为30米的生态廊道。基于环境研究结论与自然团体代表反馈，建议最小宽度为30米，以便野生动物迁徙。廊道连接西侧的直落布兰雅山公园至园艺公园，以及南侧的柏礼雅溪与拉柏多自然保护区，使该地与更广阔的南部山脊生态网络保持连通。建屋局亦建议保留森林溪流、绿地内大部分以原生植物为主的次生林，以及为多种野生动物提供栖息的大型淡比树（Tembusu）。该局将实施环境监测与管理计划，指导承包商并确保达成环境目标。计划包括分阶段定向清场方案，让动物在工地开工前迁往相邻绿地，建屋局称。其还计划在地段南端建设一条种植本土物种的绿道，以完成从直落布兰雅山公园至柏礼雅溪与拉柏多自然保护区的廊道。该区域目前已有建筑。“连同保留的生态廊道，这将形成约8公顷绿地，具有连续的森林结构，以支持鸟类迁徙并吸引稻草头鹎等鸟种，同时构成该区域更广泛生态网络的一部分，”建屋局表示。

保育遗产
作为吉尔曼军营遗产研究的一部分，七个组团中的86栋建筑接受评估。每栋建筑均从历史、建筑与技术、社会与社区以及语境价值等方面评价。各机构计划保留普雷斯顿路与洛克路上全部四栋“特别重要”建筑。另有27栋被评为“高度”重要，但仅21栋可予保留。建屋局表示，其余六栋位于道路等必要基础设施所需范围内，或靠近地铁站、土地可优化用于住房。各机构计划“大体保留”代表吉尔曼军营“最具历史与建筑意义”部分的四个组团。包括普雷斯顿路的住房与学校组团，以及洛克路与马兰路组团。普雷斯顿路住房组团由16栋建于1935至1939年的驻地式半独立洋房组成。除军事人员外，这些房屋也曾安置普雷斯顿路学校组团内前亚历山大学校的教职员。该校是该区第一所为服务英军社区而建的学校。洛克路组团是1935年为英国步兵团建造的原驻地中最后残留的部分之一，涵盖曾用于军事行政以及社交与社区设施的建筑。

马兰路组团由原用于公用与支援功能的建筑组成，包括工场、车库、仓库与医疗设施。建屋局表示，拟保留的建筑可被重新利用，为未来与现有居民提供商业配套与设施。新加坡土地管理局（SLA）目前以国有产业形式管理吉尔曼军营。针对CNA询问，SLA发言人表示，吉尔曼军营目前有11家艺术租户及13家餐饮或生活方式租户，租约将逐步于2030年第二季前届满。“自2023年以来，各机构一直与现有租户沟通，并告知他们为指导该地土地用途规划及即将展开的开发工程而进行的环境与遗产研究，”发言人说。开发计划不会缩短任何租约。“我们理解业务过渡可能具有挑战，并鼓励租户在租约到期前尽早开始规划，”发言人补充道。

日落路新住房
建屋局周五亦宣布，位于金文泰镇内日落路的一块未开发地段将获开发，为西部地区新加坡人提供更多公共住房选择。建屋局称，该地段自1980年总体规划以来大体已划为住宅用途。“日落路的开发将为西部地区新加坡人提供更多住房选择，包括希望住在金文泰、武吉巴督与女皇镇父母附近、以便互相照顾的年轻家庭，”该局补充道。建成后，未来市镇将采用亲自然景观设计，种植本土植物以吸引生物多样性并维持地段内的生态连通。“绿化将穿插于新旧开发之间，让居民可在家门口享受自然，”建屋局表示。当局为约23公顷地段委托开展环境研究，以评估现有生态并确定减轻潜在开发影响的措施。建屋局称，日落路环境研究咨询了六个自然团体。研究记录该区有286种植物与113种动物，其中49种植物与6种动物具有保育意义，包括稻草头鹎。根据研究结果，建屋局将保留研究范围内约8公顷土地，为野生动物提供庇护并方便迁徙。保留区包括一条天然淡水溪流及其周边河岸缓冲带——溪流沿岸具有高生物多样性价值的植被区。旧裕廊线周边区域（正在研究自然步道）亦将保留。金文泰自然步道与旧裕廊线自然步道将逐步实施，以维持生态连通。“连同将原样保留的金文泰邻里公园，这些绿地将为居民提供多种近家休闲选择，”建屋局表示。吉尔曼军营与日落路的完整报告已在建屋局资讯网上公布。公众可于7月10日至8月6日提交反馈。编辑注：本文较早版本称建屋局建议保留吉尔曼军营地段大部分次生林。应为大部分以原生植物为主的次生林。我们对此错误致歉。