Developers urged to create more family-friendly spaces, malls and homes; AC framework updated

Real estate developers and mall owners in Singapore are being called on to provide more family-friendly spaces and amenities in their projects.

Support for marriage and parenthood in Singapore requires a whole-of-society approach, said Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

Speaking at the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (Redas) Mid-Autumn Lunch on Sept 23, she noted that the real estate sector — as developers, property owners and landlords, as well as employers — has a meaningful role to play in helping to reverse the downward trend for marriage and parenthood.

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Developers have a significant say in how buildings are designed and what features and amenities are provided.

They could thus include intentional and inclusive spaces for families in their projects — whether it be more family-friendly common spaces, lactation rooms or facilities in commercial buildings, and spaces that cater to young children and elderly grandparents alike.

When it comes to malls, Indranee cited feedback from families seeking more common areas where parents can wait for children or seniors, as well as more family-friendly activities.

She urged mall owners to consider their properties as potential community hubs, with activities for singles and families, while encouraging their F&B tenants to adopt more family-friendly features and practices.

At the event, Redas president Tan Swee Yiow similarly highlighted the role developers can play.

Many of the association’s members build the homes that young families move into and the spaces around them, including playgrounds, gardens, communal decks and flexible multigenerational layouts.

"When we get these spaces right, we help families meet their aspirations, whatever shape that family takes," Tan said.

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He also floated several ideas for consideration, while clarifying that they are not formal Redas positions.

"For larger developments, perhaps we could allocate a small percentage of units as larger, family-sized homes."

He also suggested exempting gross floor area (GFA) for household shelters so the space could be used to reintroduce helper’s rooms into floor plans, as well as providing more childcare facilities near homes and offices with similar GFA exemptions.

"It takes a village to raise a child. Government, employers, developers and society all have a part to play," Tan said. "We can help more Singaporeans start and grow the families they hope for."

Accredited Checker framework enhanced

Separately, Indranee announced at the event that the government will enhance the Accredited Checker (AC) framework to better support structural design checks.

This is especially for larger, more complex or higher-risk projects.

ACs and ACOs provide independent reviews of structural designs, to ensure the structural integrity of a building and the safety of designs early in the planning stage.

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From September 2028, ACs and Accredited Checker Organisations (ACOs) who undertake larger and more complex projects will be required to demonstrate relevant recent checking and design experience, as well as a good track record.

Requirements for smaller and lower-risk projects will be calibrated according to the risks involved, so that individual ACs can continue to take on such projects.

These changes are intended to give developers greater confidence that complex projects are being checked by professionals and organisations with the expertise, personnel and resources required.

Besides, stronger checks upstream will help reduce downstream design issues and rectification costs, Indranee noted.

A two-year transition period will be provided before full implementation in September 2028, and contracts awarded before then will not be affected.

In addition, from 2028 onwards, the Building and Construction Authority will extend the registration and renewal validity for ACs, ACOs and Specialist ACs from 12 months to 36 months to reduce administrative burden.

The Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore has also developed a Value Articulation Framework for AC checking services.

This is meant to give developers and ACs or ACOs a common and transparent basis to discuss the checking approach and resources required for each project. It will help developers assess AC proposals more holistically, based on factors beyond fees alone.

As building works become more complex, it is essential for ACs and ACOs to be equipped with the technical capability, organisational resources and relevant experience to carry out robust and effective checks, Indranee said.