The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced on August 14 plans to redevelop Kallang Distripark, a 13-hectare former rubber factory site in Singapore, into private residential housing and a new neighbourhood park [1, 2, 3]. The disused site, once converted into a warehouse, is set to be divided into three housing plots, a 2-hectare park, and new roads to support the development [1, 2, 3].
The site has been zoned for housing since at least 2003 and is currently owned by entities linked to Lee Rubber Company, whose founder was Lee Kong Chian [1, 2, 3]. The land is partly freehold and partly leasehold, with the latter’s lease expiring in 2067 [1, 2, 3].
The planned redevelopment includes two purely residential plots and a third mixed-use plot with commercial space on the ground floor [1, 2, 3]. The largest residential plot spans about 3.6 hectares near Kallang Bahru and is expected to yield around 1,200 condominium units [1, 2, 3]. Another residential plot abutting Pelton Canal covers about 1.6 hectares and could produce 450 to 550 units [1, 2, 3]. The mixed-use leasehold plot covers about 2.4 hectares and is estimated to yield 600 to 800 condominium units [1, 2, 3].
Three distinctive octagonal buildings on the site, the Lee Rubber Godowns designed by architect Victor Chew, hold heritage value [1, 2, 3]. URA is exploring retaining one warehouse within the park as a heritage marker. Where preservation is not feasible, the agency said it will work with stakeholders to "document and commemorate the history of the place through heritage interpretation initiatives, such as digital documentation or storyboards," according to a URA spokesperson [1].
Attempts to reach Lee Rubber Company for comment were unsuccessful [1, 2, 3].
The URA spokesperson confirmed the Master Plan amendment aims to facilitate a private development proposal received by the agency [1, 2, 3]. Public consultation on the proposed Master Plan amendment is expected to proceed following the announcement.
