More BTO flats to be built in new estate on former Keppel Club site

About 7,000 HDB flats will be built on the site of the former Keppel Club in a new residential area that will be known as Berlayar estate, kick-starting the development of the Greater Southern Waterfront.

- Isabelle Liew

The number of flats was increased from the 6,000 units previously announced, following detailed planning studies in the area, the Housing Board said on Sept 23.

The 48ha site, which has been earmarked for housing since 2014, will also have 3,000 private homes.

The new estate will be named Berlayar, which means sailing in Malay, in recognition of the area's landmarks and maritime heritage, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said on Sept 23 during the HDB Awards ceremony held at the Resorts World Convention Centre.

A granite rock outcrop in the area, known as Batu Berlayar in Malay, or Sailing Rock, was once prominent, he added. The rock once stood near Berlayar Creek in Labrador Park, and guided maritime traders to Singapore's shores as early as the 14th century.

"Berlayar will be more than just a housing estate - it will be a vibrant waterfront community where nature, heritage and modern living come together," Mr Chee said.

The first Build-To-Order (BTO) project in the estate, Berlayar Residences, will be launched in October with 870 units of two-room flexi, threeand four-room flats. The project, which comes under Bukit Merah town, will also have 200 public rental flats.

Located between Telok Blangah and Labrador Park MRT stations, the upcoming development will have blocks between 19 and 46 storeys high.

Its classification as Standard, Plus or Prime flats will be revealed at the launch, HDB said.

Property analysts have said the project could fall under the Prime category, given its location on the city fringe, and is expected to be highly sought after.