The Punggol North Shore Plaza community square, which usually has few visitors, may gain a little more buzz and popularity in the future. The Housing and Development Board plans to transform this area into a dual-use space. In addition to holding community activities as usual, residents can also play pickleball or badminton and other sports in the square.
This is the first time that the HDB has transformed a community space in a neighborhood center into a venue for leisure and sports purposes.
On December 15 last year, the HDB launched a tender through the government e-commerce website GeBIZ to lay a pickleball court surface for the Northshore Plaza I community square in Punggol. The tender closed on December 26.
In a recent reply to Lianhe Zaobao’s inquiry, the HDB stated that the purpose of this tender is to continue to optimize and enhance community spaces in HDB flats so that residents can have more space to exercise outside of community activities.
It is understood that the community square will have two courts that can be used to play pickleball or badminton. The HDB pointed out that the venue will be paved with non-slip surfaces and equipped with net posts required for ball games. The tender documents also require the contractor to install a two-metre-high, movable and removable fencing system around the pitch.
Further reading
Ang Mo Kio swimming pool upgraded into Tak Ngai Sports Park facilities for use by people of all ages and people with special needs
Special needs artists join forces with Punggol community to create the longest hand-painted mural in the country
The project is expected to be completed in the first half of this year, but the HDB has not disclosed the specific start time. As for the venue reservation method and charging arrangements, the authorities said they will make an announcement after the facilities are ready.
Regarding whether similar practices will be implemented in other locations, the HDB said it will first observe the usage of the space and collect feedback from residents before deciding on future implementation plans.
Residents generally welcome renovation plan
A reporter from “Lianhe Zaobao” recently visited Punggol North Shore Plaza and found that even during lunch time on weekdays, there were not many people in the square. Residents interviewed generally welcomed the renovation plan, believing that in addition to adding more space for sports, it would also help bring popularity and vitality to the square.
Housewife Zhang Peixia (46) who lives nearby said that since moving to Punggol North Shore seven years ago, her three sons have seldom played badminton due to the lack of courts nearby.
“I’m very happy to hear this news. If the community space can be better utilized, it can also drive the flow of activities here, otherwise it is usually very quiet.”
Arina (45 years old, housewife) pointed out that the golf course closest to her home is at Punggol Marina Country Club, which charges higher fees and is not easy to reserve. “I’m happy that there will be a stadium here, but I’m also worried about the noise impact it will have on nearby low-rise residents.”
In recent years, pickleball has gradually transformed from a niche sport to a popular activity locally. Many communities and sports venues have added related facilities to allow more and more residents to participate in this sport. However, there is also the problem of noise caused by people hitting hard plastic pickleball balls.
Retiree Shen Zhongwu (73 years old) hopes to limit the use time to avoid noise affecting surrounding residents.
Punggol Sumang resident Zou Cuilian (53 years old, housewife) pointed out based on actual needs that the Punggol Regional Sports Center has not yet been completed, and the badminton court at the Punggol Comprehensive Community Club (One Punggol CC) is not open to the public.
“My husband and I can only go to Sengkang or Tampines to play sports. If there are additional courts here and they are covered, I will come and book them frequently.”
When contacted, the Punggol Integrated Community Club revealed that the four badminton courts in the multi-purpose hall will be opened for residents to reserve in the next few months.
Although many residents welcome the changes, some members of the public hold different views. Cai Dashun (70 years old, retired) believes that the square is currently a space for children and young people to play and dance. “If it is converted into a stadium, the children may lose a place for activities in the future.”
