Alexandra, Commonwealth (District 03)

In the early 1900s, District 3 was known for its fruit and vegetable plantations. The local government in Singapore saw little need for the development of this region until the British colonial rule contributed a drastic change in the demographics of Singapore that saw an increase in the expatriate population. Housing projects were implemented to serve as offices and quarters which exist up till this day, and can be recognized by the colonial buildings that reflect this very period of time. Today, District 3 has been developed as a major residential district which explains the multiplicity of diverse amenities surrounding the area. This also explains the great interest shown in District 3 among property buyers. In 2012, a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat at Mei Ling Street in Queenstown set a record sale of $1 million.  Moreover, many prime condominiums are located in the nearby MRT Stations. These include Alex Residences and the upcoming launch The Crest and which are both within walking distance to Redhill MRT.

Other than the many property development projects that have sprung up in the area, Queenstown is also historically si...

In the early 1900s, District 3 was known for its fruit and vegetable plantations. The local government in Singapore saw little need for the development of this region until the British colonial rule contributed a drastic change in the demographics of Singapore that saw an increase in the expatriate population. Housing projects were implemented to serve as offices and quarters which exist up till this day, and can be recognized by the colonial buildings that reflect this very period of time. Today, District 3 has been developed as a major residential district which explains the multiplicity of diverse amenities surrounding the area. This also explains the great interest shown in District 3 among property buyers. In 2012, a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat at Mei Ling Street in Queenstown set a record sale of $1 million.  Moreover, many prime condominiums are located in the nearby MRT Stations. These include Alex Residences and the upcoming launch The Crest and which are both within walking distance to Redhill MRT.

Other than the many property development projects that have sprung up in the area, Queenstown is also historically significant to Singapore as it is named after Queen Elizabeth II to mark her coronation ceremony in 1953, when Singapore was still a British colony. This very region was the first residential areas chosen as the testing grounds for Singapore’s public housing initiatives, and later the first satellite town to be developed. Today, Queenstown is abound with a wide variety of amenities like shopping centres which include Queensway shopping centre and IKEA Alexandra; and dine-out places like Rio Brazilian Restaurant, Golden Crown Restaurant and Hai Kee Teochew Cha Kway Teow. Several community centres and clubs that offer a great range of leisure and enrichment activities to keep the young and old active also surround Queenstown. These include the Queenstown Townclub, Queenstown Community Centre and Leng Kee Community Centre.

Connecting Pasir Panjang and River Valley Road is Alexandra which is named after Queen Alexandra, consort of King-Emperor Edward VII. The area was originally a plantations area in the 1950s but later became the location for well-known businesses like Singapore Cold Storage, Anchor Brewery and Singapore Steam Laundry. Another notable place is Alexandra Hospital that was built in the 1930s for the military personnel’s use. Today Commonwealth is still known for its various industrial estates like Alexandra Distripark and Alexandra Technopark.