Residents of Potong Pasir are a lucky bunch! Their neighbourhood manages to retain a laidback kampong vibe despite being located in the central region of Singapore.

While there are no big malls within walking distance, residents of Potong Pasir certainly do not lack any amenities. There are many well-stocked provision shops, supermarkets and F&B outlets to cater to their daily needs. They can also hop over to nearby Toa Payoh for more options.

However, Potong Pasir may not stay under the radar for much longer due to the spotlight being shone on nearby Bidadari!

History of Potong Pasir

Potong Pasir is located in the central region of Singapore and located between Toa Payoh and Sennett Estate. For planning purposes, URA deems Potong Pasir to be part of Toa Payoh.

Prior to the 1940s, Potong Pasir was dominated by sand quarries which gave the area its name. Potong Pasir means “cut sand” in Malay. The mining activities created four ponds that were linked to Kallang River. During the early years, Potong Pasir faced regular floods until the 1950s when a bridge was built over the four mining ponds.

From the mid-1950s to the 1970s, Potong Pasir was an important agriculture area with many Cantonese farmers using traditional farming methods. Watercress was the main crop grown. After the 1970s, the farmers and villagers moved away after their land was acquired by the government for redevelopment.

Construction of public housing soon followed with the first blocks of HDB flats completed in 1984. Today, the sloping roof of Block 142 Potong Pasir Avenue 3 is the most recognisable icon of the housing estate.

What’s in Potong Pasir

After shaking off its rural past, today’s Potong Pasir is primarily a housing estate with plenty of supporting amenities such as supermarkets, clinics, schools and an MRT station.

The area is well-known for being home to Saint Andrew’s Village which houses the Saint Andrew’s family of schools from primary school to junior college.

The estate also has the Kallang River running through it giving those who reside nearby a beautiful space to enjoy nature. 

The spiritual needs of the residents are also not neglected with Sri Siva Durga Temple, The Church of Ascension and Alkaff Upper Serangoon Mosque in the estate.

Looking for a property in Potong Pasir? Find an agent to take the hassle out of your home search. 

Potong Pasir in 10 years

The development of nearby Bidadari as a new housing estate is expected to bring more amenities and convenience to residents of Potong Pasir. According to the Master Plan 2014, Bidadari is envisioned to be a “A Community in a Garden” with high accessibility to transport infrastructure.

In recent years, HDB has been busy building BTO flats in Bidadari. Private developers have not lagged behind with SPH and Kajima Corporate building a mixed development (Woodleigh Residence and The Woodleigh Mall) near Woodleigh MRT station. Additionally, Chip Eng Seng recently launched a residential development called Park Colonial along Woodleigh Lane.

While Bidadari has hogged numerous headlines with its upcoming developments, Toa Payoh still remains a firm favourite with home buyers because of its many amenities and excellent connectivity. In addition, the Master Plan 2014 has outlined a number of improvements for the mature estate.

So, what does all this mean for Potong Pasir? Only good things! Being near an established estate and an up-and-coming one means that Potong Pasir can reap the spillover benefits of additional amenities, excellent connectivity and improved infrastructure.

While life for its residents in 10 years is expected to get more convenient, Potong Pasir will have to fight hard to retain its laidback kampong charm!

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The main word that comes to mind when describing Potong Pasir is idyllic. Home buyers attracted to Potong Pasir often cite the kampong vibe, slower pace of life and lack of generic big malls as the main reasons. They also appreciate Potong Pasir’s ideal location within the central region of Singapore.

The development of nearby Bidadari and improvements planned for Toa Payoh would mean more amenities and convenience for Potong Pasir residents. However, it remains to be seen if Potong Pasir can retain its laidback charm.