Punggol might have once been known as a boring residential area, but this stigma no longer applies.
As the government continues its strategy of decentralisation, employment opportunities are brought closer to homes. In fact, a wide variety of live-work-play options will soon be available for residents living in Punggol. As a result, the area is expected to become a more desirable residential district.
With the opening of Seletar Aerospace Hub, Punggol Promenade and Punggol Waterway, the next phase of development will welcome the Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor. This is anticipated to further increase the value of homes there.
In addition, nearby areas like Sengkang also benefits from the proximity. So, here are three reasons why Sengkang is worth investing in now.
1. It will be a place of creativity and learning
Located in the new Punggol Downtown, the Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor will anchor one end of the North Coast Innovation Corridor, a commercial belt that stretches from the Woodlands Regional Centre and Sembawang to the Punggol Creative Cluster.
As its name suggests, the Creative Cluster is a platform for innovative new industries. Once completed, this key growth area will bring in more job opportunities for the residents.
In addition, Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) new campus will be built alongside, in the neighboring Learning Corridor. As an essential part of the Learning Corridor, the tertiary institution will act as a catalyst of growth to forge fresh synergies between the community and industries. As such, students can apply what they have learnt at the Creative Cluster, while companies can leverage on SIT professors and students for solutions to problems.
The institution seeks to increase its yearly undergraduate intake to 3,500 by 2020 to fill out its new campus.
2. It will be a place of enjoyment
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Hence, green links to the waterfront, even public spaces will be included in the Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor. This would help to make it an attractive work, learn and play environment for the community.
Source: URA
The scenic Old Punggol Road which runs through the Punggol Downtown area will be retained as a 1.5km heritage trail. This is yet another place for the residents to relax and engage in recreational activities among greenery.
Construction works for the upcoming 150km Round Island Route is expected to start at the end of this year. Punggol residents can look forward to a new cycling and running route linking leisure spots such as Sengkang Riverside Park and Punggol Promenade.
3. It will be a place of convenience
The development of the Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor will not be complete without a comprehensive transport system in place.
Commencing operations around 2030 is the 50km Cross Island Line. This will serve the upcoming Creative Cluster and Learning Corridor and connect the North East region to the eastern and western parts of Singapore.
The Sengkang-Pasir Ris stretch of the Cross Island Line will form the first leg of a yet-to-be announced MRT line linking Pasir Ris to Woodlands. According to the Land Transport Authority, residents in Sengkang will be able to travel to Pasir Ris in 10 to 15 minutes via the Cross Island Line, compared with a 40-minute bus ride today. The new MRT line will also facilitate easy access to Singapore’s seaport, which will move to Tuas by then.
With the deluge of advancements projected to be added in the coming years, the days of Sengkang being considered ‘ulu’ (Singlish for far from civilization) is seeing an end.
As more upgrades are continued to be built over the current improvements that will bring a wider range of infrastructure – from industries to schools and parks and transport systems – to the area, it is only a matter of time before Sengkang shines as a new bustling city within our city-state.
