30-04-2025
GE2025: New polyclinic, state-of-the-art sports centre coming to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
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SINGAPORE - Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC residents can look forward to a bigger polyclinic, a state-of-the-art regional sports centre and more barrier-free and sheltered amenities soon, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.
He will also push to get a hawker centre up and running in Bishan, he added.
Speaking at a rally at Bishan Stadium on April 30, he also spoke about completed projects, including estate upgrading.
Mr Chee said that in the last five years, there have been many improvements in the estate, with input from residents. For instance, facilities for residents to stay active and healthy have been beefed up, such as the ActiveSG Gym in front of the Toa Payoh West Market.
Future plans, he added, include the completion of the Toa Payoh Integrated Development (TPID) by 2030 or 'one or two years earlier if possible'. It will be built on the site of the former Toa Payoh Sport Centre, which closed on Oct 31, 2023.
TPID will be home to the public library and town park, apart from the polyclinic and regional sports centre. Mr Chee said the new polyclinic will also offer women and children's health services.
He added that when the library moves over to the new development, the existing library site and surrounding area, including the open air carpark, can be redeveloped.
He said: 'We have an opportunity with this move to work with the government agencies to reimagine and rejuvenate this area in Toa Payoh Central. And I hope it can bring more vibrancy and better services for all our residents.'
At the general election on May 3, Mr Chee will helm the PAP team which also comprises Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Ms Elysa Chen and Mr Cai Yinzhou against the Singapore People's Party.
In his speech, Mr Chee paid tribute to Dr Ng Eng Hen and Mr Chong Kee Hiong – both of whom were Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MPs.
He said: 'I'm very grateful to Dr Ng for his mentorship, and for his guidance since I joined politics 10 years ago in 2015.
'I would also like to thank my colleague Mr Chong Kee Hiong. Kee Hiong is retiring from politics after 10 years of service. And I want to thank him for his service and his contributions to Bishan-Toa Payoh residents, especially those who stay in his division, Bishan East-Sin Ming.'
Mr Chee added that he hopes to follow in Dr Ng's footsteps and serve in Bishan-Toa Payoh until he retires.
If elected, he and his team will be on the ground starting next week, and Meet-the-People Sessions will start on May 6, he said.
In his rally speech, Mr Saktiandi, who was first elected to Parliament in 2015, said that apart from his work in the estate, he has also raised residents' concerns in the House.
He said: 'From pushing for anti-discrimination laws in employment, to advocating for retirement adequacy, support for single parents, clarifications on the Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB sales for minorities and other issues, I made sure your voices were heard.'
The two new faces in the team – Ms Chen and Mr Cai – spoke about their experiences in the social sector and how they would serve Bishan-Toa Payoh residents if they get elected.
Mr Cai said that for 10 years now, he has given free haircuts and helped seniors in Dakota Crescent with relocation to rebuild social ties, and has managed several active ageing centres, including one in Bishan.
If elected, he said he will work with schools on intergenerational projects, get volunteers to teach seniors digital skills, and work with businesses to provide health screenings, workshops and events pro bono or at low cost.
Ms Chen – executive director of the CampusImpact charity that helps disadvantaged youth – said she may be new to Bishan-Toa Payoh, but she is not new to working with youth and families.
Her plans include a focus on residents whose needs may not be easily identified, including middle-income families that are sandwiched between taking care of the needs of young children as well as their elderly parents.
Minister of State for Manpower and Education Gan Siow Huang, who will contest the Marymount single seat against PSP candidate Jeffrey Khoo, said her team has helped residents struggling with day-to-day issues, including organising 11 jobs and skills fairs in Marymount in the last five years.
Ms Gan, who entered politics at the 2020 polls, has also been helping residents with mental health conditions and disabilities, including working with social enterprises like Bizlink to provide more tailored support for jobs and training. 'Whether you're starting out, mid-career or exploring a change, I hope to support that journey,' she said.
Wrapping up the rally, Mr Chee also touched on challenges facing Singapore, including how the global environment is getting more difficult, uncertain and turbulent.
He said: 'This is not the first crisis that we are facing as a nation, and with your support, we can overcome this crisis again.
'We have the experience, we have the know-how to chart a course for the way forward. A way forward through choppy waters, because we know how to tackle challenges with real solutions.
'With the support of Singaporeans, we get things done, we look after our people, we improve lives, and we will build a better future for you and your family.'
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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