What’s Going on with the Flat at Block 212?
Picture this: you’re retired, the house is paid off, and suddenly the Housing Board drops a bombshell – your four‑room condo is slated for takeover to make room for a bigger Woodlands Checkpoint. That’s exactly what gave retired technician Aluwi Mohammedan a heart attack.
Aluwi and his wife have called Block 212 in Marsiling Crescent home for a solid 20 years. The news came on Thursday (May 26) when HDB officers knocked on his door, explaining that their little slice of Singapore would be acquired.
Why the HDB is Acting Now
- Blocks 210‑218 in Marsiling Crescent and Marsiling Lane are part of a nine‑block expansion project.
- The goal is to clear traffic bottlenecks and accommodate an expected boom in traffic volume.
- All 732 sold flats and 53 rental units in the area will be covered.
The Big Deal for Residents
The regulators promise new replacement houses located on Woodlands Street 13, each with a fresh 99‑year lease. Compensation will be on par with the Selective En‑bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), i.e., based on current market value.
However, move‑in deadlines are tight:
- Residents must vacate by the second quarter of 2028.
- Sign-ups for replacement flats open in Q1 2023.
- Expected completion: Q4 2027.
Aluwi’s Real‑World Takeaway
Aluwi lives in a 1,100‑sq‑ft corner flat together with his wife, mother, and four children. Why this matters: it’s a big space with a sea view – not something the new flats can offer. He worried about finding a similar sized unit and about the headaches of moving, not to mention the long‑time friendships he’s built in the neighborhood.
Other Residents Speak Out
- Madam Devi Pushpaanthan, 55, works as a packer. “I’ve got a piano and a dance floor for my grandchildren – I’m scared the new flat will feel cramped.” She’s been at Block 213 for 32 years.
- Student Muhammad Zulhilmi Zainal, 22, noted the shock his parents felt because they didn’t understand the sudden flip of ownership.
- Madam Loh Swee Fang, 63, lives in Block 212 for over two decades and is thrilled about the upgrade. “The floors are already cracked; I’m excited for modern facilities, fitness stations, a childcare centre, and a pavilion!” she says, though she’s wary that the new flats might be smaller.
Bottom Line
In short, the HDB plans to free the space for the new checkpoint, a move that will inevitably shake up long‑time residents. While some see it as a wave of fresh opportunity, many are already anxious about relocation logistics, lost networks, and the “what‑if” of a downsized home. But one thing is clear: Singapore’s streets will be smoother, at least for the traffic that flows through the new Woodlands Checkpoint.]
HDB’s Surprise Package for Blocks 212‑218
Heads up, Singapore: the Housing & Development Board has just handed out the same sweet perks that anyone in the Selective En‑Bloc Redevelopment Scheme gets to Blocks 212–218. Think of it as a “rebuild with a side of free pizza” deal—though the pizza is really a new building, not a restaurant.
Owner Reactions
- Serene Tay, 46 – Sales pro, Block 212 resident since 2016
“My kitchen ceiling keeps doing its own ‘collapse’ show. So, if we’re finally moving, I’m literally thrilled” - Goh Yong Chye, 68 – Retired businessman, lives in Block 217
“I’ve had the airport on my mind for a second. Good news: I can escape and relocate to Tampines. Also, no more sweating over a weird renovation plan for my Woodlands flat.”
What Gets Hacked?
That is, we’re not just reskinning the blocks. The acquisition also touches:
- 1 rental kiosk
- 6 rental shops
- 1 rental eating house
Food Connect Ahead of the Move
Yassin Kampung Seafood may call it “the big splash” in the culinary scene. Their spokesperson at Block 210, Marsiling Crescent, said: “Honestly, I was shook. But we’re not losing anyone—our team will just resettle somewhere else in Woodlands.”
So, in short: HDB’s plan might feel like a tough cashier but it’s pretty close to a free upgrade—no nuts, no bolts, just a fresh home (and plenty of stories for the next generation).
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