New Mount Pleasant BTO Project Features Innovative “White Flats”

The first Build-to-Order (BTO) project in the upcoming Mount Pleasant housing estate will introduce home seekers to a new concept: “white flats.” These innovative units, which lack internal partitions and beams, aim to offer a flexible living space. The Mount Pleasant Crest project, set to launch in October 2023, will consist of approximately 1,350 two-room flexi, three-room, and four-room flats, in addition to 270 public rental units, totaling slightly over 1,600 flats.

This launch follows the introduction of similar “white flats” at Crawford Heights last October, where around four in ten buyers opted for the open-concept design. The Housing Development Board (HDB) announced that the Mount Pleasant project will exceed the initial projection of 1,500 units disclosed in March 2023. Plans for the entire area now include about 6,000 flats across four projects, up from the previously stated 5,000 units in six developments, reflecting a response to strong housing demand.

In a recent statement, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted that the Mount Pleasant estate will provide additional housing options for Singaporeans. He emphasized the importance of supporting young families who wish to live near their parents, fostering mutual care and support. Further details regarding the classification of the new flats will be revealed during the October sales exercise.

Preserving Historical Significance

The Mount Pleasant housing estate is being developed on a site that previously housed the Old Police Academy from 1929 to 2005. Recognizing the historical importance of the location, a multi-agency heritage study and environmental impact assessment were conducted. Authorities intend to integrate heritage elements into the new estate sensitively.

As part of this initiative, a section of the former parade square will be preserved as a public space, while six historic buildings will be conserved. This includes four blocks constructed between 1926 and 1930, which will be repurposed for various uses, such as a neighbourhood police post and a heritage gallery dedicated to the Singapore Police Force. Additionally, a block from 1931 will remain as a senior police officers’ mess, and another structure, originally established as a clinic in 1928, will be incorporated into future developments.

A sheltered pedestrian thoroughfare is also planned, designed to connect different precincts within the estate and inspired by the colonial architecture of the Old Police Academy. This “urban verandah” will feature a clay-coloured roof, white-painted columns, and louvred ventilation details, creating an inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core consideration in the development of the Mount Pleasant housing estate. The HDB intends to orient the blocks in a north-south direction to enhance natural ventilation and minimize solar heat gain whenever possible. Environmental studies focusing on wind flow and temperature will inform the design of the buildings, ensuring they are both functional and energy-efficient.

The homes will incorporate “smart and sustainable features” to promote environmentally friendly living. This includes dedicated bicycle racks, electric vehicle charging points in all car parks, and provisions for smart home solutions within each flat. Residents can also anticipate green spaces throughout the estate, including a new north-south pedestrian path lined with greenery, connecting Mount Pleasant Avenue to the Mount Pleasant MRT station.

The Mount Pleasant housing estate is envisioned as a “car-lite” town, with dedicated bus lanes, wider footpaths, and cycling paths to encourage public transport use and reduce reliance on cars. As the project progresses, HDB plans to launch additional developments in the coming years, further enriching the community and fostering a vibrant residential environment.