Pasir Ris Mall to have polyclinic by end-2024, air-conditioned bus interchange in 2025

The new Pasir Ris Mall in Pasir Ris Central and its adjoining facilities, are part of efforts to upgrade amenities and expand healthcare and transport facilities. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

SINGAPORE - Pasir Ris residents now have a brand-new mall on their doorstep housing a yet-to-open polyclinic, and they will also get better transport links to the rest of the island with the opening of an integrated transport hub.

The new Pasir Ris Mall in Pasir Ris Central and its adjoining facilities are part of efforts to upgrade amenities and expand healthcare and transport facilities in the eastern neighbourhood.

The mall marks a major milestone in the rejuvenation of Pasir Ris town under HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme, said Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the mall’s official opening on July 22.

The ROH programme aims to renew older estates to make the heartland more sustainable and vibrant. It was announced for Pasir Ris in 2017, an estate that saw its first flats built 35 years ago.

“As our town has developed, the needs of our residents have also evolved,” noted Mr Teo, who was joined by fellow Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MPs Desmond Tan and Sharael Taha, as well as representatives of the mall’s joint developers Allgreen Properties and Kerry Properties.

“For example, many residents have asked for more shopping and eating choices, and for our facilities and neighbourhood spaces to be refreshed... but our residents also enjoy the greenery and serene surroundings in Pasir Ris.”

The 34,900 sq m mall has more than 150 retail, food and beverage and entertainment offerings over four floors, including one of the largest Cold Storage outlets in the heartland, a 24-hour Snap Fitness gym, as well as brand-name shops such as Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo and Canadian cafe chain Tim Hortons.

Pasir Ris residents have welcomed the new addition to the neighbourhood.

“Before the mall opened, White Sands was the only option in the area and I had to go to the malls in Tampines instead,” said Mr Rovan Navor, an auditor who has lived in the area for 15 years.

“But now the offerings are competitive and there’s so much variety... I’ve even (had friends) from outside of the neighbourhood coming here,” said Mr Rovan, who has frequented the mall four to five times a week since its soft opening in June.

Next in line is the opening of Pasir Ris Polyclinic, which will move from its current location in Pasir Ris Drive 4 to its bigger premises in the mall by the end of 2024.

The mall is also connected to the upcoming Pasir Ris Integrated Transport Hub. Besides an air-conditioned bus interchange opening in 2025, it will provide access to three MRT lines – the current East-West Line, the future Cross Island Line, and the Punggol Extension of the Cross Island Line.

The mall’s sheltered Town Plaza, set to be completed in 2026, can house large gatherings and community events. It will be easily accessible on foot, and by bicycle, bus or car, noted Mr Teo.

A 1.2km-long Central Greenway connecting the mall to Pasir Ris Park and its beach is also being opened progressively.

The scenic pathway for pedestrians and cyclists runs parallel to the MRT viaduct, through the town centre and its housing developments.

The 34,900 sq m mall has more than 150 retail, food and beverage and entertainment offerings over four floors. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

Mr Tan, who is also Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, told the media on the sidelines of the mall’s official launch: “We have integrated transportation and the connectivity between buses, MRT and also cycling (paths)... Pasir Ris is a cycling town and we want to have the provision for cyclists to end their trip here.”

Hence, to supplement the needs of residents and commuters, Pasir Ris Mall also has over 1,000 bicycle parking spaces and shower facilities in its basement.

Mr Tan said the various developments are also primed to meet the needs of the growing Pasir Ris community.

(From left) Mr Sharael Taha, Mr Desmond Tan and Mr Teo Chee Hean at the mall’s official opening on July 22.  ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

He added that Pasir Ris town’s current population of about 130,000 is expected to grow to 150,000 to 160,000 in the next five to 10 years, off the back of the development of two upcoming Build-To-Order projects and some private residences.

In his speech, Mr Teo also noted that the ROH programme continues alongside the scheduled or completed upgrading of Pasir Ris’ Housing Board precincts under schemes such as the HDB’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, lift replacement, and Home Improvement Programme.

Mr Tan said: “(2030) is when the Cross Island Line is targeted to be completed, and together with all the upgrading works... we hope to see a rejuvenated and vibrant Pasir Ris town for all our residents.”

Correction note: This article has been edited for clarity.

This article was originally published on The Straits Times Online News. Its inclusion on this website is solely for education purposes.