11 structures near former Bt Timah railway station being demolished
By Lip Kwok Wai, Channel NewsAsia, 25 Dec 2012.
Since last month, demolition works have been carried out on 11 small buildings and structures near the former Bukit Timah Railway Station.
The works are expected to be completed next month.
The structures include gate huts along the Rail Corridor at Bukit Gombak, Stagmont Ring, Sungei Kadut, Blackmore Drive and Tanglin Halt.
Many of the huts were work stations of railway workers previously.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) says the structures have been assessed to be structurally unsound, and are being demolished for safety reasons.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
Removal of structures along Rail Corridor [Announcements]
By SLA, 26 Nov 2012.
The Singapore Land Authority will be demolishing unsound buildings and structures along the rail corridor starting 26 November 2012. This is expected to be completed by 31 January 2013. For safety reasons, the public is advised to keep clear of the area.
Please refer to the list of FAQs for more details.
FAQs on the removal of buildings and structures along rail corridor
1. When will demolition work begin? What is the timeline?
The demolition works will begin on 26 November 2012. The works are expected to be completed by 31 January 2013.
2. How many buildings or structures will be demolished in total?
In total, 11 buildings and structures will be demolished. Some of these buildings/structures include two buildings and a gate hut at Gombak Gate, a temporary structure at Blackmore Drive and a gate hut at Sungei Kadut Gate. Read more
Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah Railway Stations open for short-term uses
4 April 2012 – The former Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS) and Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (TPRS) have received much public interest since last year. They were on the land formerly occupied by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which has reverted to the State. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has completed removal works along the former railway land, which has been levelled and turfed end of 2011.
2. Over the past few months, SLA has received several requests from the public to use the former BTRS and TPRS for community events, sports activities and exhibitions. SLA is pleased to announce that the former BTRS and TPRS are now open to individuals and organisations for ad-hoc activities and events, subject to SLA’s terms and conditions.
3. It is hoped that such activities and events will inject vibrancy and life to the two buildings and the surrounding area. Both the TPRS and the BTRS are a part of Singapore’s heritage, with the former being gazetted as a national monument, while BTRS has been conserved. Read more
More time for illegal ‘farmers’ at state land, Clementi Ave 4
Press Release from SLA
20 March 2012 – The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) recently received feedback from residents of Clementi Ave 4 on the frequent burning of leaves and branches on the State land near Block 305 Clementi Avenue 4which has affected the quality of air for the residents there and also poses a potential fire hazard. This State land was part of the land formerly occupied by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which has reverted to the State.
2. Upon investigations, apart from widespread burnt patches of ground, it was also found that some individuals had not only encroached on state land for their private purposes but also fenced up parcels of land for their exclusive use, and also illegally erected makeshift sheds and an outdoor toilet. Several stagnant ponds of water which are potential mosquito breeding grounds were also found. Read more
Let’s talk, SLA tells farmers
By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 14 Mar 2012.
The group of residents who have been farming on a patch of state land in Clementi Avenue 4 may now get a little breathing room.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which last week issued an eviction notice on the illegal vegetable garden, is now asking these farmers to come forward to discuss the issue.
If they fail to do this by March 20, their vegetable patches, the sheds and other structures there will be cleared.
An SLA spokesman said it has no choice but to do this, because public health and safety issues – from mosquitoes and air pollution from the burning of leaves on the site – have been raised.
So far, three families have identified themselves.
Meanwhile, Ms Sim Ann, the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament overseeing the area, has offered to mediate.
Source: The Straits Times
Residents told to clear out “farm” on state land
By Olivia Siong, Channel NewsAsia, 13 Mar 2012.
The authorities are hoping to engage those who have been illegally using a plot of state land at Clementi Avenue 4.
Residents have been farming at the 1,800 square metre site for almost 30 years, but they are now being ordered by the Singapore Land Authority to move out by March 20.
And for residents like Lester Yeong, they are hoping that a compromise can be reached between the authorities and residents.
Mr Yeong and his family have been farming in the area for about two years. They spend about two to three hours daily at the plot and have planted about 20 species of fruits and vegetables there.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
Group told to clear out ‘farm’ on state land
By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 10 Mar 2012.
For three decades, a group of Clementi residents have tended to a garden in their neighbourhood, coaxing harvests of bittergourd, sweet potato and jackfruit from the soil, mostly for their own dinner tables.
But their ‘farm’ sits on state land.
On Tuesday, they were told by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to clear out by March 20 – in two weeks.
The plot in question is bounded by a portion of the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line, the Sungei Ulu Pandan canal, Clementi Avenue 4 and Clementi Avenue 6.
A notice from the SLA has been posted on the door of the outhouse on the farm, announcing that these ‘farmers’ had trespassed on state land by erecting an illegal structure and cultivating crops illegally.
Source: The Straits Times via Wildsingapore
Rail Corridor is now accessible to the public [Press Release]
9 January 2012 – The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has completed removal works along the former railway land. The railway tracks and ancillary structures were handed over to Malaysia on schedule by 31 December 2011, as agreed. The land has been levelled and turfed.
2. From today onwards, the public can enjoy free access to the Rail Corridor, with the exception of three sites along the Rail Corridor and the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (TPRS).
Three new community use sites
3. Following the opening of the former Bukit Timah Railway Station and railway land extending 1.4km southwards from the steel bridge along Bukit Timah Road to the public on 16 September 2011, SLA has identified three sites along the Rail Corridor and adjacent vacant state land for interim community use. These sites are near Jalan Hang Jebat, Ghim Moh Road and Kampong Bahru Flyover. Maps showing the locations of the community use sites are at Annex A.
4. SLA is carrying out improvement works at these sites, which have been cordoned off for safety reasons. The sites will be progressively opened for interim community use from April 2012. The public will be able to enjoy free access to these sites for recreational activities with no advance booking required. These sites will be available until the long term development plans for the Rail Corridor and its immediate surroundings have been determined. More information on community use sites can be found on http://www.sla.gov.sg/htm/ser/ser0208.htm.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
5. TPRS will remain closed at this time to enable SLA to carry out maintenance works and structural inspection. Information on its re-opening will be provided to the public in due course.
6. The public are advised to exercise caution and be responsible for their own safety when accessing the Rail Corridor. They are also reminded not to litter or deface the railway structures.
Development plans for the Rail Corridor
7. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is undertaking a comprehensive review of development plans for the former railway land and their surrounding areas. As part of its review, URA will study the proposal to maintain a continuous green link along the Rail Corridor while balancing the need for development. The public is welcome to provide suggestions and ideas on the future use of the Rail Corridor to enhance our living environment. For more information, please log onto http://www.ura.gov.sg/railcorridor.
Source: SLA
Old Bukit Timah Railway Station to be opened to public
By Esther Ng, Today, 3 Sep 2011.
Allaying concerns that the removal of the KTM railway tracks would damage the flora and fauna, Law Minister K Shanmugam yesterday invited nature groups and the media to view a stretch of the tracks and the old Bukit Timah Railway Station, which will be opened to the public on Sept 16.
Mr Shanmugam said: “I’ve been assured, in this area, that none of the trees have been taken down. (There is) very little damage to the vegetation … I think people can see for themselves.”
The 1.4km stretch to be re-opened starts southwards from the steel bridge along Bukit Timah Road and runs past the old station, which will be conserved.
Source: Today
Part of KTM railway land to be reopened
By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 3 Sep 2011.
Those who flocked to Bukit Timah railway station in the wake of the closure of the Tanjong Pagar station can do so again from Sept 16.
A 1.4km stretch in Bukit Timah of the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway land is the first section to have rail-removal works completed and will be reopened to the public.
But the tracks and equipment at the Bukit Timah railway station and the black steel bridge across Bukit Timah Road have been retained.
The 26km tract from Woodlands to Tanjong Pagar reverted to Singapore in July, and as agreed with Malaysia, most tracks and other structures are being removed and returned by Dec 31. The stretch is also being turfed over.
