Gillman is part of the Southern Ridges. The megaproject Great Southern Waterfront (GSW) is only 1 km away with plenty of development planned. Plus there's already 9 ongoing housing projects within a radius of 0.5km and 4km. Listed below.

We believe that building new housing at Gillman is an over-development. New housing should not come at the expense of Singapore's dwindling forests and unique community havens.

Is it truly impossible to plan the 47ha development in a way that keeps the existing 22ha forest and existing community nodes intact?

 

 

So many people have voiced out. Ordinary people ❤️ across Singapore. Singapore signed an international pledge to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, specifically for the reasons that the people are worried about.

• 2024: Gillman development intention announced
• 2025 URA Masterplan rezones Gillman from Reserve to Residential
• 2026: SG Climate Adaptation Planning announced. Isn't it wise to review past deforestation decisions?

It would not be criticised (in fact the public would be relieved!) if the government proceeds with extra caution and review past decisions of deforestation through the lens of 2026. Especially so in times of economic and energy uncertainty.

Simple assertion of words is not enough. A scientific study or methodology is needed -- if Singapore doesn't have that yet, now is the time to address that gap. Singapore's EIA or Environmental assessment framework excludes climate change resilience impacts.

Gillman housing plans involve clearing LARGE forested hill areas: See ①②③④ in the map below. ① is along the high ridgeline of Southern Ridges. ②③ currently form a contiguous forest with the nature reserve. ④① are connected too, with an elevated canopy walkway running through. 

EIA gov environmental study reported rich biodiversity of native and pioneer species in the 22ha hill forest: 293 flora species and 178 fauna species. 33 species of conservation significance: critically endangered, rare, vulnerable. Sustainability and climate change resilience parameters such as urban heating, stormwater risks, air quality etc were excluded from the EIA environmental study.

Do support and share this petition if you believe in preserving such spaces for current residents as well as future generations who will call Singapore home.

👉 Write to Ministry stakeholder
👉 Follow up with your MP
👉 *NEW* Gov calls for public feedback on SG Climate Adaptation Plans

 

A RARE BLEND: History, Nature, Culture & Social Heritage
Gillman housing site is a rare blend of high ecological value AND history. But let's not forget the living heritage of communities, culture, arts and what the bigger question of how the identity and future of Singapore should look like...

 

5 Reasons to preserve Gillman, Singapore:

1. Large amount of new housing in the pipeline at Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) just 1 km away. The Berlayar parcel alone will provide 10,000 new housing. And more GSW areas have been designated for residential use -- the official GSW masterplan spans 30 km of Singapore's coastline.

Need near-term housing? There are 7 ongoing HDB new housing projects nearby under construction: Telok Blangah Beacon 0.5km, Berlayar 1km, Queensway Canopy 2km, Queens Arc 2km, Stirling Horizon 2.5km, Bukit Merah Ridge 3.5km, Alexandra Peaks 4km; plus two new private projects: Terra Hill 1.5km, Telok Blangah Residences 3km

 

2. Rejuvenation project was underway. $2 Million spent in 2022. SLA Singapore Land Authority announced that Gillman Barracks will become a lifestyle enclave that benefits existing communities as well as the future GSW residents: “Gillman Barracks will be transformed into a vibrant creative lifestyle enclave. Families, cyclists, hikers, arts enthusiasts, nature lovers, as well as the working community and residents in Alexandra and Telok Blangah, and future residents at the earlier announced Greater Southern Waterfront, can look forward to experience varied offerings throughout the day. ” 

 

3. Increasingly warmer Singapore needs the passive cooling effect provided by forests. CNA reports that Singapore is heating up at twice the global rate despite innovative climate solutions and the One Million Trees program. 

Forests on elevated terrain like the Southern Ridges have amplified cooling effect well beyond the forest edges. Atmospheric systems do not differentiate between native and non-native species (which is what the EIA framework focuses on to evaluate forest value). Instead it is the forest canopy structure, total biomass volume, and tall trees density that are key. Fragmented greenery simply does not replicate the effects of a contiguous forest ecosystem. 

 

4. Community open spaces and an active, healthier SG: Creative communities, sports communities, and unique independent F&B of Gillman took years to build. Singapore's only open field archery practice is used by Telok Blangah Archery Club members including Singapore's national team athletes. When the population density of this neighbourhood increases with the GSW Greater Southern Waterfront, the Gillman enclave will be even more precious for the physical and mental health of the community. 

The conservation of such land is not a developmental loss, but rather a societal good in ST op-ed. Data backed evidence shows that lush green spaces directly correlate with lower cortisol levels, reduced blood pressure, and a significant drop in anxiety and stress. This is not merely psychological; mature forests release antimicrobial compounds phytoncides which boost and strengthen immune systems. 

 

5. The historical value of this land parcel pre-dates the British era: Telok Blangah has 700 years of history tied to the early Malay Kingdom and maritime trading. And NEW history in the making: In the international art scene, the Gillman forest made the acclaimed 2024 Venice Biennale in Singaporean artist's Seeing Forest

 

Now is the time to voice your thoughts! 

When the population density of this neighbourhood increases with the GSW Greater Southern Waterfront, the Gillman enclave will be even more precious for the physical and mental health of the community. 

 

 

SUMMARY:  Megaproject development is already in the pipeline at the Greater Southern Waterfront, located only 1km from Gillman. Other ongoing HDB housing projects nearby: Telok Blangah Beacon 0.5km, Queensway Canopy 2km, Queens Arc 2km, Stirling Horizon 2.5km, Bukit Merah Ridge 3.5km, Alexandra Peaks 4km; as well as another two private housing projects: Terra Hill 1.5km, Telok Blangah Residences 3km.

Isn't it better to continue the 2022 plan that preserves Gillman community enclave and the Gillman Forest? We say YES and that it would be wiser and more responsible too. Such places are precious for current and future generations who call Singapore home.

2026 update: HDB officially announces Gillman development on 10 July 2026. Most of Gillman Forest is marked for new housing. The western ridgeline of Southern Ridges, heritage buildings and a running track are marked for development as well.

2025 update: we are in contact with MND Ministry of National Development that oversees this plan. *Additional Update - two residents attended a closed-door meeting hosted by HDB officers overseeing the Gillman Barracks redevelopment plans. Our feedbacks were acknowledged but development is expected to continue.

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Thank you for your time and support.