Gillman Forest is part of the Southern Ridges. Another megaproject Great Southern Waterfront (GSW) is only 1 km away with plenty of development planned. 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.

*NEW* Gov study reports and project's Public Feedback link are open to public for comments until 6 August 2026!

EIA gov environmental study reported 293 flora species and 178 fauna species, including 33 of conservation significance. Sustainability and climate change resilience parameters such as urban heating, windbreaks, air quality etc were excluded from the EIA environmental study.

👉  Send in your opinion via the official Gillman public feedback links for Environment and Heritage before 6 August.

👉  Organise open public dialogue with the gov agencies. Is it too late to reconsider Gillman development project? See petition update regarding one on 30 July 7:30PM

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 your MP  👉 Send in your opinion via the Gillman Barracks public feedback link before 6 August 2026.
 

5 Reasons to preserve Gillman Barracks and the Gillman Forest:

1. Large amount of new housing in the pipeline at Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) just 1 km away. The Berlayar project alone will provide 9000+ new housing. And more GSW areas have been designated for residential use -- the official GSW masterplan spans 30 km of Singapore's coastline.

Other new housing projects nearby: Telok Blangah Beacon 1km, Stirling Horizon 2.5km, Telok Blangah Residences 3km, Alexandra Peaks 4km. These constructions have started.

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. ” Video courtesy of a resident:

3. Increasingly warmer Singapore needs the passive cooling effect provided by forests. 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 spaces and an active, healthier SG: Telok Blangah Archery Club TBAC is the Singapore's only open field archery practice venue, members include national team athletes. The Academy of Singapore Teachers also has a running track that could be preserved as part of a sports enclave. Data-backed evidence shows that lush green spaces directly correlates 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 called phytoncides which boost and strengthen immune systems. 

5. The historical value of this land parcel pre-dates the British era: An archived historical map of Singapore depicts minor archaeological ruins in the hill forest next to Gillman Barracks. And NEW history in the making: In the international art scene, the Gillman forest made the acclaimed 2024 Venice Biennale; by Singaporean artist Robert Zhao'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. 

PETITION SUMMARY:  Megaproject development is already in the pipeline at the Greater Southern Waterfront, located only 1km from Gillman. Other ongoing housing projects nearby: Telok Blangah Beacon 1km, Stirling Horizon 2.5km, Telok Blangah Residences 3km, Alexandra Peaks 4km. 
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.