Assessment of Parking Demand in New Estates and Framework for Temporary Conversion of Underused Carpark Spaces for Community Uses

50 Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for National Development (a) how long does HDB typically take to assess that parking demand in a new estate has stabilised; and (b) pending the stabilisation of demand, whether HDB will consider a framework for temporarily converting persistently underused carpark spaces for community uses where they can be reinstated for parking if demand rises.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board prefers not to convert car park spaces to other uses during the initial years after the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is over, as parking demand would take several years to stabilise after the MOP with new residents moving into the estate. Converting parking spaces prematurely could result in parking shortages for residents. It is also not a good use of public funds to convert from car park to alternative use and then converting back to car park use if parking demand subsequently rises.

As car parks are built for vehicle parking, any change of use is subject to technical considerations including fire safety requirements, exit capacity and structural loading and would need to be carefully assessed to ensure that the intended activities can be carried out safely.