Safeguarding Minimum Void Deck Space for Community Use
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will safeguard minimum void deck space for community use and fund social amenities at standalone sites or neighbourhood shopping centres. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong replied that void decks serve as common social spaces, enhanced since 2014 by "community living rooms" for resident interaction. He stated that Social Communal Facilities (SCFs) are integrated into new housing developments with funding provided by respective ministries, while HDB safeguards additional space for future needs. These safeguarded spaces are located in void decks or multi-storey car parks, with their size and quantum determined by the specific precinct size. Where such spaces are insufficient, HDB collaborates with other agencies to identify suitable locations within the community, including at HDB-run neighbourhood shopping centres.
Transcript
55 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider safeguarding a minimum void deck space in each precinct as common spaces for social uses and funding neighbourhood social amenities, such as Senior Activity Centres, Senior Care Centres and Residents' Committees to be set up at standalone sites or at HDB-run neighbourhood shopping centres.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Generally, void deck space is common space for social use. Since 2014, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has enhanced such spaces by introducing the "community living room", which are designated communal areas at the void decks with two to three sets of tables and seats for residents to meet and chat. Residents can also use the precinct pavilions for larger activities, such as block parties and community functions.
For Social Communal Facilities (SCFs), such as Senior Activity Centres, Senior Care Centres and childcare centres, HDB works closely with the relevant Ministries and agencies to integrate them with new public housing developments. The funding for the construction of such SCFs at void decks is provided by the respective Ministries and agencies.
In cases where the need for SCFs is not yet established during the planning of new developments, HDB will safeguard space in areas, such as the void decks or multi-storey car parks, so that SCFs can be provided subsequently when the need arises. The location, size and quantum of these safeguarded spaces depend on the size of the HDB precinct. In cases where such safeguarded spaces are not sufficient, HDB will work with other agencies to identify suitable space in the community, including at HDB neighbourhood centres.