Repurposing Spaces at Senja Road

Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council, People’s Association, Zhenghua-Senja View Residents’ Committee

Residents gave feedback about smoking near a coffee shop in Senja at an open space nearby which was under-utilised. 

As the precinct's demographics consist of young families, the Town Council and Zhenghua-Senja View RC members decided to review the use of the under-utilised site and the feasibility of constructing playgrounds at the open space. At the same time, they sought to prevent smokers from smoking at the area and create more useful and child-friendly facilities for residents.

The construction took five months and was opened in January 2022. The playgrounds have since been well-received among parents and children. The smoking incidents within the vicinity reduced by at least 50% and the team is working on ways to reduce it further, improving the environment for some 1,400 units in the area.

The area before it was repurposed.

The area after it was repurposed. 

Grassroots Advisor frequently walks the ground to assess how the situation has improved.

Repurposing and segregating the area have helped reduce smokers and move them away from the area.