Answer:

In the planning of mature estates such as Dakota Crescent, we have to find a balance between preserving the built heritage and identity of the area, and injecting new facilities and homes to rejuvenate the precinct.

To understand what was important to the community, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) engaged the Grassroots Advisor, Grassroots Leaders, community and heritage interest groups, residents, and other relevant stakeholders. A common feedback was that the central courtyard, where the Dove Playground was located, holds special meaning for the residents as it was where they used to gather.

The central courtyard includes a cluster of six blocks which contains all the distinctive building typologies and architectural features of the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats found in the estate. Hence the decision to keep the central courtyard and the six blocks.

We have received suggestions for the central cluster of buildings to be put to civic and institutional-related uses. This is currently being studied. The Government will continue to work closely with the relevant stakeholders in planning such uses. The remaining land will be redeveloped and intensified for public housing.