Written answer by Ministry of National Development on Considerations in Repurposing Use of HDB Blocks' Void Deck Space

Feb 5, 2025

Question No: 7164

Question by: Ms He Ting Ru

To ask the Minister for National Development in view of the changing void deck and common space use in HDB residential estates (a) whether HDB is actively reviewing the repurposing of such spaces for different uses such as eateries; (b) what considerations will be taken into account when making such reviews; and (c) whether there are differences in approach between mature and non-mature estates.

Answer:

The community deck and common spaces in our HDB estates are designed to facilitate social interactions and community bonding. Social and community facilities such as childcare and eldercare centres are also located at community decks to meet the daily needs of residents. 

As community needs evolve over time, HDB does review the use of these common spaces from time to time in partnership with the local community.

On repurposing community deck and common spaces into commercial uses such as eateries, HDB evaluates such proposals to balance between the need for such amenities in addition to other provisions nearby, potential dis-amenities to residents, the sufficiency of remaining common spaces to facilitate community bonding, and relevant regulatory requirements. For instance, it may not be technically feasible to retrofit kitchen exhaust outlets at such spaces given the close proximity of residential units above. The evaluation process is common across both mature and non-mature estates.