SINGAPORE — A plan to launch 330 Build-to-Order (BTO) units in Bukit Merah this month has been deferred to enable the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to study how it can better integrate the new flats with the surrounding developments.

This is to “provide greater convenience to both existing and future residents”, said the HDB spokesperson in response to TODAY’s queries, without providing further details. The spokesperson added that the eventual number of units and flat mix will be announced when the BTO project is ready for launch.

The area for the housing project is bounded by Telok Blangah Drive and Telok Blangah Street 32 and Street 31. The surrounding amenities include a hawker centre, wet market, supermarket and tuition centres. The area also has a mix of older flats and new BTO blocks that are under construction.

Analysts interviewed by TODAY noted that the whole Telok Blangah area has been earmarked for future development over the next decade, with the nearby Keppel Club to be demolished, and port activities to be moved to Tuas.

With Telok Blangah expected to be more vibrant because of upcoming developments, the town planners will have to consider how the new flats and upcoming amenities fit into the overall masterplan, said Mr Chris Koh, director of property firm Chris International.

Chief executive of Century 21 Ku Swee Yong also noted that Telok Blangah is a popular area for home buyers given its proximity to the city centre. And since it is an estate with several older blocks, many changes are expected in the coming years, and “the landscape of Telok Blangah would be significantly different in 20 years”, he noted. Ng Jing Yng and Noor Asyraf Kamil