SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - URA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), has launched a 12,912.1 sqm (138,986 sq ft) site for sale by public tender. The residential site is for a pilot assisted living development with a range of housing-cum-care options to better cater to seniors’ diverse lifestyles, preferences and housing needs, says URA.

According to the latest Population in Brief report, Singapore citizens aged 65 and above increased to 18.4% in June 2022, from 17.6% a year ago. By 2030, it is projected that 23.8% or about one in four Singapore citizens will be aged 65 and above.

The government has introduced public assisted living developments (community care apartments) to better support seniors to live independently within the community. The first public assisted living flats of 169 units were launched in Bukit Batok in February 2021. The second pilot public assisted living development with 200 community care apartments will be at Queenstown’s upcoming Health District.

These HDB developments integrate senior-friendly housing with care services which can be scaled according to seniors’ changing care needs, says URA. “The aim is to offer seniors a living environment that enables independence and creates deliberate opportunities for social bonding,” according to the release. (Find HDB flats for rent or sale with our Singapore HDB directory)

The site at Parry Avenue is designated for private assisted living development, with the flexibility of either developing flats or a combination of flats and landed houses. The site is on a 60-year lease and located within Rosyth Estate. The development will include a neighbourhood park and is located near dining and shopping amenities, such as Serangoon North Neighbourhood Centre and Heartland Mall. It offers a conducive environment for seniors to live independently within an established residential neighbourhood.

The development has a maximum height of five storeys, with a minimum gross floor area (GFA) of 16,270 sqm (175,130 sq ft) and maximum GFA of 18,077 sqm (194,581 sq ft). At least 60% of the maximum GFA shall be for assisted living use, including individual living units and communal spaces. At least 20% of the maximum GFA shall be for health and medical care use, which includes the mandatory provision of 100 nursing home beds.

The government is inviting interested tenderers to submit proposals of innovative assisted living models that can provide a range of services such as active ageing activities, housekeeping and regular care assessments that support seniors' changing needs. The tender will be based on both concept and private revenue, to ensure that the selected concept proposal is aligned with the vision for the private assisted living development. The tender will close at 12 noon on 21 March 2023.

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