SINGAPORE: On 8 April, Leader of Opposition Pritam Singh, also the Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC, posed a Parliamentary question to Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong regarding the extension of the Sport-in-Precinct (SIP) scheme to Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates managed by opposition Town Councils.
Singh also sought clarification on the typical budget allocated for each project.
In his response, Tong did not directly confirm or deny whether the government intends to extend the scheme to HDB estates governed by opposition-controlled Town Councils.
Instead, Tong explained that while the government plans to develop more SIP facilities, the details of these plans would be announced once they were finalised.
“There are plans for the development of more SIP projects. We will announce the plans for these SIPs when the plans are firmed up,” Tong clarified in his written reply.
10 Completed SIP Facilities Across Singapore, Including Boon Lay, Sembawang, and Sengkang
The SIP scheme is one of several types of public sports facilities designed to provide Singaporeans with greater access to sporting amenities.
Currently, there are 10 completed SIP facilities located in areas such as Boon Lay, Sembawang, and Sengkang.
The development of these facilities is done at the national level, with planning taking into account various factors, including the nature of existing facilities, proximity to other sports and recreational sites, population size, and the popularity of specific sports, Tong explained.
Tong further elaborated that the cost of constructing an SIP facility depends on various factors, including market conditions at the time of tender and the specific size and type of the facility being built.
While costs vary, the overall goal is to ensure that public sports facilities are affordable and accessible to all Singaporeans, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Minister highlighted that resources for sports facilities are allocated to provide Singaporeans with convenient access to these spaces.
SportSG’s 21 Centres and Over 100 Community Clubs Expand Access to Sports Facilities
This includes not only the SportSG’s 21 comprehensive sports centres, which feature gyms and swimming pools, but also the over 100 community centres or clubs managed by the People’s Association.
Additionally, there are numerous free-to-play sports spaces located in residential estates, ensuring that sporting facilities are within easy reach for all residents.
Tong also reiterated that the MCCY continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to offer more access to sports and recreational facilities.
There are currently 393 operational facilities under the Dual Use Scheme, which makes school sports facilities available to the public after school hours.
The government will continue working with other agencies to meet the evolving needs of the community, Tong assured.
24 New SIP Facilities Planned, with Ongoing Construction and Renovations Across Singapore
Last month, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for MCCY Eric Chua provided an update on the Sports Facilities Master Plan (SFMP) during the MCCY Committee of Supply debate.
As part of the plan, 24 new SIP facilities are slated to be built in the coming years, with six currently under construction. These include locations in Keat Hong, Tampines North, Pasir Ris East, Whampoa, Ulu Pandan, and Chua Chu Kang (Brickland).
Additionally, residents in Bedok, Ang Mo Kio, and Queenstown can expect new sports facilities by 2025, which will include two sheltered basketball courts and four open surface courts at the ActiveSG Sport Park in Bedok North.
Renovation works will also take place at Queenstown Sport Centre and ActiveSG Sport Park in Ang Mo Kio, previously known as the Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex.
By 2026, residents in Hougang and Punggol will see the completion of renovation works at the Hougang Sport Centre and the opening of the Punggol Regional Sport Centre, further enhancing access to sports facilities across the island.
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