Twenty vacant school sites in Singapore transformed into controversial co-living spaces
- Over the past five years, 20 former school sites have been returned to the Singapore Land Authority.
- Of the returned sites, nine have been allocated for public development projects.
- These actions showcase Singapore's commitment to optimizing land use for community and social benefits.
In Singapore, the management of vacant school sites has undergone significant changes in recent years. A total of 20 such sites have been returned to the Singapore Land Authority since 2019, reflecting the trend of school mergers in the nation. This transition has been highlighted by both the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) in their updates regarding the number of vacant school properties and their future plans. Among these sites, nine were allocated to public agencies to pursue development projects across various sectors, including healthcare and housing. Approximately half of the 11 remaining sites have been designated for adaptive reuse, contributing to community facilities, educational purposes, and healthcare accommodations. For instance, the former Loyang Primary School has been repurposed into a childcare center operated by NTUC First Campus, catering to the needs of local families by providing both childcare and infant care slots. In the broader scope, these initiatives illustrate a strategic approach to land management to ensure that properties abandoned due to school mergers can serve community needs effectively. The management of these vacant school sites also aligns with government objectives to optimize state properties for social and economic purposes. Carrie Wong, the director of SLA’s business planning and development division, emphasized that if there are no immediate plans for the land, the SLA seeks to utilize these properties meaningfully according to market demands. This indicates a more proactive stance in land management, engaging the community and addressing emerging needs through innovative uses of former school buildings. The evolving landscape of education and community needs in Singapore underscores the importance of transforming vacant properties into spaces that welcome diverse community activities. By reimagining former school sites, the government not only addresses the issues of land underutilization but also fosters community spirit and support for essential services. Such endeavors promote a sustainable approach to urban planning and community development in Singapore.