HDB Unveils Masterplan for Berlayar Estate at Former Keppel Club Site
An artist’s impression of the upcoming Berlayar housing estate. (Image: HDB)
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) has unveiled the masterplan for Berlayar Estate, a new waterfront residential district on the site of the former Keppel Club. This marks the first phase of development under the Greater Southern Waterfront initiative, a major urban transformation that will reshape Singapore’s southern coastline.
Announced by Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, the Berlayar Estate will deliver a blend of public and private housing, green spaces, and community amenities, all designed with sustainability and liveability in mind.
10,000 New Homes Planned
When fully developed, Berlayar Estate will house around 10,000 new homes, including approximately 7,000 public housing units and 3,000 private residences.
The first Build-To-Order (BTO) project, named Berlayar Residences, will be launched in October 2025. It will feature about 870 flats across various unit types — from 2-room Flexi to 4-room units — alongside 200 public rental flats to cater to a range of households and income levels.
Green and Waterfront Living
Spanning roughly 48 hectares, Berlayar Estate is envisioned as a garden-by-the-waterfront that celebrates nature, heritage, and modern urban living.
About 10 hectares, or nearly 20% of the land area, will be dedicated to parks and green corridors, weaving through residential and community spaces.
Four green corridors will weave through Berlayar estate, serving as green respite and recreational areas for residents, while facilitating ecological connectivity between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve. (Image: HDB)
Four main green corridors, each between 30 to 60 metres wide, will connect the estate seamlessly to the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve.
These corridors will not only support biodiversity but also offer residents scenic walking and cycling routes that link to nearby nature trails.
The BTO blocks in Berlayar will be designed with staggered heights, forming a distinctive terracing skyline along Singapore’s southern coast. (Image: HDB)
To complement its natural surroundings, the estate’s building design will feature staggered heights, stepping down toward green areas to create an open skyline and preserve coastal and ridge views.
Honouring Local Heritage
The name “Berlayar” draws inspiration from “Batu Berlayar”, which means “Sailing Rock” in Malay — a granite outcrop that once stood near Keppel Harbour and served as a landmark for sailors.
The design of the playgrounds in Berlayar Residences is inspired by the smooth-coated otters and their natural habitats found in the area. (Image: HDB)
Reflecting this maritime heritage, the estate will incorporate nautical design elements and motifs inspired by the area’s history.
Public spaces, playgrounds, and community areas will showcase artistic references to marine life and local fauna, strengthening residents’ sense of place and connection to the site’s identity.
Excellent Connectivity and Amenities
Residents of Berlayar Estate will enjoy excellent accessibility, with most homes located within a 10-minute walk to MRT stations such as Telok Blangah and Labrador Park.
The estate will also be designed as a car-lite community, featuring dedicated walking and cycling paths that connect seamlessly to public transport nodes.
Essential amenities — including preschools, retail shops, healthcare services, and eateries — will be conveniently located within the neighbourhood, supporting the government’s vision of creating self-sufficient and vibrant towns.
Sustainable and Environmentally Sensitive Design
HDB shared that the estate’s development was guided by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem.
Key sustainability measures include:
- Green roofs and energy-efficient building designs
- Rain gardens and bioswales for better stormwater management
- Strategic building orientation to reduce heat gain and enhance wind flow
These initiatives will help preserve biodiversity, improve residents’ comfort, and reduce the estate’s overall carbon footprint — aligning with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
Building a Sustainable Urban Future
The unveiling of Berlayar Estate’s masterplan marks a significant step in Singapore’s long-term vision for the Greater Southern Waterfront — transforming former industrial and golf course lands into a thriving, sustainable residential hub.
With its mix of public and private housing, extensive greenery, and waterfront setting, Berlayar Estate is set to become a model for future HDB towns, offering a balanced lifestyle that harmonizes urban vibrancy, nature, and heritage.
