ARE HDB NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES STILL RELEVANT TODAY?

Abstract

Neighbourhood centres in Singapore are important commercial and social nodes in new towns that provide for the basic needs and necessities of residents, as well as a space to interact. The changes in the retail landscape in Singapore over the years have led to an evolution of neighbourhood retail nodes. In order to be able to compete with the rising private suburban malls, the development of HDB neighbourhood centres has evolved from Traditional Neighbourhood Centres (TNCs) to New Generation Neighbourhood Centres (NGNCs). This study can contribute to literature by providing a deeper understanding on the relevance of HDB neighbourhood centres today, through three aspects: economic, social and physical. The study narrowed down on four neighbourhood centres in Jurong West Planning Area to provide a more comprehensive analysis. The economic sustainability of neighbourhood shops was assessed through analysis of the period of operation of the shops. Shopkeepers were interviewed for their period of operation. Through the use of a structured questionnaire, residents living within a 400 metre radius of the selected neighbourhood centres were surveyed on the interaction factors on integration, and attraction attributes of neighbourhood centres on their preference in type of neighbourhood centre. Analysis of the data was carried out through independent samples t-tests, ordered logistic and logistic regression models. The results of the analysis showed that TNC shops were more economically sustainable as compared to NGNC shops. Social interactions with shopkeepers and neighbours were found to affect integration level. Residents in TNCs were also significantly more integrated than those in NGNCs. Majority of the respondents had a preference for TNCs, and this was found to be related to the presence of wet markets, hawker centres, and open spaces. Policy makers can better understand the implications to provide for the social needs of residents while developing neighbourhood centres that suit their current needs.