The Singapore Racecourse in Kranji will be closing its doors for good by March 2027, as announced by the Government on June 5. The large 120-ha site will then be used for housing and other developments. Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex, says that the move is reflective of the adaptability in the Government’s approach to managing land use. With land being scarce in Singapore, there are multiple competing needs for space.

Huttons Asia’s Senior Director of Research Lee Sze Teck believes that this land parcel is too small to be categorised as a new standalone township, however it will extend the already mature Woodlands HDB town. It is possible that up to 30,000 new homes could potentially be built on the site, should the development plans have a gross plot ratio of 2.8 and an average unit size of 1,000 sq ft.

By adding three interchange stations, the JRL is also expected to significantly reduce travelling time for residents of JCube Residence, Jurong East, in particular. In addition, residents of Jurong Condo will benefit from the improved efficiency and capacity of the rail network, rather than relying on road transport. With the launch of the JRL, the improved connectivity without the need to drive provides convenience and more accessibility for residents of Jurong Condos.

Eugene Lim, Key Executive Officer of ERA Realty Network, believes there are viable locations within the master plan that may be suitable for development. He points to the western end of the land parcel along Turf Club Avenue as a top contender, potentially suitable for low-rise condominiums or landed plots. He adds that the rest of the site could be filled with the likes of nature, sports, F&B, retail and leisure facilities to complement the residential uses.

Gafoor believes that the redevelopment of Kranji will help to introduce much needed support for industries in the Woodlands Regional Centre in Singapore’s North. It is also noted by Lee that the closure of the Singapore Turf Club, which was founded in 1842, will provide the opportunity to rethink how to position Woodlands for the future and act as a catalyst to propel it forward.