The Singapore government announced plans to develop housing at Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest to address the country’s housing needs over the next decade [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The proposal follows a four-week public consultation period from July 10 to August 6, 2026, which gathered feedback from residents and stakeholders [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said the government will proceed with development but takes a careful approach on how the sites are built. He noted, "This could involve adjustments to the development layout and the amount of greenery and heritage to conserve" and added, "We will proceed, but how we build is important" [1]. Tan also said the government must make decisions "based on the best interest of Singapore and Singaporeans" [6].
Many alternative sites suggested by residents have already been allocated for other housing or national uses, face redevelopment restrictions, or are unavailable. For example, the former ITE HQ in Dover and a Cross Island MRT line worksite near Sunset Way are earmarked for redevelopment [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Maju Camp remains needed for national defense and cannot be converted for housing at present [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) has been involved in planning discussions to balance development with environmental concerns, including protecting the Maju Forest area. MSE Minister Grace Fu said the ministry works collaboratively with the Ministry of National Development, emphasizing there is no internal disagreement: "For any one of us standing in front of here presenting a position to Government, the rest of us are in support, so I think if a WP member is hoping for a fight between ministers, I think they will be disappointed" [6].
Some Members of Parliament and residents raised questions about the consultation impact, transparency, environmental preservation, and whether all alternative sites have been fully exhausted. Nineteen MPs addressed these concerns in Parliament on August 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The Depot Lane industrial estate near Gillman Barracks is also slated as part of future housing supply, though details remain less certain [1, 2, 3, 4].
After the public consultation closed on August 6, the government said it will continue to engage stakeholders and review all feedback before finalizing plans, allowing for possible changes to layout, greenery, and heritage conservation [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
