An OPA Workgroup, chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, also recommended heritage elements such as the trusses of the old drill shed (ODS) and starter blocks of a 50m by 30m Olympic sized-swimming pool to be preserved and incorporated into the estate.
The ODS, one of the earliest buildings to be constructed in the OPA, was designed as an outdoor training space, and used for events and activities such as foot drills, medal ceremonies and band performances.
“HDB will explore how it can weave these elements into the design of the new housing estate in a sensitive manner. For example, the swimming pool starter blocks could be re-purposed as street furniture, giving them a new lease of life,” it said.
“Specifically for Mount Pleasant, studies and engagements began in 2018, seven years before the launch of the first BTO project in 2025.”
HDB added that for buildings or spaces that cannot be retained due to development needs or technical constraints, it will still retain and keep their heritage significance.
This will be done by referencing their architectural elements in the new developments and incorporating certain physical elements as street furniture or markers.