Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the People’s Association’s plans for the Eunos Community Club (CC); (b) why has the CC remained hoarded up and closed to Eunos residents for many years; and (c) when does the Ministry intend for it to be reopened for resident and community use.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: For all Community Clubs (CCs), the People’s Association (PA) maintains a periodic Upgrading and/or Cyclical Maintenance Programme to keep our CCs well-maintained, functional and fit-for-purpose. Eunos CC was selected for upgrading in 2023 under this programme.
A tender for upgrading works was called in September 2022. The scope of works included, the enhancement of existing spaces and also partial demolition and construction of a new four-storey block, which included a rooftop basketball court and extension of the multi-purpose hall with a new foyer. In anticipation of the impending upgrading works, Eunos CC was closed.
However, the tender bids for the upgrading works were returned at a substantially higher amount than had been expected. This was due in part to the increased construction costs immediately post-COVID and other factors. After an assessment, it was decided that it would not be prudent to proceed with the upgrading works at that time. Instead, in consultation with the Grassroots Advisor, PA decided to scale down the works to only essential ones, at a lower cost, and defer the other larger items to a later date.
The intention, subject to exigencies, is to complete these works and reopen the CC by Q4 2025 or early 2026.
In the period of time since the closure of Eunos CC in September 2022, the Eunos Cultural Centre has been used to serve residents’ needs and hosting regular community activities, events and programmes. This will continue until Eunos CC is reopened.
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
7 January 2025
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-na-18441
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 