Depot Lane Industrial Estate to Be Redeveloped into Future Residential Enclave by Q4 2025
Depot Lane industrial estate in Bukit Merah will be cleared by Q4 2025 to make way for new public housing. The 7.3ha site, managed by JTC and SLA, will support over 2,000 HDB flats under URA's master plan. Tenants offered relocation; housing to meet pent-up demand in the mature Redhill-Telok Blangah area.
Redevelopment of a Strategic 7.3ha Site in Bukit Merah for New Public Housing
The Depot Lane industrial estate, located within the Bukit Merah region, will be progressively vacated and cleared by the fourth quarter of 2025, in line with long-term residential planning under Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Master Plan. The redevelopment involves approximately 240 industrial units across eight blocks, along with six adjacent warehouses.
This strategic transformation marks a continued effort to optimize land use in mature estates and provide new housing options near the city fringe, aligning with national goals of decentralization and sustainability.
Site Overview & Zoning
The Depot Lane site spans 7.3 hectares and has been zoned for residential use under the URA’s land use planning framework. The gross plot ratio — which influences the permissible building height and density — is pending final evaluation. This redevelopment will replace long-standing industrial activities with new housing developments, expected to cater to Singapore's increasing housing demand.
Current Use and Transition
Originally developed in the 1970s, Depot Lane’s industrial estate was under the management of the Housing & Development Board (HDB) until its 2018 transfer to JTC Corporation, Singapore’s lead agency for industrial development.
In the same year, tenants were notified of the impending redevelopment and offered relocation packages, including alternative factory spaces at JTC Space @ Ang Mo Kio and Bedok Food City.
Warehouses on the same plot, owned by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), are leased to a master tenant, LHN Group, which in turn manages sub-tenants — all of whom are required to vacate by Q4 2025.
Challenges for Tenants and Businesses
Tenants who secured their spaces after the 2018 redevelopment announcement were informed in advance that replacement units would not be offered. Businesses with longer tenure under HDB’s prior management may qualify for relocation assistance and benefits under the Industrial Redevelopment Programme.
Despite the support, small businesses have raised concerns about the costs involved in relocating, outfitting new premises, and bidding for suitable industrial units in high-demand zones like Penjuru Close.
Future Housing Potential
Depot Lane lies strategically between Redhill and Telok Blangah, both established residential towns with robust transport and community infrastructure. The last BTO launch in this vicinity, Depot Heights, took place in 2012, and saw strong application rates, especially for 4-room units.
According to market estimates, if the site is developed at a plot ratio of 3.0, the land could potentially support over 2,000 new HDB flats — equivalent to approximately 10 football fields in area.
These units are likely to be classified under the Standard BTO category, which includes a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). While they may not enjoy the enhanced attributes of Plus or Prime categories, they remain highly desirable due to proximity to the city and nearby mature estate amenities.
Urban Planning Considerations
The transformation of Depot Lane into a residential enclave forms part of Singapore’s broader strategy to repurpose aging industrial zones within the city for community-centric housing. This aligns with the national planning narrative of inclusivity, efficient land use, and liveability enhancement for future generations.
Algene Toh
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