Exploring Queenstown
I know that in my previous essay I wrote that a rundown of Queenstown’s public housing made for dull reading, but if you do want to eschew the usual tourist spots and explore Singapore’s public housing history in Queenstown instead, then here is my guide. First, download this brochure. It highlights a number of heritage trails you could follow and provides an informative write-up on each landmark in the area. Do be aware that while some of the buildings mentioned in the booklet are still standing, a number have already been taken down and replaced with new buildings. A few old Housing Development Board (HDB) blocks in this neighbourhood are also slated for demolition in the coming years. Change is afoot, as one would expect in Singapore.
Try to work in these landmarks if you wish to see the variety of public housing built between the late fifties and the early seventies:
The HDB terraces (1959-61): Public housing in the form of terraced houses is very unusual in Singapore. These were designed by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), the predecessor of the HDB, and never repeated elsewhere. Now that any piece of landed property is considered premium housing, these units are truly unique, combining the affordability of public housing with the space for a garden and a backyard.
Blocks 45, 48, 49 on 41-58 Stirling Road (1960): The first HDB blocks built. They were seven storeys high and done in the slab-block style. This meant that you walked along a long corridor passing your neighbours’ windows and front doors to get to your own. The corner unit was thus the most private and the most sought after.
57, 61, 67-73 Commonwealth Drive (1961-64): These three-storey, walk-up blocks were designed by the SIT and completed later by the HDB. If you have already seen the SIT flats in Tiong Bahru, these will definitely seem familiar.
©Wendy Gan 2025
81 and 82 Commonwealth Close (1964): HDB kept building taller and taller blocks and in a few short years, they had moved on from seven floors to ten to sixteen! Take the lift up to the top floor to admire the view from the corridor.
©Wendy Gan 2025
160 and 161 Mei Ling Street (1970): Being the first HDB point blocks, these buildings represented an architectural step forward. Point blocks meant that there were no long corridors to traverse in order to reach your flat. Instead, on each floor, four units opened up onto a central, shared space. There was no opportunity to peek into any flat, unless someone happened to keep their door open. Greater privacy was thus ensured.
©Wendy Gan 2025
168A Queensway (1973): These are the first curved HDB blocks and have been nicknamed ‘the Butterfly Block.’ It’s a good example of HDB’s attempt to find ways to break up the visual homogeneity of public housing.
As you wander about, also pay attention to the various houses of religious worship, food centres, and shopping malls in the area. As the HDB built housing for the masses, they were well aware of the need to incorporate and construct important amenities to service residents. You will thus find places to eat, to shop for your daily groceries, and places of worship for all religions.
Where to have a coffee break
170 Stirling Rd, #01-1133, Singapore 140170
Tiong Hoe now has branches all over Singapore, but this is where it all started. The founder began learning the trade in 1960 when he was 16, and by 19, he had struck out on his own, roasting and distributing coffee beans to restaurants in Singapore. If you are curious about his story, take a look at this video.
I would recommend a hand pour and a pastry (sourced from Keong Saik Bakery, a favourite of mine).
Where to eat
An elegant Italian restaurant helmed by an experienced Japanese chef. This is a good example of a fine-dining restaurant that has chosen to be in the suburbs for the cheaper rent.
ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre
If you want a more local and downhome option, then give this hawker centre a go. It has a reputation for being one of the better food centres in Singapore with a wide selection of stalls that provide good value for money. It will be busy all through the day, but lunch is the best time to come.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood @Alexandra Village, Bukit Merah
Keng Eng Kee (also known as KEK) is what we call in Singapore a zichar restaurant. This is a place to come in a group so that you can order a number of dishes to share. It does all the classic crab dishes Singapore is known for (chilli crab, pepper crab, and more), as well as fish head curry (another local specialty) and other seafood and meat dishes. It’s popular and well known, and will be busy. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
