53 Fairways Drive

Fairways Quarters

About

Formerly home to the horseracing venue Singapore Turf Club (STC), the site at Bukit Timah Turf City will undergo transformation into a new housing estate with public and private homes, where future amenities and housing options will be sensitively integrated with the area’s buildings and greenery.

The History

Following further consideration of the extensive Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) study for the former racecourse which was carried out in close consultation with stakeholders and heritage groups, selected buildings have been identified as the physical markers that reflect the site’s 66 years of recreational and equestrian history and are also suitable to be repurposed for the future housing estate.

The Buildings

The Fairways Quarters at 53 Fairways Drive was a kampong-like courtyard compound that was the focal point of Turf Club workers who lived on the premises. The buildings proposed for conservation — Blocks 9-16 and Blocks 25-27 — are single-storey terrace blocks, constructed in the 1950s in masonry with terracotta tiled roofs, that were used to house general labourers. Additionally, amenities including a mamak shop, school, and spaces for community interaction such as a community centre and badminton court were located within the same area.

The former Community Centre was a hexagonal building used as a community gathering place and recreational venue by the residents.

The Legacy

The Bukit Timah Turf City is set to be transformed into a new housing estate where public and private homes, heritage, nature and amenities are sensitively integrated to provide current and future residents with a highly liveable, inclusive and endearing living environment.

Taken together, these buildings represent key yet different facets of the former racecourse’s history and functional ecosystem. Repurposing these selected buildings as part of the future housing estate will create a distinctive environment for future residents and communities.

Guidelines and Procedures

All proposed works will need to comply with the Conservation Guidelines and the Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG). Conservation Permission is required before all additions & alteration works and operations of new use can begin.

Residential Fronts are characterised by timber casement windows flanking a double-leafed timber door. All buildings with residential front which is existing and/or identified in the 'Specific Restoration Guidelines', regardless of land use zoning, shall be retained and restored.

• Any proposed additions and alterations to this conserved building are subject to evaluation. Please submit your proposal for URA's review.

• Apply for Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG)

• Submission Process for Works

Explore Street View

The building can be found at this street.