What is the Oldest HDB in Singapore?

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A Deep Dive into the First HDB Flats and the Origins of Public Housing in Singapore

Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) is widely regarded as one of the most successful public housing authorities in the world. With over 80% of Singapore’s resident population living in HDB flats today, public housing has become a defining feature of Singaporean life. But have you ever wondered: What is the oldest HDB in Singapore? Where did it all begin?

The answer takes us back to the early 1960s, when Singapore was still grappling with overcrowding, urban poverty, and a severe housing shortage. The very first HDB flats ever built were located in Toa Payoh, but the oldest surviving flats were completed in Queenstown under the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), the predecessor of HDB.

Let’s dive deep into the history of Singapore’s oldest HDB flats, the transformation of Queenstown and Toa Payoh, and what these aging estates represent in today’s modern city-state.

1. Pre-HDB: The Era of the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT)

Before HDB was formed, public housing was managed by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), established by the British colonial government in 1927. SIT was responsible for slum clearance and the construction of basic rental housing for low-income families.

While SIT built blocks in areas like Tiong Bahru and Queenstown, they lacked the capacity and political support to address Singapore’s growing housing crisis. By the 1950s, over 400,000 people were living in squatter settlements, many without running water or sanitation.

2. Birth of HDB and the First Flats in Queenstown

HDB was formed in 1960, shortly after Singapore gained self-governance in 1959. Its founding chairman, Lim Kim San, was tasked with a near-impossible mission: to provide safe, affordable housing for hundreds of thousands of people in just a few years.

While Queenstown’s early flats were designed and constructed under SIT, they were transferred to HDB’s management upon its formation. As such, Block 39 Stirling Road in Queenstown, built in 1956, is often regarded as the oldest surviving HDB flat under HDB’s current ownership.

Fun Fact:

  • Block 39 Stirling Road was one of the earliest public housing blocks constructed for post-war housing needs.
  • The area was part of a comprehensive satellite town plan—Singapore’s first prototype of integrated urban living.

3. Toa Payoh: Singapore’s First HDB Town

While Queenstown contains the oldest HDB blocks, Toa Payoh holds the distinction of being Singapore’s first full-fledged HDB town, conceptualized and built entirely under the HDB framework.

Key Milestones:

  • HDB began construction of Toa Payoh in 1964
  • First flats were completed in 1965
  • It was officially opened by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1966

Toa Payoh was a bold experiment. It had:

  • High-rise flats
  • Commercial centres
  • Schools, clinics, and places of worship
  • A sports stadium and community facilities

This model would soon be replicated across the country.

4. Block 39 Stirling Road – The Oldest HDB Flat

Let’s return to the crown jewel of Singapore’s housing history: Block 39 Stirling Road in Queenstown.

Why It’s Significant:

  • Built in 1956, before HDB’s formation
  • Survived numerous redevelopment cycles
  • Became a symbol of transition from colonial to independent Singapore
  • Represents early architectural styles: narrow corridors, external staircases, and tiled roofs

Residents of Block 39 still live there today, and the area continues to serve as a reminder of how far public housing has come.

5. How Are These Old HDB Flats Faring Today?

Many flats built in the 1950s and 1960s are now more than 60 years old. HDB has launched several initiatives to manage aging flats:

a) Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS)

  • Targeted at older blocks with high redevelopment potential
  • Affected residents are relocated to new flats nearby with generous compensation
  • Some Queenstown and Toa Payoh flats have undergone SERS

b) Home Improvement Programme (HIP)

  • Upgrades aging flats with new toilets, piping, doors, and electrical rewiring
  • Subsidized by the government
  • Helps preserve old flats while improving safety and comfort

6. Historical Significance of the Oldest HDBs

The oldest flats are more than just homes—they are national heritage sites.

Cultural Importance:

  • These estates have witnessed generations of Singaporeans growing up
  • They represent the early struggles of nation-building
  • Featured in local films, television dramas, and national narratives

In fact, parts of Queenstown have been earmarked for heritage conservation, including:

  • Former Venus and Golden City cinemas
  • Tanglin Halt and Commonwealth districts
  • Old-school coffee shops and playgrounds

7. What It’s Like Living in the Oldest HDBs Today

Despite their age, many of these flats remain occupied and vibrant, thanks to refurbishment efforts.

Pros:

  • Central location (Queenstown is just minutes from the city)
  • Established communities and amenities
  • Rich historical character

Cons:

  • Smaller floor areas
  • Outdated layouts
  • Higher maintenance needs

Nonetheless, many Singaporeans—especially seniors—prefer to age in place in these older neighborhoods where they’ve spent their entire lives.

8. Future of Singapore’s Oldest HDB Flats

With many of these buildings reaching the end of their 99-year leaseholds in the next few decades, questions arise about what happens next.

Government’s Response:

  • No blanket lease extensions are planned
  • Flats will return to the state upon lease expiry
  • New policies like Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) are being explored

Singapore is carefully balancing heritage preservation with urban renewal.

9. Honouring the Past While Building the Future

As Singapore continues to grow and evolve, there’s increasing recognition of the need to preserve its housing heritage. Urban planners, academics, and residents have called for a blend of redevelopment and conservation.

Examples of this include:

  • Dakota Crescent: One of the oldest housing estates, where some flats are retained for community use
  • Tiong Bahru: Pre-HDB SIT flats that have been conserved and repurposed
  • Queenstown Heritage Trail: A self-guided walking route showcasing key historical sites

10. Final Thoughts

So, what is the oldest HDB in Singapore?

✅ In terms of physical building age: Block 39 Stirling Road in Queenstown, built in 1956, holds the title.
✅ In terms of the first purpose-built HDB town: Toa Payoh, launched in 1964, marks the beginning of modern HDB town planning.

These pioneering flats represent more than concrete and brick. They symbolize:

  • The post-independence housing revolution
  • The efforts of a young nation to house its people
  • The evolution of urban living standards

As Singapore progresses into smart cities and green townships, these old flats serve as living reminders of the country’s humble beginnings and remarkable journey.

Summary

CategoryAnswer
Oldest Flat (by construction)Block 39 Stirling Road, Queenstown (Built in 1956)
First Full HDB TownToa Payoh (Launched in 1964)
SignificanceSymbol of public housing history and urban transformation
Conservation EffortsSERS, HIP, VERS, Queenstown Heritage Trail

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