Location map of the future funeral parlour complex at Ang Mo Kio. Source: NEA
The National Environment Agency (NEA) revealed on Tuesday (8 Jan) that it plans to progressively launch four new funeral parlour (FP) sites for development in the next 10 years.
The FP sites will be located along Mandai Road near the existing Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium, at Ang Mo Kio Street 63 close to the SBS Transit bus depot, an industrial area in Bukit Batok Street 23, and Woodlands Industrial Park E8.
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These areas were identified via an inter-agency planning process, and are situated in different parts of Singapore to provide a better distribution of such facilities for bereaved families and their guests.
These aim to meet the rising demand for such facilities due the forecasted increase in mortality rate. Based on data from Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the number of deaths increased 4.4 percent year-on-year from 20,017 to 20,905 in 2017. But this is forecasted to rise to about 40,000 by 2040.
“After-death facilities are an important public infrastructure that accord dignity to the deceased, as well as comfort to bereaved families, in accordance with religious and cultural practices and preferences,” said NEA.
“While funeral wakes are mostly held at HDB void decks and multi-purpose pavilions today, there is also increasing demand for wakes held in purpose-built funeral parlours.”
Moreover, the agency said the facilities will be carefully designed and managed to reduce their impact on nearby areas. These could include installing visual barriers to keep funeral activities discreet, and limiting rituals and processions within the site whenever possible. Another is to ensure there are adequate parking facilities at the complexes and their vicinity, in addition to properly managing the traffic situation in the said areas.
For this purpose, the agency will gather the feedback of neighbouring stakeholders, and include their comments and proposals in the development plans for the respective sites.
“As a small and densely populated city-state, there will always be competing needs for space to meet Singapore’s various development needs. Some of these developments may require Singaporeans to make some adjustments and accommodation.”
“Through advance notice, careful planning and by taking the necessary mitigation measures, agencies will make the best effort to minimise any inconveniences and dis-amenities arising from these developments as much as possible,” added NEA.
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Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg