View of Yishun New Town.
Residents of Block 603 at Yishun Street 61 have transformed a void deck corner into a bustling community space, reported The Straits Times.
At first glance, one might get the impression that the area is someone’s kitchen and living room. This is because there are many household items, like a TV, rice cookers, a sink and refrigerators filled with fresh groceries. There are even toys for children, like a foosball table, a mini slide, bicycles and kick scooters.
During the day, the corner becomes a hive of activity, with residents gathering to chat, eat or play card games.
According to rag-and-bone man Tan Kim Nam, 70, many of those who regularly hang out there have known each other since their kampong days.
“We were relocated from Yio Chu Kang and Mandai, and have been here for about 30 years now. It’s like a big family here. It feels like my second home.”
The area was originally a common void deck corner more than 30 years ago. In November 1997, it was converted into a senior citizens’ corner by then Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tony Tan Keng Yam.
But since then, it has become a livelier place, where the young and old mingle.
It gets particularly crowded on weekends and during public holidays, when over 100 residents spend time talking with each other and sharing food.
As a result, the community spirit has been strengthened, said 28-year-old housewife F.T. Ang. “We can entrust our kids to each other while we go off to the market to buy stuff.”
Residents also feel a sense of ownership over this place, she added.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
