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Neighbourhood Centres: Meeting Evolving Needs Through Heartland Retail
This publication examines how Singapore's neighbourhood centres evolved since the 1960s, from basic shopping facilities to vibrant community spaces. It shows how these centres adapted to economic trends, changing consumer habits and demographic needs.
Last updated 3 July 2025
Neighbourhood Centres (NCs) embody the integrated planning strategies and management of local retail to promote selfsufficiency in neighbourhoods in Singapore. NCs play a key role in supporting the growth of residential townships, and the decentralisation of commercial, residential and other functions from the city centre to other parts of the country. Over the years, the development of NCs has responded to various trends, and going forward they remain well-placed to provide for residents and to effect improvements in quality of life in Singapore’s residential towns and neighbourhoods.
This Urban Systems Study documents the nuanced evolution of NCs over the years and highlights the plans and policies that have shaped their development over time.
“During this pandemic, many of us have come to rediscover the sights and sounds of our HDB [Housing & Development Board] towns. We have come to appreciate the convenience that our heartlands have to offer, including the many shops, stalls, and supermarkets where we can buy our sundries, and the hawker centres and coffee shops where food is just a stone’s throw away.