Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme 2.0

Question:

To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what lessons have the Ministry learnt from the Hawker Centres Transformation Programme that will be incorporated into the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme 2.0 (HUP 2.0); (b) what are the selection criteria for eligible hawker centres under HUP 2.0; and (c) whether Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres will be eligible.

Answer:

1 The Hawker Centres Transformation Programme (HTP) was piloted at centres such as Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre and Cheng San Market and Food Centre. The programme aimed to address infrastructural issues beyond the typical Repairs and Redecoration (R&R) works and to improve public hygiene standards. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will draw insights from the HTP when implementing the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme 2.0 (HUP 2.0), including exploring solutions to improve air circulation and ventilation, and enhance ease of cleaning and maintenance.

2 The HUP 2.0 will focus on upgrading older hawker centres with ageing infrastructure into more vibrant, accessible and climate-resilient spaces. Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres, which were built since 2015 have relatively newer infrastructure. These centres do not require the scale of upgrading works under HUP 2.0, but will continue to undergo regular R&R works.