Once a swamp now a modern town Tampines tells a story of transformation. Tampines is more than just a residential area. It’s a vibrant regional center. We are about to explore its journey from a humble village to an award-winning town.
Tampines’ story begins with its name. The Tampenus River on Philip Jackson’s 1828 map is the earliest record. The river got its name from the tall tampines trees that grew there. Tampines is the Malay name for the Riau ironwood tree. This tree was heavily harvested for its timber. Tampines Road was once a bridle path. It became a cart tract in 1864. The road got its name from the Tampines River. Tampines Village was located at the seventh milestone on Upper Serangoon Road.
Tampines was once a farming and fishing village. Coconut palms rubber and fruit trees thrived here. Livestock poultry and vegetable farming were common. Zinc and attap houses were the main type of housing. Sand quarries existed in Tampines until the 1970s. Many residents worked at these quarries. They were lorry drivers attendants and workers.
The construction of Tampines New Town began in 1979. This marked a major change. Rural Tampines became a modern satellite town. Around 3720 villagers were resettled for the project. Attap and zinc houses were replaced. Low-rise flats recreational parks and retail shops appeared. Tampines was the first town with precinct planning. The first housing precinct was in Tampines Neighbourhood 2. The town center had a unique hourglass shape.
As the government acquired more land Tampines improved. Amenities were added and living conditions upgraded in 1984. The flats also changed. Seventy-five percent of HDB flats had mixed dwelling units. Three- four- and five-room flats were in a single block.
Tampines won the United Nations’ World Habitat Award in October 1992. This award recognized innovative human settlements. Tampines Town has been a regional center since the early 1990s. It is one of the most developed regional centers. It serves the eastern part of Singapore.
Tampines Eco Green opened in 2011. It showcases natural habitats. Freshwater wetlands and a secondary rainforest are featured.
The Tampines North development launched in 2013. It was part of HDB’s “Future Homes Better Lives” plan. Tampines North used its greenery. It is close to the Tampines regional center. This created an attractive living environment. In 2014 HDB launched Tampines Green Ridges. It had 1900 flats in Tampines North. Tampines North is expected to develop further based on housing demand.
Our Tampines Hub officially launched on August 6 2017. It is Singapore’s first integrated community and lifestyle hub. It contains sports facilities a regional library and a hawker center. A public service center and arts theatre are included. All these facilities are under one roof. Residents were involved in the entire process. It was envisioned as a “hub by the residents for the residents”.
As part of the eco-town transformation an outdoor linear garden launched at Tampines Hub in February 2021. The garden has a water feature. Speakers play recordings of birds chirping. Close to 40 types of flowers and herbs are planted. The garden engages the five senses. It serves as a therapy space for elderly residents with dementia.
Tampines has come a long way. From swamps and sand quarries it has become a model for urban planning. Its commitment to community and environment makes Tampines a special place. It’s a testament to Singapore’s vision of a modern and sustainable city.