Growing online petitions urge Govt to preserve Maju and Gillman forests, citing nature and heritage concerns

SINGAPORE: Growing online petitions are urging the Singapore Government to reconsider plans to develop parts of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest for housing, arguing that remaining forests, biodiversity and heritage spaces should be preserved while alternative sites are explored to meet future housing demand.

The campaigns have gained momentum following the Housing and Development Board's (HDB) announcement on 10 July 2026 that it intends to build new homes at Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way in Clementi.

As of 4.30pm on 13 July, the "Save Gillman Barracks/Forest" petition had attracted more than 4,800 signatures, while the "Save Maju Forest — build the homes without erasing the wild" petition had exceeded 7,800 signatures.

Both campaigns argue that housing should not come at the expense of Singapore's remaining forests and unique community spaces.

Supporters are calling on the Government to strike a balance between meeting housing needs and safeguarding environmentally and historically significant areas for future generations.

HDB proposes new housing while retaining key natural and heritage features

HDB said the proposed developments at Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way followed detailed environmental and heritage studies conducted as part of the planning process to assess the expected impacts on the natural and built environment.

According to HDB, findings from the studies, together with public feedback received during the consultation period ending on 6 August 2026, will help shape the final plans, including housing yield, flat mix, classification and development timelines.

At Gillman Barracks, HDB plans to introduce both public and private housing near the Greater Southern Waterfront while retaining more than 20 of the site's 86 heritage buildings.

The agency said most of the existing secondary forest, a natural forest stream and ecological corridors would also be preserved to support wildlife movement.

Environmental surveys identified 293 plant species and 178 fauna species, including 22 plant species and 11 animal species of conservation significance, among them the critically endangered straw-headed bulbul and the bamboo bat.

The proposal includes ecological corridors of at least 30 metres in width, around eight hectares of connected green space and phased vegetation clearance intended to minimise impacts on wildlife.

A heritage assessment identified four buildings of exceptional significance and 27 of high significance.

While six buildings cannot be retained because of infrastructure and housing requirements, HDB plans to preserve four key heritage clusters, including former British military housing, Alexandra School and historic administrative and workshop buildings for possible future commercial and community uses.

Existing tenants at Gillman Barracks will retain their current leases, which expire progressively by the second quarter of 2030.

Sunset Way estate to feature biophilic landscape

Meanwhile, the proposed 23-hectare Sunset Way development in Clementi will become a new public housing estate on land zoned for residential use since the 1980 Master Plan.

"The development of Sunset Way will provide more housing options for Singaporeans in the west region, including young families who wish to live near their parents in Clementi, Bukit Batok, and Queenstown for mutual care and support," HDB said.

According to HDB, the project will incorporate biophilic landscape design using native plant species to support biodiversity.

Environmental studies recorded 286 flora species and 113 fauna species, including 49 plant species and six animal species of conservation significance.

Around eight hectares will be retained as wildlife habitat, including a natural freshwater stream, while areas surrounding the Old Jurong Line will form part of a proposed nature trail linked to Clementi Neighbourhood Park.

Gillman petition questions need for additional housing

The "Save Gillman Barracks/Forest" petition, first launched in 2024, argues that new housing should not come at the expense of Singapore's "dwindling forests and unique community havens".

Following HDB's announcement on 10 July, organisers encouraged members of the public to submit feedback through the official consultation before 6 August and to write to their Members of Parliament.

The petition contends that most of Gillman Forest, together with historical buildings and an existing running track, has been earmarked for redevelopment.

Supporters argue that the nearby Greater Southern Waterfront already has substantial residential capacity, including the former Keppel Club site, which is expected to provide about 9,000 homes.

The petition also refers to the Singapore Land Authority's 2022 vision of Gillman Barracks as "a vibrant creative lifestyle enclave" serving residents, visitors, cyclists, families and nature enthusiasts.

It further highlights research suggesting that access to green spaces contributes to lower stress levels, improved mental wellbeing and other public health benefits.

Heritage and community facilities also raised

Beyond environmental concerns, the Gillman petition argues that redevelopment could affect established community facilities.

It highlights uncertainty surrounding the future of the Telok Blangah Archery Club, described by organisers as Singapore's only open-field archery practice venue used by national athletes, following questions over its lease renewal since 2025.

The petition also argues that the precinct contains significant historical value dating back to before the British colonial period, citing archived maps indicating archaeological ruins within the surrounding hill forest.

Supporters say preserving both Gillman Barracks and Gillman Forest would become increasingly important as the Greater Southern Waterfront develops into a denser residential district.

Maju Forest campaign advocates brownfield-first approach

Meanwhile, "Save Maju Forest" petition calls on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, HDB, the Ministry of National Development, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and NParks to reconsider plans to clear about 15 hectares of Maju Forest for public housing.

The campaign argues that the issue is not a choice between housing and nature.

"We are not asking Singapore to choose nature over homes," the petition states.

"We are asking it to build on the land it has already spent and stop spending the land it can never get back."

The petition cites the Government's environmental study, which identified critically endangered species including the straw-headed bulbul and the Sunda pangolin within the forest.

It also references previous development projects in Tengah, Kranji Woodland and Bukit Timah Turf City, arguing that forests with recognised conservation value have continued to be lost.

Organisers point to the 2021 Dover Forest campaign as evidence that public participation can influence planning outcomes.

"The lesson is not that we always lose," the petition states.

"It is that signatures open the door — official feedback walks through it."

The campaign further advocates prioritising redevelopment of previously used land, including ageing housing estates and brownfield sites, before clearing remaining forests.

Its recommendations include publishing the full environmental study before any tender is called, protecting the Maju-Clementi forest corridor and conducting public consultation before development decisions are finalised.

It concludes: "The forest cannot speak at a consultation. The pangolin cannot sign this. The bulbul can only sing. So we must."

Online supporters question land use priorities

Many online commenters supporting the petitions urged the Government to reconsider clearing Maju Forest and other remaining green spaces, arguing that mature forests provide ecological and social benefits that cannot easily be recreated.

A comment argued that clearing Maju Forest is not the solution to housing needs, urging authorities to explore alternative approaches.

Others stressed that wildlife should also have space to thrive, arguing that protecting animal habitats is as important as building homes for people.

Comments on HDB's Facebook page argued that Singapore’s limited natural habitats should be protected, saying “once it’s gone, it’s gone forever” and that newly planted trees cannot replace the biodiversity supported by mature forests.

Others argued that forests help reduce urban heat, support wildlife and contribute to residents' mental wellbeing.

Some commenters also questioned the continued construction of new housing amid declining birth and marriage rates.

Several asked who the additional homes were intended for, while others suggested redeveloping ageing estates, former industrial sites or other previously developed land before clearing forests.

Climate change also featured prominently in the discussion, with supporters expressing concern that further deforestation could worsen Singapore's urban heat and undermine broader sustainability efforts.

Others warned that shrinking habitats could increasingly displace wildlife into residential neighbourhoods.