Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex
In 1974, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced that swimming pools would become a standard amenity in all its new towns. This was not a surprising development as HDB has been developing self-sufficient satellite new towns since its inception in 1960. From the beginning, public amenities, such as markets, hawker centres, shops, schools, community centres, and libraries have been incorporated into the planning of new towns. HDB often designed these new towns and amenities themselves as well.
The 1974 announcement added the swimming pool to the list of public amenities. Among the prominent examples of swimming pools in satellite new towns planned and designed are the former Bedok Swimming Complex (demolished) and the Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex. Sculptural skylights jut out from the flat roofs of both buildings, forming interesting roofscapes that could be appreciated from the surrounding high-rise HDB flats. These swimming pools are often fondly remembered by the residents of these new towns as community spaces of leisure.
Locations: 1771 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569978
Architects: Housing and Development Board
Year: 1982
Status: Not conserved
Written by Justin Zhuang and Chang Jiat Hwee, last updated on 12 May 2021.
