History & Origins
Serangoon was a settlement pioneered by Tamil Muslim traders from India in the early 19th century. Early maps of Singapore identify the area as Seranggong, which loosely translates into 'being attacked by gongs & drums'. This was a tribute to travelers who had to use gongs to frighten off wild animals & snakes in this jungle covered area.
Housing
Serangoon consists of 2 main residential areas. One is Serangoon North Village and Estate, a cluster of HDB flats located north of Serangoon Central. Serangoon has an estimated HDB resident population of 68,800 living in approximately 21,634 flats. The other main residential area is Serangoon Gardens, a private housing estate in Singapore. There are a variety of types of housing here, including terrace homes, semi-detached and bungalows. This area is popular with well-heeled Singaporeans and expatriates, with its close proximity to amenities and top international schools.
Transportation & Connectivity
Serangoon is served by 2 MRT stations - Serangoon (NE12/CC13) and Lorong Chuan (CC14). Serangoon represents one of Singapore's first transport hubs, with 28 buses connecting directly from Serangoon MRT (22, 43, 43M, 45, 53, 53M, 58, 70, 70M, 81, 82, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 107M, 109, 116, 133, 135, 147, 153, 158, 315, 317, 853 & NR6). The MRT station also has 4 taxi-stands/drop-off points and is linked directly to NEX Shopping Mall. 2 Future MRT Stations have been planned for the area, they are Serangoon North (CR9) & Tavistock (CR10).
Education
Serangoon is home to 5 Primary Schools (CHIJ (Our Lady of Good Counsel), Rosyth School, St Gabriel’s Primary School, Yangzheng Primary School & Zhonghua Primary School), 4 Secondary Schools (Peicai Secondary School, Serangoon Garden Secondary School, St. Gabriel's Secondary School & Zhonghua Secondary School) & 1 International School (Lycee Francais de Singapour).
Shopping
Serangoon is home to the biggest heartland mall in Singapore, NEX. The mall, which is 7 storeys, is fully integrated with the Serangoon Bus Interchange and the Serangoon Interchange Station. The mall is a comprehensive and eclectic mix of retail, entertainment and dining options including Isetan, Cold Storage 24 hr, FairPrice Xtra 24 hr, Anytime Fitness 24 hr, Shaw Theatres and the Serangoon Public Library. The rooftop of the mall also has a SkyGarden, which is a mix of a dog park and a children's playground.
Recreation & Amenities
Serangoon, while relatively more built up than other residential areas, still boasts 4 major parks (Serangoon Sunshine Park, Chiltern Drive Interim Park, Serangoon Community Park and Chartwell Drive Park). The shopping mall NEX is also a popular spot for residents to spend their free time, where there is even a National Library located within. Many Singaporeans also flock to Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre at Serangoon Gardens to get their share of local food delights, especially on weekends. More affluent residents can also relax & use the facilities at Serangoon Gardens Country Club.
URA Master Plan
According to URA, its focus for Serangoon will be divided into 3 key elements: Housing, Economy and Leisure. Plans are underway to build an integrated daycare facility and family medicine center at Serangoon Central. New offices will also be built and connectivity will be improved to allow workers to reach the 2 major industrial zones (AMK Industrial Park and Seletar Aerospace Park). Finally, residents of Serangoon can look forward to more park connectors, pedestrian malls and green spaces.
Did You know?- The name Serangoon is likely to be derived from burong ranggoon, referring to a species of black and white stork that lives around Sungei Serangoon (formerly called Rangoon River).
- Rediscover Singapore by making a trip down to Chomp Chomp Food Centre (voted numerous times as Singaporeans’ favourite hawker centre) which was built in 1972 and most recently upgraded in 2014 for some delicious local food.
