For decades, Turf City has occupied a unique place in Singapore’s urban landscape. Nestled within the prestigious Bukit Timah enclave, the area has transformed through multiple eras — from colonial horse racing grounds to retail clusters and now, one of Singapore’s most exciting future residential districts.

UNIQUE AND UNUSUAL HISTORY of Turf Club Singapore — The Singapore Turf Club Grandstand building

Today, Turf City stands at the doorstep of a historic transformation. With plans for thousands of new homes, integrated transport infrastructure, green corridors, and lifestyle amenities, many property observers believe this district could become one of Singapore’s most important new residential precincts over the next decade.

But before looking ahead, it is worth understanding the remarkable history behind Turf City.

The Early Days — Singapore Turf Club and Horse Racing Heritage

The origins of Turf City trace back to Singapore’s horse racing culture.

Horse racing in Singapore dates back to the 1840s during the colonial era. Initially held at the old Farrer Park Racecourse, the Singapore Turf Club later shifted operations to Bukit Timah in 1933. The Bukit Timah Racecourse quickly became one of Singapore’s most iconic sporting and social venues.

For decades, the grandstands and racetrack attracted racing enthusiasts, social elites, and international visitors. The area surrounding the racecourse slowly developed into part of the wider Bukit Timah residential district, known today for its greenery, schools, landed homes, and central location.

Even today, many long-time Singaporeans still associate Turf City with its rich equestrian and racing history.

From Racecourse to Lifestyle Cluster

In 1999, the Singapore Turf Club relocated horse racing operations to Kranji Racecourse.

Following the move, the Bukit Timah site began a new chapter. The former racecourse area evolved into what many Singaporeans came to know simply as “Turf City.”

Over the years, the district housed:

Furniture megastores
Automotive businesses
Lifestyle outlets
Dining establishments
Recreational facilities

The area also became famous for its large open spaces and nostalgic charm — something increasingly rare in land-scarce Singapore.

For many families, Turf City was a weekend destination filled with cafés, retail stores, enrichment centres, and pet-friendly spaces.

URA’s Vision — A New Residential Town at Turf City

In recent years, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) unveiled plans for a major transformation of the Turf City precinct.

The government announced intentions to progressively redevelop the area into a new housing estate with:

Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new homes
New parks and green corridors
Improved MRT connectivity
Community amenities
Walkable neighbourhoods
Sustainable urban planning features

Importantly, much of the district’s natural greenery and heritage elements are expected to be carefully integrated into the future masterplan.

This places Turf City among Singapore’s most significant long-term residential transformation projects.

Why Turf City Is Drawing Attention From Property Buyers

Several factors are contributing to the growing interest surrounding Turf City:

1. Rare Bukit Timah Opportunity

Bukit Timah remains one of Singapore’s most prestigious residential regions. New launch opportunities in this district are relatively limited due to land scarcity.

2. First-Mover Advantage

As the first wave of residential developments enters Turf City, many buyers see potential advantages in entering the district during its earliest transformation phase.

3. Strong Connectivity

The district already enjoys proximity to:

Sixth Avenue MRT
King Albert Park MRT
PIE access
Bukit Timah Road
Downtown Line connectivity

4. Nearby Schools

The wider Bukit Timah area is well-known for prestigious educational institutions, making the location attractive to families.

5. Green Living Concept

URA’s plans suggest that Turf City will preserve substantial greenery and nature integration, creating a modern yet nature-oriented living environment.

The Future of Turf City Condos

As Singapore continues to evolve, Turf City may eventually become one of the country’s most closely watched residential districts.

The transformation mirrors Singapore’s broader urban planning philosophy:

rejuvenating underutilized land,
enhancing connectivity,
preserving greenery,
and creating highly liveable communities.

For property buyers, this means the opportunity to participate in the early chapters of a completely new residential story.

Final Thoughts

Turf City is more than just another redevelopment project.

It represents the reinvention of a historic Singapore district — blending heritage, greenery, connectivity, and future urban living into a completely new residential destination.

As the first new launch projects begin to emerge, Turf City may very well become one of Singapore’s most exciting real estate stories for years to come.

The History of Turf City Singapore — From Horse Racing Heritage to Singapore’s Next Major Residential District