East-siders love their side of the island. When Singaporeans talk about the wonderful aspects of being an “Eastie”, most of the time you can bet they’re talking about the amazing neighbourhoods that make up District 15.
Situated on the southern-eastern coast of Singapore, District 15 includes:
- East Coast: A popular family-friendly residential estate thanks to its proximity to the nearby East Coast Park and schools in the vicinity.
- Marine Parade: A mature public housing district that has it all, from public amenities, malls, reputable schools, and being right next door to the coast.
- Katong: Singapore’s popular foodie and hipster enclave, famous not only for its dazzling array of good food but also conserved shophouses that lend a unique charm to the neighbourhood.
Parks and Sports Centres
When it comes to green spaces in the East, nothing beats the 185-hectare East Coast Park that stretches across more than 15 km of coastline, that’s literally at the doorsteps of District 15 residents.
For anyone looking for a breath of fresh air, there’s nowhere better to go! Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy a barbeque session with your friends and family, have a fun family day out at one of the many outdoor play areas, or even engage in some extreme water sports, there’s something for everyone.
When it comes to sports, East Coast Park offers a myriad of activities sporting enthusiasts can indulge in. From beach volleyball, skating, cycling, cable skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and more, people looking for that pump of adrenaline have so many options to choose from!
Heritage Attractions
While District 15 is typically known for its reputation as a leisure and foodie haven, it does have an interesting history behind it, as the site where major riots took place in World War 2 and as a cultural enclave for the Peranakan community in Singapore.
Some of the important landmarks in the vicinity include the Singapore Chinese Swimming Club (set up by the Chinese Peranakans as a gathering spot), the elaborate and conserved terrace shophouses of Joo Chiat and Katong which tell a story with their unique architecture, Fort Tanjong Katong, to name a few.
Schools, Libraries, and Other Public Facilities
The majority of District 15 is served by the Marine Parade town centre which has more than enough public amenities for the residents in the vicinity.
The Marine Parade Community Centre, for one, is one the largest of its kind in Singapore, containing not only the typical sporting amenities, like basketball courts, badminton courts, fitness rooms, music, and study rooms, but also a 263-seat theatrette for stage plays, and a public library all under one roof.
That aside, there’s also a dedicated Marine Parade Polyclinic for all the residents’ health needs, a massive town centre with large food centres and a wide array of retail shops, and a massive mall Parkway Parade for any retail needs.
When it comes to schools, District 15 takes pride in being home to some of Singapore’s most reputable schools. This includes Tao Nan School, Tanjong Katong Girls’ Secondary, CHIJ (Katong) Primary, CHIJ (Katong) Secondary, Chung Cheng High, St. Patrick’s School, and Victoria Junior College.
Food & Beverages (F&B) and Retail Options
Residents in District 15 will never have to worry about food options. From the stretch of world-famous food joints along East Coast Road, the ever-popular East Lagoon Food Village, to the various restaurants and hawker stalls found in the Marine Parade town centre, there are plenty of F&B options to go around.
In need of a retail fix? From i12 Katong, Katong V, Katong Square, Katong Shopping Centre, Katong Point, Roxy Square, The Flow@East Coast, to the massive Parkway Parade, there’s a variety of smaller and large malls to get your dose of retail therapy and entertainment needs.
Easy Access by Car and Bus With Upcoming Transport Developments
While there is no MRT station servicing the district now, the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line, due to open in 2024, is expected to significantly improve accessibility via public transport.
In the meantime, residents can enjoy easy access to town via the East Coast Parkway (ECP) Expressway and multiple convenient bus services.