Queenstown

Queenstown is a residential planning area in Singapore that covers several neighborhoods including Ghim Moh, Holland Drive, and Commonwealth. The district consists mostly of high-rise apartment blocks, parks with sports facilities, and several educational institutions scattered between residential and commercial zones.

Development started in the 1950s as Singapore's first satellite town, planned by the housing authority of that time. Over the following decades, construction continued and older low-rise buildings were gradually replaced by modern residential towers.

The name honors Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended the British throne in 1952, shortly before construction began here. Residents often gather in community centers and along covered walkways that connect housing blocks and provide shelter from tropical rain.

You can reach the area easily by metro, with several stations spread along two lines. Streets are busy during the day with market stalls and food centers, while covered walkways are especially helpful when it rains.

The former swampland was once underwater before being drained and filled to create space for housing. Today, schools and universities stand on ground that was not walkable just a few generations ago.