Blk 45
Singapore 140045
Blk 48
Singapore 141048
Blk 49
Singapore 141049
These blocks of flats along quiet Stirling Road, parallel to the East-West MRT line, would seem like any HDB blocks of the 1960s, slightly worse for wear. Yet, their importance lies in their role in the historic transition from the SIT to the HDB era.
The surrounding terrace houses along Stirling Road were built by SIT in the late 1950s, while Blocks 45, 48 and 49, were the very first blocks built by the HDB in the year 1960.
British planners kept population density low with these typical SIT terrace units. Building higher blocks would also require lifts, which SIT's budget did not allow. The HDB, however, built higher blocks in order to maximise land use. To cut costs, cheaper but slower lifts, were installed, stopping only on every fourth floor to compensate for the slow speed.