Media Statement | BCA’s Code on Accessibility | 10 Apr 2025
10 April 2025
REDAS welcomes the enhanced Code on Accessibility as a collaborative and forward-thinking step towards building an inclusive built environment. The updated guidelines reflect a deepened commitment to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, seniors, and families with young children.
Some specific benefits include:
- Wheelchair users will benefit from improved connectivity through mandatory accessible building entrances and enhanced lift provisions.
- Seniors will enjoy greater comfort and safety with elderly-friendly toilets equipped with grab bars, and resting areas at drop-off points.
- Parents with young children will find greater convenience in facilities such as family-friendly toilets and lactation rooms.
That said, implementing the new guidelines may pose practical and financial challenges, particularly for older existing buildings. Where feasible, building owners could explore flexible design alternatives to meet the requirements, such as using lactation pods in place of dedicated lactation rooms, to strike a balance between compliance and space constraints.
To further support industry implementation, REDAS proposes the introduction of grants or financial assistance schemes, similar to those provided to homeowners installing accessibility features like grab bars. These measures would help ease the transition for commercial building owners, particularly during the initial phase of implementation.
To enable more inclusive designs without compromising usable space, we also recommend allowing additional gross floor area (GFA) to accommodate accessibility enhancements in new developments.
Moving forward, we support the continued streamlining of the Code. We also see potential in the integration of smart technologies, such as digital wayfinding tools, automated doors, and assistive devices, to further enhance user experience across all abilities.
REDAS remains committed to working with government agencies and industry partners to shape a more inclusive, user-centric built environment in Singapore.
About REDAS
Established in 1959, the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS) is Singapore’s premier business association in the real estate and development industry, representing over 200 members comprising developers, landlords, builders, consultancies and professionals, financiers, REITs sponsors and investors. REDAS actively engages regulators, policy makers and stakeholders to promote best practices and to support the growth of a vibrant, inclusive and progressive real estate industry in Singapore. For more information, visit www.redas.com.
Media Contact
Hazel Tan
Tel (65) 9069 9989
Email hazel@redas.com
