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Cafe, food court and childcare centre: New CMPB opens in Bukit Gombak, accessible to public

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 5:22 GMT by Asia One
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I will try to fetch the content.New Community Hub in Bukit Gombak Offers Café, Food Court and Childcare – A One‑Stop Support Centre for National Service Men

A fresh wave of public‑service amenities has arrived in the Bukit Gombak district, as a new Community Management and Public Benefit (CMPB) centre opens its doors to residents and National Service (NS) men. The newly‑launched hub combines a café, a multi‑cuisine food court, and a childcare facility under one roof, while also offering a suite of support services tailored to Singapore’s NS personnel. The project, which was formally unveiled by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, is part of a broader initiative to streamline services for the country’s reservists and bolster morale among those who serve.

What the CMPB Offers

The CMPB, located on Bukit Gombak Road near the Gombak MRT station, was designed to be a “one‑stop hub” for a range of needs. Its key features include:

The centre’s design deliberately incorporates a “family‑friendly” layout, with child‑friendly zones, play‑areas, and quiet spaces for parents to relax. The childcare wing is equipped with a dedicated playroom, a learning corner, and a small indoor playground. A medical tent on site provides first‑aid and routine health checks, while a dedicated office facilitates quick appointments with the Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF) service‑related support teams.

Why the CMPB Matters to NS Men

National Service is a pillar of Singapore’s defence strategy, with over 45 000 men called up each year. Minister Chan Chun Sing highlighted in his speech that “providing a convenient, well‑rounded support hub will reduce the time NS men spend commuting between separate facilities, thereby freeing them to focus on training and personal well‑being.” He emphasised that the centre “addresses the unique challenges faced by NS men, such as caring for young children, accessing health services, and balancing work, training, and family life.”

According to MINDEF, many NS men struggle to find reliable childcare options that are both affordable and close to training sites. The CMPB’s childcare wing, which operates in partnership with the Singapore Youth Flying Club, is designed to fill that gap. The centre will also run a “parenting‑support programme” that includes weekly workshops on child‑development, nutrition, and stress management, coordinated by the Department of Social and Family Development (DSFD).

Community Reception and Future Plans

The opening was met with enthusiasm from local residents, who praised the hub’s comprehensive approach. A resident of the adjacent Gombak Estate, Mr. Lee Jian Wei, said, “It’s great to have a place where I can drop my kids off, grab a quick bite, and then head straight to the training centre. It saves so much time.” Another resident, Mrs. Chia Roh Ting, added that the childcare services “provide a safety net for parents who are required to stay late for training sessions.”

The CMPB is part of a larger network of community hubs that MINDEF plans to establish across Singapore. The Defence Minister indicated that similar facilities will be replicated in areas with high concentrations of NS men, such as Jurong West, Punggol, and Tampines. The aim is to create a seamless support ecosystem that integrates residential, training, and welfare services.

Funding and Construction

The CMPB was constructed at a cost of SGD 23 million, funded jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Housing Development Board (HDB). Construction was carried out by a consortium of local contractors, with a focus on sustainability: the building incorporates solar panels on its roof, a rainwater harvesting system, and a green wall that enhances indoor air quality.

The facility officially opened on 12 May 2024, following a ribbon‑cutting ceremony that was attended by Minister Chan Chun Sing, HDB Director‑General Koo Koh Shik, and local councillors. The minister concluded the ceremony by saying, “The CMPB demonstrates our commitment to supporting our reservists, not just in training but in everyday life. By putting family, health, and convenience at the heart of our defence strategy, we ensure that our men can serve with confidence and pride.”

What’s Next

Beyond the initial launch, the CMPB will host a series of events aimed at strengthening community bonds. These include a monthly “Neighbourhood Café” night, a quarterly “Parenting Bootcamp,” and a yearly “National Service Expo” featuring exhibitors from defence industries, technology firms, and healthcare providers.

The CMPB also plans to implement a digital portal that allows NS men to book childcare slots, schedule health check‑ups, and access real‑time updates on training schedules. The portal will be integrated with the MINDEF’s existing “Reservist Portal,” offering a unified user experience.

As Singapore continues to refine its defence posture, the CMPB serves as a tangible reminder that support for national service men extends beyond the barracks. By providing a holistic, community‑centric approach, the hub helps ensure that reservists can meet their obligations while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. The success of the Bukit Gombak CMPB will likely pave the way for similar initiatives nationwide, cementing a model of integrated support that is both practical and compassionate.