The Y-shaped VIP Block


Other than the VIP block at Commonwealth Close in Queenstown, the other iconic VIP block in Singapore is located at Block 53 in Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, also known as the Y-shaped block due to it's design. When it was built in 1967, it was the tallest HDB block in the estate at that time, standing at 19 storeys tall. Over the next few years, the block gained reputation with overseas leaders including the British monarch Queen Elizabeth II visiting some residents and having a panoramic view of Singapore through the rooftop until one of the 25-storey point blocks in Toa Payoh Central became the next VIP block replacing the Y-shaped building.
The newly-completed 19-storey 3-room flats at the Y-shaped block, 1967
Australian Prime Minister John Gorton (far right) visiting the VIP block, 1968
Malta's Prime Minister Giorgio Borg Olivier (centre) when he visited Singapore on a state visit, 1968
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike shaking hands with a resident in Block 53, 1971

The British Royal Family consisting of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal before visiting the VIP block, 1972
The British Royal Couple waving to residents in the neighbourhood 
Her Majesty the Queen taking a panoramic view of Singapore from the rooftop

For more photos of Toa Payoh New Town, click on the following links below:

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