Singapore’s Central Manpower Base (CMPB) has entered a new chapter with the opening of its new headquarters at 91 Hillview Link, located near Upper Bukit Timah and directly connected to Cashew MRT station on the Downtown Line. Designed as a modern and integrated National Service hub, the new CMPB replaces the older facility that previously served generations of Singaporean servicemen, offering upgraded services, improved accessibility and community-friendly amenities.
From the Old CMPB to a New Generation Facility
For decades, CMPB has played an important role in Singapore’s National Service (NS) system, serving as the central location where pre-enlistees register, undergo medical screening and complete administrative processes before enlistment. The older CMPB building supported these functions for many years but eventually required a more modern and integrated facility to handle evolving operational needs and higher service demand.
The new CMPB at Hillview was developed to consolidate various NS-related services under one roof and improve efficiency. The upgraded facility also aims to create a more welcoming environment for servicemen, pre-enlistees and their families while reducing waiting times for administrative and medical procedures.
Strategically located near the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) headquarters and connected directly to Cashew MRT station via a link bridge, the new hub offers convenient access for visitors travelling by public transport.
Size, Layout and Structure
The CMPB complex consists of two main blocks – one dedicated to National Service administrative services and another containing public amenities and community facilities.
The modern campus includes multiple storeys of offices, service counters and healthcare facilities, along with basement car parks and outdoor areas designed for training and recreation. The development was planned as a large integrated NS hub, combining administrative, medical and lifestyle facilities within a single compound.
The site also features green spaces and training areas such as a running trail and football field, creating a healthier environment for servicemen and the surrounding community.
Key Functions of the CMPB Building
The primary function of CMPB remains the administration and management of Singapore’s National Service system. Pre-enlistees visit CMPB to complete registration, medical screening and other enlistment processes.
A major highlight of the new facility is the Regional Health Hub, which brings together several healthcare services including the Medical Centre, Specialist Medical and Dental clinics and health screening programmes. This allows servicemen to receive medical assessments and treatments more efficiently at a single location.
Another key facility is the Fitness Conditioning Centre (FCC). This centre supports NSmen in maintaining physical readiness through training sessions and IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test) activities. The FCC features an all-weather running track and modern fitness equipment designed to accommodate training regardless of weather conditions.
The complex also houses the MINDEF/SAF Career Hub, where visitors can learn about career opportunities in the Singapore Armed Forces and explore various military professions.
Public Amenities and Community Facilities
Unlike earlier military administrative buildings, the new CMPB was designed as a community-friendly development with several facilities open to the public.
One of the most popular features is Timbre+ Hillview, a large 700-seat food court with more than 20 food stalls, offering a variety of local and international dishes.
Other amenities within the complex include:
- Childcare centre for families in the area
- Lifestyle eMart where servicemen can purchase NS equipment
- Cheers convenience store with automated “grab-and-go” features
- SAFRA @ CMPB café
- Administrative offices and service counters
- Basement car parks with hundreds of parking lots
- Outdoor fitness zones, running trail and football field
These facilities transform CMPB from a purely administrative centre into a lively mixed-use campus serving both servicemen and the wider community.
A Modern Hub for National Service
The new CMPB headquarters at Hillview represents Singapore’s effort to modernise its National Service infrastructure. By integrating medical services, training facilities, administrative offices and lifestyle amenities in one location, the complex provides a more efficient and user-friendly environment for servicemen and pre-enlistees.
At the same time, its public spaces, food court and recreational facilities allow the surrounding community to enjoy the development, making CMPB not just a military service centre but also a vibrant neighbourhood destination.
Address : 91 Hillview Link, Singapore 669723
