However, Kovan residents do not have to go far for their living necessities. Heartland Mall, a small shopping centre right next to Kovan MRT station, is a good place to pick up some toiletries, stationeries and other basic needs while food options include fast food, pastries and sushi. Cold Storage supermarket on the first floor is also available for groceries. Enhancements to the public spaces around the mall are expected.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Heartland Mall is Kovan Sports Centre which has eight sheltered indoor courts, where residents can enjoy futsal, indoor cricket and other sports. The venue can even accommodate water soccer and team bonding activities, and it even has shower and toilet facilities, making it an ideal place for families and friends to spend some time together.
The Paya Lebar Kovan Community Centre (CC) right across the street also offers regular activities for residents to bond.

Of course, nothing can bring people together like food can, and Kovan is not short of eateries, pubs and cafes in the area. Choose from pork knuckles and beer at Knuckles Bistro or scrumptious Thai food at Nakhon Kitchen, among the various dining options in the neighbourhood. Soccer fans will enjoy Grapevine Cafe Bar and Restaurant which screens Barclays Premier League matches, while Lola’s Café offers a casual environment to hang out with friends. Dessert fans will find it hard to resist Hatter Street, a café located in a HDB estate. Such heartland gems make Kovan a lively and interesting place for residents.

Adding on to its vibrancy, Kovan was the venue for the 100 Bands Festival in June this year. Over three weekends, 100 local bands and homegrown musicians performed at the former Hougang South Bus Interchange, now renamed Kovan Hub. To complement the community music festival, there were also stalls featuring local designers and artists, as well as band merchandise for sale.