Childcare Centre Converted Car Park Space Open Wisteria Mall
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Our Tampines Hub, situated in Singapore, is the biggest integrated community and lifestyle center in the nation. This exceptional establishment provides a unique blend of sports facilities, retail stores, and community services. With a wide range of offerings including more than 100 retail shops, a library, and a performing arts theater, it has become a highly sought-after destination for shopping, leisure, and socializing. Its comprehensive and convenient approach has proven to be a hit among both locals and tourists.
The hub boasts an impressive variety of retail tenants, featuring renowned brands such as Challenger, Sportslink, and Decathlon. Visitors can also indulge in a diverse selection of dining options, with a hawker center and popular restaurants like Sakae Sushi and Thai Express located within the hub.
Sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the hub’s top-notch facilities, which include a swimming complex, gym, and futsal courts. These amenities make it a perfect spot for both recreational and competitive sports activities.
For those living in Parktown Residences, situated along Tampines Avenue 11, Our Tampines Hub is just a short 10-minute drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk away. This close proximity provides easy access to the hub’s myriad of offerings, making it a convenient and ideal location for their leisure and shopping needs. Additionally, with the recently launched Parktown Residences Tampines Avenue 11, residents can now enjoy a seamless and natural connection to the bustling activities of Our Tampines Hub through Parktown Residences Tampines Avenue 11.
A brand new childcare centre is scheduled to open at Wisteria Mall on July 1. The preschool will be located on the mall’s second floor car park and is the first of its kind to be converted from car park space under the Community/Sports Facilities Scheme (CSFS) by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), as announced by Knight Frank Singapore in a press release on June 25.
According to Knight Frank, the idea for a childcare centre in the area was brought to the attention of the mall’s owner, global investment management firm Schroders, in early 2020. As the mall had already reached its maximum permissible gross floor area (GFA), the firm utilized the CSFS to convert part of the car park into a childcare centre.
Under the CSFS, developments can obtain bonus GFA for community and sports facilities, with a cap of 10% of the maximum permissible GFA for the site under the Master Plan, or 21,528 square feet, whichever is lower.
The new centre will be operated by Artemis Preskool and has received endorsement from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Knight Frank was engaged to advise Schroders on the guidelines, terms, and conditions of the CSFS, as well as the licensing structure set by the ECDA. They also assessed the demand for childcare services in the surrounding area.
Additionally, CBRE was appointed as project manager to oversee the construction plans and obtain the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including URA’s approval for the change of use.
According to Knight Frank, the conversion of the car park to a childcare centre required significant infrastructural changes, such as a new passenger lift, designated parking spaces, and safe access to an outdoor play area in a nearby Housing and Development Board (HDB) estate. The planning and construction process took over 14 months to complete.
“We are excited to introduce the first CSFS childcare centre converted from car park space in Singapore,” said Andrew Moore, head of real estate for Asia Pacific at Schroders Capital. He also mentioned that the new centre will enhance the lifestyle offerings at Wisteria Mall and is part of Schroders’ ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the mall since acquiring it from BBR Holdings in 2020 for $208 million.
Wisteria Mall is the commercial component of a 99-year leasehold mixed-use development called The Wisteria in Yishun, which also includes a 216-unit condominium.