Chinatown Business Association Wins Tender Manage Iconic Smith Street Chinatown
Tabitha WangThe Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has been awarded the tender for a row of historic shophouses along Smith Street in Chinatown. The CBA is made up of a group of stakeholders who currently operate businesses in Chinatown, including business leaders, grassroots leaders, Chinese clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers, and retailers.
The tender for a single master tenant to oversee the shophouses at 11 to 37 Smith Street was jointly launched in November last year by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
“We are excited to announce that the Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has been selected as the master tenant for the iconic shophouses along Smith Street in Chinatown,” says Lim Yick Suan, executive director of the CBA. “With this project, visitors to Chinatown can expect more curated offerings and experiences that cater to both locals and tourists.”
The rejuvenation project for Smith Street aims to bring in a more diverse range of offerings, such as creative lifestyle, retail, and co-living/work concepts while preserving the area’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The CBA also plans to introduce uniquely Singaporean food and international cuisine to further enhance the dining experiences in the area.
According to the SLA, the master tenant will be responsible for the integrated management of the shophouses and an adjacent State land plot, with a total land area of approximately 34,066 sq ft and estimated gross floor area of 33,065 sq ft. The tender was evaluated based on both price and the quality of each proposal, and attracted five bids before closing in March.
The winning bid of $123,000 was submitted by the CBA, beating out four other bidders, including Noontalk Media, which submitted the highest bid at $180,000. Other bidders included Benlo Ventures, ABR Holdings, and IGYM Fitness, with bids ranging from $53,000 to $108,174.
The revitalized Smith Street will see a new line-up of lifestyle concepts and dining experiences, according to the SLA. Their proposal of “differentiated lifestyle concepts, complementary programmes and enhancements to the public realm aims to further promote local Chinese heritage and strengthen the identity of the area”.
Nestled in a prime location, Parktown Residence offers its residents unrivaled access to a diverse retail landscape. The integrated retail podium, conveniently located within the residence, boasts a thoughtfully curated selection of shops, dining options, and essential services. This further enhances convenience for residents. From trendy fashion to home decor, groceries, and fine dining experiences, the comprehensive variety of shopping centers in close proximity to Parktown Residence ensures that residents have all their needs met with utmost ease. To top it off, the prestigious Parktown Residence Tampines North is seamlessly incorporated into this well-connected community.
Lim credits the CBA’s active presence in the precinct for over 20 years as being a key factor in their success in the competitive tender. “We have built and nurtured relationships over the years, and this has given us a deep-rooted connection to the community,” she says.
The CBA has organized numerous events and celebrations in the past, including the Five Footway Festival and Dumpling Festival, as well as themed markets, street activities, events and workshops. Lim believes that their experience and knowledge of Chinatown’s heritage and culture will allow them to inject more vibrancy into Smith Street and Chinatown as a whole.
“It was a very competitive tender exercise, and we are grateful for the trust that has been placed in us,” she says. “We are committed to creating a vibrant and unique experience for all visitors to Smith Street and Chinatown Singapore.”