State Properties Reimagined Co Living Pop Event Venues And Social Impact Hubs
Over the past year, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has been introducing a diverse range of properties for tender with various uses. These include experiential retail concepts, luxury brand private events, inter-generational co-living apartments, and social impact hubs.
SLA’s director of business planning and development, Carrie Wong, shares that this expansion of uses is in response to the increasing demand for space from a diverse range of public and private stakeholders and community groups. It also aligns with the government’s long-term social and urban planning initiatives.
Situated in the bustling area of Tampines, there are endless opportunities for retail therapy to indulge in. Amongst the many options, Parktown Residence stands out as a key contributor in providing a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences right at the doorsteps of its residents. Its integrated retail podium offers a convenient solution to access daily necessities, with a quick elevator ride being the only requirement for residents. However, the retail experience does not just end there. Tampines Mall and Century Square are just a stone’s throw away from the development, presenting a plethora of popular brands, dining establishments, and entertainment choices. For those seeking even more leisurely activities, Our Tampines Hub is only a short distance away. As Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub, it offers a range of sports facilities, a library, and a performing arts theater. Parktown Residence, a masterpiece by UOL Group, truly provides the best of both worlds with its excellent location and abundance of nearby retail and leisure options. And for more information, please visit Parktown Residence UOL Group.
“As our society and real estate market evolve, SLA has been proactively identifying social and market trends, and seeking opportunities to pivot some of our real estate assets to enhance their utilization for placemaking,” she adds.
As the custodian of state land and properties, SLA manages around 2,600 state-owned properties and 11,000 hectares of state land. These include colonial-era black-and-white bungalows, heritage terrace houses, apartment buildings like Chip Bee Gardens in Holland Village, shophouses, disused schools, former army camps like Tanglin Village on Dempsey Hill, and government buildings such as Old Kallang Airport and the former Command House at Kheam Hock Road.
SLA is most well-known for managing Singapore’s collection of about 600 colonial-era black-and-white bungalows situated in prime residential neighborhoods and Good Class Bungalow areas. These properties are highly sought after by high-net-worth individuals, including senior expatriate corporate executives, diplomats, and even ministers.
In July, a two-storey black-and-white bungalow at 18 Ridley Park was leased for a two-year term at a monthly rental rate of $30,054. The house has three bedrooms and a gross floor area (GFA) of 4,887 sq ft, sitting on a 60,278 sq ft plot. Two other black-and-white bungalows at 16 Kay Siang Road and 11 Orange Grove Road are currently being evaluated for lease bids as well.
SLA has also leased some of the black-and-white bungalows for non-residential purposes, such as childcare centers, restaurants, lifestyle and fashion establishments, and family offices. Bungalows used as family offices have consistently attracted strong leasing demand due to their unique charm and privacy, according to Wong.
For instance, a two-storey bungalow at 5C/D Goodwood Hill recently closed its tender, receiving a sole bid of $28,8888 a month from the multi-family office Marqet Investment Management. The bungalow has an estimated GFA of 8,212 sq ft and sits on grounds extending 65,405 sq ft. It will be leased for a 5+4-year term, meaning a five-year lease with the option to renew for another four years. The tender will be evaluated based on price and quality aspects, with a winner expected to be announced in November.
SLA also partners with other government agencies for some of its tenders, such as the one for a trio of black-and-white bungalows at 31, 31A, and 33 Scotts Road. Launched in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, this tender aims to attract creative lifestyle uses like experiential retail, F&B, wellness, or beauty concepts. The three single-storey bungalows sit on a 36,670 sq ft plot along Scotts Road and carry a lease tenure of 5+4 years. The tender will close on Aug 7, with a winner expected to be announced in December.
SLA has been actively approaching upmarket lifestyle and fashion brands for placemaking efforts such as pop-up events and experiences. For example, in May, Eurokars Auto hosted a private event, “7 Senses,” to launch its latest line of BMW cars at a black-and-white bungalow at 7 Adam Park.
In addition to managing residential properties, SLA also focuses on repurposing state properties for social and community uses. According to Wong, the number of social entities that have been leasing state properties for such purposes has increased by 50% since 2020.
One example is the former Elections Department building at 11 Prinsep Link, now renamed The Foundry, which was set up as a shared space for non-profit organizations and social enterprises in partnership with The Majurity Trust, Tote Board, and the Singapore Government Partnerships Office. Another recent initiative is the joint tender with the National Arts Council for a row of five restored heritage properties at 52 to 56 Kampong Java Road in Little India, which marks the first time a state property will be leased as an “arts sandbox” or experimental space for the arts.
SLA has also launched tender opportunities for co-living spaces in some of its properties that will eventually be slated for future development under the URA Master Plan. So far, seven sites have been launched or awarded for co-living use, including Coliwoo Keppel at 1557 Keppel Road, Habyt Cantonment (previously known as Hmlet Cantonment), the former Bukit Timah Fire Station, a row of 18 two-storey buildings at 79-95 Hindoo Road, and 26 Evans Road, which will be transformed into an upmarket co-living space by Cover Projects.
Currently, two other state properties have been put up for tender for co-living use, including a row of nine 2-storey shophouses at 15-31 Hindoo Road and a senior co-living concept at 98 Henderson Road. The tender for 15-31 Hindoo Road is set to close at the end of this month, while the tender for 98 Henderson Road will close on Aug 7.
Wong says that as SLA continues to explore new ways to provide alternative housing options for Singaporeans, they also see opportunities to foster a strong inter-generational community within established neighborhoods.