THE Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on Friday (Oct 18) launched the sale of Tanjong Katong Complex (TKC) for tender, as part of plans to rejuvenate the Geylang Serai area.
The 13,135.4 square metre site will be sold on a 30-year-tenure, with the successful tenderer overseeing the refurbishment, curation of retail mix and management of the shopping mall.
Price and concept proposals are sought to rejuvenate the development as a commercial node in line with the larger vision of Paya Lebar sub-regional centre, while “preserving the rich cultural value of Geylang Serai as a community precinct”, said SLA.
“Meaningful upgrades”
The tender plan also aligns with the government’s broader vision to transform the Geylang Serai area – stretching from the mall to Kampong Ubi Community Centre – into a distinctive cultural precinct, said the agency.
SLA added: “The 30-year lease provides a viable runway for tenderers to invest in meaningful upgrades that will impact and foster community engagement, with the flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of tenants, ensuring a vibrant mix of commercial and cultural offerings.”
The agency envisions the vibrant mix to include new retail and dining options, and dedicated spaces for Malay trades.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Tuesday, 12 pm
Property Insights
Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond.
This is to ensure the “continued focus on celebrating, supporting and sustaining Malay heritage trades and values”, added SLA.
The successful tenderer will also have the flexibility to sub-lease commercial units within the commercial development to other tenants.
SLA emphasised that the development’s existing form will be kept, including the slanted columns of the facade facing Tanjong Katong Road and the four cylindrical-shaped structures at each corner of the existing building.
It will also allow for an infill extension and a new building entrance for pedestrians at Sims Avenue, which will connect the north of Tanjong Katong Complex from Paya Lebar MRT station to the south entrance at Geylang Road, to enhance connectivity and accessibility, said SLA.
The successful tenderer may also develop a new annex of up to five storeys on the site.
Key organisations of the Malay community such as the self-help group Mendaki’s headquarters and an office for the the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) will be co-located at the newly rejuvenated TKC.
The National Library Board (NLB) will also relocate its Geylang East Public Library to TKC.
The development will have a maximum gross floor area (GFA) of 30,166 sq m, with 3,600 sq m set aside for Mendaki’s headquarters and a Muis office, and 2,400 sq m for the new NLB library.
Some 1,500 sq m will be set aside for Malay cultural trades and/or Malay entrepreneurial incubation spaces.
The remaining GFA will be set aside for commercial spaces, such as shops, medical clinics, restaurants and supermarkets.
Sale of alcohol, spa or massage establishments, and night clubs or pubs are not allowed.
Outdoor public plazas with tropical landscaping will be included to cater for community events, such as concerts and the annual Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar. Pedestrian connectivity of surrounding commercial and community developments, such as Wisma Geylang Serai and Paya Lebar Quarter, will be improved.
Bids received will be evaluated under the concept and price revenue tender approach, which requires tenderers to submit concept proposals and tender prices separately.
A cultural asset
Built in 1982, the four-storey TKC is known for its wide assortment of shops catering to the Malay community in Singapore, with many heading there to make purchases for Hari Raya or get items needed for celebrations such as weddings.
But the building’s age – now 42 years old – had given rise to safety concerns. The complex had not undergone any major upgrading works since it was built, and its mechanical and electrical systems were old and “in urgent need of replacement”, SLA had previously said.
The shopping mall was closed from the second half of 2023 for major renovation works, as part of plans to increase its footfall and transform the Geylang Serai district.
The upgrading works were expected to last for around three years, completing in 2026.
With the new approach of involving private developers in the refurbishment and management of TKC, works are expected to be completed in 2029.
On the change in approach, Dr Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, told the media that the government hopes to include a more collaborative aspect in the refurbishment of TKC, working alongside developers with retail experience to help curate the tenant mix.
“Although there’s been a slight delay, it is a worthwhile time spent to reflect on what better outcomes we can look for, as compared to our earlier iteration,” he noted.
SLA chief executive Colin Low added: “By offering a longer tenure, we aim to partner with a like-minded master developer and operator with an aligned vision, relevant networks and innovative placemaking programmes to transform TKC into a vibrant, community-centric complex.”
The tender for TKC will close on Feb 25, 2025.
