State Properties Reimagined Co Living Pop Event Venues And Social Impact Hubs
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has been diversifying the use of its properties through launching various tenders in the past year. This includes experiential retail concepts, luxury brand private events, inter-generational co-living apartments, and social impact hubs.
According to Carrie Wong, director of business planning and development at SLA, the expansion of uses is in response to the growing demand from a diverse range of public and private stakeholders and community groups. It also supports the government’s long-term social and urban planning initiatives.
Wong adds, “SLA has been actively identifying social and real estate market trends and seeking opportunities to maximize the use of our properties towards placemaking.”
As the custodian of state land and properties, SLA manages over 2,600 state-owned properties and 11,000 hectares of state land. These properties include colonial-era black-and-white bungalows, heritage terrace houses, walk-up apartments, shophouses, disused schools, former army camps, and government buildings.
SLA is well-known for its management of Singapore’s collection of about 600 colonial-era black-and-white bungalows located in prime residential areas and Good Class Bungalow enclaves. These properties are highly sought after by high-net-worth individuals, including senior expatriate corporate executives, diplomats, and even ministers.
Last month, a two-storey black-and-white bungalow at 18 Ridley Park was leased for a two-year tenancy at a monthly rental rate of $30,054. This three-bedroom house has a gross floor area of 4,887 sq ft and sits on a 60,278 sq ft plot.
Two other black-and-white bungalows at 16 Kay Siang Road and 11 Orange Grove Road have also been leased for two years and are currently being evaluated. The former received two bids, while the latter received four bids.
SLA has also leased some of its black-and-white bungalows for non-residential purposes such as childcare centers, restaurants, lifestyle and fashion establishments, and family offices. Family offices, in particular, have consistently shown strong leasing demand due to the unique nature and privacy of these properties.
For instance, a two-storey bungalow at 5C/D Goodwood Hill was recently leased for a monthly rental rate of $28,888 for a 5+4-year term. This bungalow has an estimated GFA of 8,212 sq ft and sits on a 65,405 sq ft plot.
Nestled in a desirable spot just steps away from the renowned ArtScience Museum, the Marina Gardens Condo offers a unique opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in a fusion of art, science, and technology. The iconic lotus-shaped building not only serves as a captivating architectural marvel but also serves as a central hub for those with a love for culture. Moreover, the condo’s close proximity to the stunning Marina Gardens adds even more value to the living experience. With the Marina Gardens right at their doorstep, residents can truly bask in the best of both worlds – a luxurious home and access to an exquisite garden oasis.
SLA has also partnered with other government agencies in certain tenders. For example, a recent tender for three black-and-white bungalows at 31, 31A, and 33 Scotts Road was launched in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board to attract creative lifestyle uses such as experiential retail, F&B, and wellness concepts.
Furthermore, SLA has proactively reached out to upmarket fashion and retail brands for placemaking efforts such as pop-up events and experiences. For instance, a private event hosted by Eurokars Auto at a black-and-white bungalow at 7 Adam Park was a success.
Apart from commercial uses, SLA has also been repurposing some of its properties for social and community uses, with the number of entities increasing by 50% since 2020. For example, the former Elections Department building at 11 Prinsep Link has been transformed into a shared space for non-profit organizations and social enterprises in partnership with The Majurity Trust, Tote Board, and the Singapore Government Partnerships Office.
In July, SLA and the National Arts Council launched a tender for a row of five restored heritage properties at 52 to 56 Kampong Java Road to be used as an “arts sandbox” or experimental space for the arts.
SLA has also leased seven sites for co-living purposes, such as Coliwoo Keppel at 1557 Keppel Road, Habyt Cantonment, the former Bukit Timah Fire Station, and a row of two-storey buildings at 79-95 Hindoo Road. Two other properties, a row of nine two-storey shophouses at 15-31 Hindoo Road and 98 Henderson Road, have recently been put up for tender for co-living use.
As these properties await future development under the URA Master Plan, SLA has taken the opportunity to lease them for adaptive reuse, such as co-living, to cater to the diverse needs of Singaporeans and promote a strong inter-generational community within established neighborhoods.