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The new landlord of the former Bukit Timah Fire Station (pictured) plans to spend S$1 million to transform it into a lifestyle hub, said The Business Times.
Earlier this year, LHN Group subsidiary Chua Eng Chong Holdings won the tender for the 88,900 sq ft site, beating two other companies with a S$70,200 monthly rent for a minimum of two years.
Kelvin Lim, Managing Director of LNH, said it will revamp the place into a lifestyle hub that will house retail stores, a food and beverage outlet and enrichment options for children. It will feature 24-hour security, a walkway to the bus stop and sheltered links between all blocks.
Last April, its former landlord Spectra Investment decided not to renew its lease with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) after a three-year stay at the nine blocks of former firemen’s quarters. Consequently, subtenants such as a hair salon, a car model shop and a music school were affected.
Spectra was said to pay S$15,000 a month for the premises, which it tried to turn into an arts and education hub. According to a spokesman, the rental for renewing the lease grew significantly.
Nicholas Mak, Head of Research at SLP International, commented, “It’s not located at any thoroughfare that people can stumble upon; hence, it has to be a destination spot, with the strength of its tenants attracting a crowd.”
He added that it could “draw a larger catchment of visitors other than its nearby condominiums. Perhaps even from as far as HDB towns in the surrounding vicinity such as Bukit Batok.”
Residents are looking forward to the impending launch. Teo Han Wei, an engineer who lives in Springdale condominium, has high hopes for the lifestyle hub.
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