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The aim of closing unauthorised shops in Tiong Bahru is to protect the interest of the residents and legally-abiding businesses in the area, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
“It was not intended to diminish the vibrancy of the Tiong Bahru area. Valid businesses with proper authorisation are welcomed to continue their operations,” said the agency, noting that there are still about 70 retail and F&B outlets within the vicinity after the unlicensed shops are excluded. The remaining shops include the renowned Tiong Bahru Bakery, coffee joint 40 Hands and Cantonese restaurant Por Kee Eating House.
But the main reason why the URA recently acted against 12 shops in the estate was because they were illegally operating from residential premises without prior approval from the authorities.
In addition, these unlicensed establishments can cause inconveniences to the locals such as traffic jams and loud noises at night.
“Many residents in the Tiong Bahru estate do not welcome these unapproved businesses and we need to safeguard their interests. Without enforcement, it means anyone can set up a shop next to people’s homes, whether it is allowed or not,” URA explained.
Due to the enforcement action, some of the unauthorised shops have stopped operating; while others were given time to move their business to an appropriate location.
The agency also advised proprietors to carefully check if the space they would be renting can be used for commercial purposes before signing the lease.
Image: Aerial view of Tiong Bahru. (Photo by URA)
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
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