Bookmark & Share
Four heritage establishments in Dempsey Hill were given a sort of a lifeline as their leases were scheduled to expire in March. Image: Hungrygowhere
Four dining establishments in Dempsey Hill, Samy’s Curry, Long Beach Seafood, Morsels and RedDot BrewHouse, have been offered new tenancies under the classification of “anchor heritage tenants”, reported Channel News Asia.
The long-time establishments were given a sort of a lifeline as their leases were scheduled to expire in March.
“These four establishments are local and/or heritage brands with strong local stories to tell. Having them in Dempsey Hill adds to the lifestyle enclave’s vibrant offerings,” the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said.
“Backed by their popularity, we believe that these establishments can contribute to the vision of Tanglin Village as a precinct that provides a differentiated experience.”
SLA revealed that they were working with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to offer the establishments a tenure of up to nine years. Talks are also underway regarding the finalisation of the tenancy terms.
The news came as a relief to Samy’s Curry, who said they did not have a backup plan for their current lease’s expiration in March.
“We were very afraid we wouldn’t get the place and that they would give it to a foreign brand or a more atas (upscale) brand. We were really lost, especially for my dad who’s spent his entire life here … so I’m very happy and relieved,” said Nagajyothi Mahendran, director of the restaurant.
RedDot Brewery, for their part, believes the offer is a validation for the hometown brands.
“It’s a good encouragement for us. A lot of times we tend to look outwards, at foreign brands and we forget we have very strong good brands here in Singapore, so why not support them?” said Ng Mui Lee, director of RedDot.
Unfortunately, not all tenants will get to stay.
At least six units housed in three blocks will have to move out, after they failed to secure lease extensions.
The three blocks – 26, 26A and 26B – will be put up for tender, beginning with Block 26 on Wednesday and then followed by 26A and 26B in February this year.
“Building on the strong local branding that will be retained around the area at Blocks 25 and 25A Dempsey Road, the tender at Block 26 will be for F&B, retail and art uses with a strong local focus,” said SLA.
“This is in line with the STB’s objective to profile and promote home-grown brands and local talents,” added an SLA spokesperson.
The units will come with three-year tenures that are renewable for two further terms of three years each.
“New tenders will be launched in phases for changes to take place progressively, and to ensure business continuity within Dempsey cluster,” said SLA.
Other tenants who would also allowed to stay, expressed their contentment and cited precinct’s unique tenant mix, relaxed atmosphere and spaciousness as important draws.
There are, however, tenants who do not think highly of the two-year extensions.
“We are happy, but at the same time, it’s like we can’t shout for joy because it’s two years – we still can’t do a lot of planning,” said Mr Peter Hedger, owner of Hedger’s Carpet Gallery.
“I think retails stores or restaurants need long-term planning, so that we can do enhancements in our building. Maybe drop my ceiling a bit, do the air conditioning, re-do the lighting and wiring, but with a two-year lease we can’t do it.”
In response, master tenant CCI said it is “still in the midst of discussion with SLA with regards to the future beyond the freshly granted two years tenancy”.
Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
Related Articles: