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The mall has struggled to attract tenants due to the COVID-19 pandemic and planning restrictions. Photo: Google Street View
Liv@Changi, a new mall at the junction of Mariam Way and Upper Changi Road North, has remained closed even as it had secured a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in December 2019, reported Channel News Asia (CNA).
This comes as the three-storey mall, which was developed by Fortune Assets Changi, has struggled to attract tenants due to the COVID-19 pandemic and planning restrictions.
“Leasing of the retail spaces was affected by the pandemic with the circuit breaker measures implemented in April,” said Keev Tan, Director at Fortune Assets Changi, in response to CNA’s queries.
“Additionally, the planning guidelines restricted certain desired trades, such as cafes and restaurants, which are essential for the mall to draw traffic.”
In February, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) denied the developer’s request to transform six shop units at the mall’s first and second floor into restaurants.
“The proposed restaurants cannot be allowed, as stated in planning condition (f) of the Written Permission, to safeguard the amenities of the surrounding residents,” said the URA in a document seen by CNA.
In its latest planning conditions in March 2019, URA has disallowed the mall from having restaurants, nightclubs, bars or health centres.
Residents at a nearby private estate have been looking forward to the mall’s opening.
“I need a supermarket,” said a 70-year old resident who only wanted to be known as Mr Lim. He noted that the nearest shops were 2km or a 15-minute walk away.
Another resident, who wanted to be identified only as Ms Esther presumed that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the mall’s opening.
“I don’t know what happened,” said the 63-year-old.
Meanwhile, the developer confirmed that the process of leasing out retail spaces is still ongoing, but did not indicate when the mall will open.
“The objective of the mall has always been to provide quality amenities and services to the residents in the vicinity,” said Tan.
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Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
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