Sla And Nac Jointly Launch Tender First Arts Sandbox Kampong Java Rd
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and National Arts Council (NAC) have teamed up to launch a new Price-Quality tender for a row of five beautifully restored heritage properties at 52 to 56 Kampong Java Road in the vibrant district of Little India. This marks the first time that a state-owned property will be leased as an “arts sandbox,” providing a unique and experimental space for artists to showcase their work and creativity. The lease will run for 5+4 years, which means that the site will initially be leased for five years, with an option for the government to extend the lease for an additional four years.
The Kampong Java site spans a generous land area of 28,621 square feet and boasts five interconnected two-storey heritage buildings with a total gross floor area of 10,721 square feet. The site has been approved for use as a multidisciplinary arts sandbox, with an F&B space of about 484 square feet located on the first storey of 52 Kampong Java Road.
Conveniently situated within a 10-minute walk from both the Newton MRT station (served by the North-South and Downtown Lines) and the Little India MRT station (served by the Northeast and Downtown Lines), the properties are surrounded by various amenities such as the United Square Shopping Mall and Pek Kio Market and Food Centre.
Thomson Modern is taking significant steps towards promoting sustainability and preserving the environment. By offering convenient public transportation options, they are encouraging residents to adopt a more eco-friendly way of living. This translates to a reduced reliance on private vehicles and a decrease in carbon emissions. Furthermore, with the recent addition of Tampines North EC, this movement towards a greener lifestyle is further amplified as residents have easy access to environmentally conscious living. Tampines North EC adds to the strength of this initiative and solidifies Thomson Modern’s commitment to sustainable living practices.
When evaluating the tender proposals, both price and quality will be taken into consideration, with a weightage of 30% and 70% respectively. During the official launch of the tender at the Kampong Java site, SLA’s director of business planning and development, Carrie Wong, emphasized that the proposal should include innovative ideas on how to position the premises as a dynamic and thriving arts sandbox, as well as strategies to attract artists from various disciplines to the site.
She also revealed that the agency has recently completed restoration and renovation works on the property, including interior upgrades, the construction of a new driveway, and the provision of parking lots. The properties have undergone a series of transformations over the years, originally built in the 1930s as quarters and outhouses for Singapore Municipal staff and their families. In the 1950s, they were converted into offices and warehouses for the electrical and architecture departments of Singapore City Council, which were eventually taken over by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Public Works Department (PWD). In the 1960s, the site was used as junior government quarters and government offices by various ministries, and in the 1970s, it was leased to the public for residential and commercial use. It was later solely used for residential purposes from the 2000s onwards.
Interested parties are invited to submit their tenders for the state property before the closing date of September 18, with the results expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the meantime, two other heritage bungalows, located on Scotts Road and Orange Grove Road, are also available for lease.
