A collaborative initiative by SLA, STB, and URA seeks to revitalize Smith Street in historic Chinatown through a comprehensive tender, offering a diverse mix of community programs, lifestyle concepts, and innovative spaces.
Singapore’s iconic Smith Street, nestled in the heart of the Chinatown conservation area, is poised for a transformative renewal. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) jointly launched a Price-Quality tender on November 30, 2023, covering the contiguous row of shophouses from 11 to 37 Smith Street and the adjacent pedestrian mall on State land. The ambitious project aims to inject new life into the area, making it more appealing to a broader audience while preserving its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Conceptualized in consultation with local stakeholders, including the Chinatown precinct stakeholders and the Chinese Community Liaison Group, the rejuvenation project is designed to introduce vibrancy and diversity. Beyond traditional retail and dining, the joint tender expands the usage of Smith Street to encompass community programs, creative lifestyle concepts, galleries, serviced apartments, as well as co-living and co-working spaces. This initiative seeks to enhance visitors’ experiences by showcasing Chinese heritage and Chinatown’s history.
Key objectives of the rejuvenation project include placemaking, culinary diversity, creative lifestyle and retail spaces, and sustainability. Emphasizing sustainability initiatives aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the project aims to incorporate green technology, sensitive design approaches, and spaces that promote recycling/upcycling efforts.
The rejuvenation project underscores a commitment to preserving Chinatown’s cultural and architectural heritage. Conservation guidelines and best practices will be adhered to, ensuring that the shophouses retain their intrinsic character and historical value, offering inclusive spaces for all to enjoy.
Ms. Carrie Wong, Director of Business Planning and Development at SLA, highlighted the significance of the joint tender, emphasizing the commitment to innovation and sustainability. Ms. Lim Shoo Ling, Director of Arts and Cultural Precincts at STB, expressed pleasure in enhancing Chinatown’s attractiveness and delivering revitalized experiences.
Chinatown Business Association Chairman, Mr. Bernard Leong, looks forward to the rejuvenation, anticipating new uses and a renewed vibrancy. The rejuvenation project will also prioritize the preservation of Chinatown’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The Price and Quality tender, evaluated based on Price, CAPEX, and Quality criteria, aims to appoint a master tenant for integrated management. Tenderers are required to conceptualize long-term planning with financial and visitorship projections, and the successful tenderer will be offered an upfront tenure of five years, renewable for a second term of four years. The tender, open for 12 weeks, started on November 30, 2023.
Source – STB
