SLA launches sale of first agri-tainment land at Lim Chu Kang

SLA is launching three sites at Lim Chu Kang for sale by public tender today.

This is a pilot project. Three plots of vacant State land totalling up to 78,329sq m in site area) will be available for tender. They are zoned for agricultural and/or agri-tainment (i.e. mix of agriculture, recreation and entertainment) uses. Details and the site map are at Annex A and Annex B respectively.

For the first time, entrepreneurs and farmers will be invited to tender for the land for agri-tainment use, agricultural use or both agri-tainment and agricultural uses within the same tender. If there are no bids for agri-tainment use, the tender can be awarded for agricultural use. There is no need for a fresh tender. Entrepreneurs and farmers can also suggest alternative and innovative land use ideas. Such ideas will be evaluated by the various government agencies before the tender is awarded. This will save tenderers considerable time and effort. If the proposed ideas are not accepted, they can opt out of the tender. In this way, uncertainty and risks are minimised.

If the site is awarded for agri-tainment development, the successful bidder can build up to 1000 sq m of commercial GFA with a maximum of 200 sq m for Food & Beverage/Retail and 300 sq m for Guest Accommodation and Spa facilities. If the site is awarded for solely agricultural development, the successful bidder can have a commercial GFA of 200 sq m for Food & Beverage/Retail and 300 sq m for Guest Accommodation and Spa facilities. These conditions are similar to current planning guidelines for existing farm sites.

So far, SLA has received about 33 enquiries from interested parties about the sale of the sites.

As this is the first time SLA is introducing this new system of tendering, the tender will remain open for 8 weeks instead of the usual 4 weeks. The tender will close on 5 December 2006 at 12 noon.

SLA’s Director of Land Operations Division, Mr Simon Ong, said: “The Government’s vision is to transform the Lim Chu Kang area into a recreational countryside – a destination within easy reach of urban dwellers where we can enjoy rustic scenery, see livestock up close and take part in exciting adventure and outdoor activities. We hope that entrepreneurs will seize this opportunity to bring about a wide range of interesting agri-tainment facilities in different settings to cater to the diverse and sophisticated tastes of our people.”

More information can be found in the tender documents. They can be purchased at $52.50 (inclusive of Goods and Services Tax) from the Singapore Land Authority at 8 Shenton Way, Temasek Tower, #26-01, Singapore 068811 from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday, 8.30 to 11am.