Singapore Land Authority (SLA) today announced the launch of Tanjong Katong Complex (TKC) for sale via a Concept and Price Revenue tender on a 30-year lease tenure. The tender seeks proposals that will rejuvenate TKC as a commercial node in line with the larger vision of Paya Lebar sub-regional centre, while preserving the rich cultural value of Geylang Serai as a community precinct.

This initiative aligns with the broader vision to transform the Geylang Serai area into a distinctive cultural precinct, as highlighted in former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech in 2018.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Built in 1982 and zoned “Commercial” under the Master Plan 2019, TKC is a familiar landmark within the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt. Engagement sessions on the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt were held from October 2019 to January 2020, and the feedback received has been incorporated into the tender requirements for the sale. This includes setting aside spaces for some cultural trades, adaptively reusing the building, and for TKC to continue to serve as a cultural identity marker for the area.

Rejuvenation Plans

The successful tenderer will undertake the rejuvenation of TKC as a key community destination in Geylang Serai, with a refreshed positioning that should include:

a) A vibrant mix of commercial offerings, including exciting new retail and dining options, along with dedicated spaces for Malay trades.

b) Outdoor public plazas with lush tropical landscaping, to cater for community events like exhibitions, concerts and the annual Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar.

c) Improved pedestrian connectivity to surrounding commercial and community developments such as Wisma Geylang Serai and Paya Lebar Quarter.

The rejuvenation will retain iconic features of TKC, such as slanted columns of the façade facing Tanjong Katong Road, and the four cylindrical shaped structures at each corner of the existing building. It will also allow for an infill extension and a new building entrance for pedestrians at Sims Avenue that will connect the north of TKC from Sims Avenue/Paya Lebar MRT station to the south entrance at Geylang Road, to enhance connectivity and accessibility.

The successful tenderer will oversee the management of the property, and dedicate space to tenants specialising in Malay trades to ensure the continued focus on celebrating, supporting, and sustaining Malay heritage trades and values. In addition, the successful tender will have the flexibility to sub-lease commercial units within TKC to other tenants.

SLA invites interested tenderers to participate in the opportunity to rejuvenate a key cultural landmark in Singapore. The 30-year lease provides a viable runway for tenderers to invest in meaningful upgrades that will impact and foster community engagement, with the flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of tenants, ensuring a vibrant mix of commercial and cultural offerings.

Co-Location with Community Organisations

In keeping with the cultural identity of the precinct, key organisations of the Malay/Muslim community such as MENDAKI headquarters and a MUIS office will be co-located with a public library at the rejuvenated TKC. The co-location of these community organisations will create synergy by fostering collaboration, enhance the collective social impact of their initiatives and encourage life-long learning among Singaporeans. The National Library Board (NLB) will relocate the Geylang East Public Library to TKC, bringing convenience and greater accessibility to more people given TKC’s good connections to transport nodes and other amenities.

Dr Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Chairman of the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt Steering Committee, said, “The rejuvenation of Tanjong Katong Complex aligns with the broader vision to transform the Geylang Serai area into a vibrant socio-cultural and education hub. This will build on our earlier efforts made with Wisma Geylang Serai, rejuvenated Joo Chiat Complex, and the Landmark Gateway. Going forward, the presence of MENDAKI headquarters, a MUIS office and a public library within TKC will underscore our commitment to making Geylang Serai a distinctive cultural belt not only for the Malay/Muslim community but for all Singaporeans."

Chief Executive of SLA, Mr. Colin Low, said, “SLA recognises the potential to revitalise TKC for contemporary needs while capitalising on its unique context. By offering a longer tenure, we aim to partner with a like-minded master developer and operator with an aligned vision, relevant networks and innovative placemaking programmes to transform TKC into a vibrant, community-centric complex that will enhance the cultural essence of a historical precinct.”

The tender for TKC will be open for four months from 18 October 2024 and will close on 25 February 2025. Interested tenderers can access SLA’s State Property Information Online (SPIO) portal at https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio for more information.

18 October 2024

Issued by

Singapore Land Authority