Landscape firms, orchid nurseries to get longer first-term land tenures

Under revised model from Nov, tenants will apply for renewal in 7th year instead of 4th

- Chin Hui Shan

Landscape firms and orchid nurseries applying for land plots from November will get longer first-term land tenures, under a revised tenancy model introduced by the National Parks Board (NParks) on Oct 13.

The current model offers an initial three-year tenure that is renewable for up to two additional three-year terms - a so-called 3+3+3-year model.

But from November, the tranche of tenancy plots of tha put up for tender by NParks will be subject to a tenancy model of 6+3 years instead.

The tenancy plots managed by NParks are mostly located in Lim Chu Kang and Sungei Tengah.

With a longer first-term tenure of six years, tenants will apply for renewal only in the seventh year, instead of applying in the fourth year.

Announcing the change at the 10th Regional Arboriculture Seminar at the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, said the revised model will help nursery operators better plan operational enhancements, such as investing in advanced equipment to boost productivity.

The seminar, held on Oct 13 and 14, involves tree-care practitioners and researchers in the region. They will share their insights on the latest developments in arboriculture policies and real-world case studies, among other things.