Tanjong Katong Complex put up for sale on 30-year lease by SLA

It is seeking proposals that will rejuvenate complex, preserve rich cultural value of area

- Ng Keng Gene

Tanjong Katong Complex has been put up for sale on a 30-year lease by the authorities, marking a shift from previous plans to run and operate the building themselves.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said on Oct 18 that it is seeking proposals that will rejuvenate the complex as a commercial node in Paya Lebar, while preserving the rich cultural value of Geylang Serai as a community precinct.

It also wants future developers to ensure that the complex has a mix of commercial offerings and outdoor public plazas for community events such as exhibitions, concerts and the annual Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar.

The announcement comes after SLA said in 2021 that it was going to close the complex for renovation works for three years, from August 2023.

It also means that those original plans, where the SLA would operate the refurbished building when it was ready in 2026, have been canned.

Dr Maliki Osman, chairman of the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt Steering Committee, said at a media briefing on Oct 18 that the authorities "had a rethink about what more can we do to enhance Tanjong Katong Complex".