Monday, December 4, 2023
Singapore’s renowned Smith Street, situated within the Chinatown conservation precinct, is poised for a revitalization that promises distinctive attractions and rejuvenated experiences for both locals and tourists. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have collectively initiated a tender process to select a master tenant tasked with breathing new life into the contiguous shophouses spanning from 11 to 37 Smith Street[1] and the adjoining pedestrian mall on State land. Developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, including the Chinatown precinct stakeholders and the Chinese Community Liaison Group, the rejuvenation project seeks to infuse energy, drawing increased foot traffic through community programs and a diverse range of offerings such as creative lifestyle, retail ventures, and co-living/co-working concepts—all while preserving the area’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The Chinatown conservation area serves as a narrative of Chinese heritage, offering a signature destination for both international visitors and locals to immerse themselves in local culture. Smith Street, nestled in the heart of this historic district, renowned for its culinary richness, is embarking on a journey of renewal and innovation by incorporating a broader spectrum of experiences.
The key objectives of the rejuvenation project include:
a) Placemaking: Recalling its early days as hei yuen kai (Cantonese for Theatre Street), the project aims to revive the street’s vibrancy with regular community programming at the pedestrian mall, introducing shops and restaurants, and enabling community celebrations along the street.
b) Culinary Diversity: Smith Street will continue to celebrate Singapore’s cultural heritage by expanding its array of F&B offerings, showcasing a diverse range of Singaporean cuisine.
c) Creative Lifestyle and Retail Spaces: The project will enrich the historic district with a curated selection of boutiques, local artisans, and unique products that reflect Singapore’s cultural diversity. The upper storeys of shophouses could serve as serviced apartments, co-living, and co-working spaces.
d) Sustainability: The rejuvenated Smith Street will prioritize sustainability through design approaches, green technology, and spaces promoting recycling efforts, aligning with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
The rejuvenation project underscores a commitment to preserving Chinatown’s cultural and architectural heritage, following conservation guidelines and best practices to ensure the retention of intrinsic character and historical value.
Ms. Carrie Wong, Director of Business Planning and Development at SLA, highlighted the significance of the joint tender, emphasizing Singapore’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to evolving needs. Ms. Lim Shoo Ling, Director of Arts and Cultural Precincts at STB, emphasized the collaborative placemaking efforts to bring authentic stories and experiences to life.
Mr. Bernard Leong, Chairman of Chinatown Business Association, expressed excitement about the project, anticipating the introduction of new uses and a revitalized atmosphere in Chinatown.
The Price and Quality tender aim to appoint a master tenant for the integrated management of shophouses and adjacent State land. The evaluation criteria include Price (30%), CAPEX (20%), and Quality (50%), emphasizing proposed concepts and the tenderer’s ability to achieve the site’s vision. The successful tenderer will be offered an upfront tenure of five years, extendable for a second term of four years. The tender period is open for 12 weeks from November 30, 2023.
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