Second state property in Changi offered for hotel use

Source : Straits Times - 11 Aug 2008

A SECOND state property, which is part of a former military camp in Hendon Road, in Changi, is put up for public tender on Monday for dedicated hotel use.

The site has a land area of 9,666 square metres, slightly larger than a football field with a gross floor area (GFA) of 5,097 square metres. It comprises two blocks of three-storey buildings and a covered shed.

The tenancy, with a guide rental of $28,500 a month, is for an initial term of three years. renewable up to 2018, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on Monday.

SLA said the land is well suited for hotel use as the Changi area is being transformed into an exciting destination for locals and tourists alike with its wide ranging leisure, recreational and lifestyle attractions.

It is also conveniently located next to a park connector, a walking route along Netheravon Road from Cranwell Road to Changi Village, and the Changi Point boardwalk.

More buzz can also be expected with the introduction of motor sports near the Changi Beach Park, as announced by the Government.

The first state property that has been converted for hotel use is at No. 175A Chin Swee Road.

Today, it is a boutique business hotel called ‘Hotel Re!’ with 140 rooms. It officially opened for business in mid-May with an initial occupancy rate of around 50 per cent.

Since last year, SLA has awarded four state properties - in Lorong Bekukong, Turnhouse Road and the former Changi Hospital) - in the Changi area for adaptive commercial re-use after receiving strong response.

Two of them are now restaurants while the former Changi General Hospital at Halton Road is being transformed into a spa resort. The groundbreaking will take place next month and the development is expected to be ready by next year.

The Government, on its part, has upgraded the car parks at Changi Village and provided additional car park lots at Turnhouse Road.

Mr Teo Cher Hian, director of Land Operations (Private) Division, said: ‘SLA is offering a number of the vacant State properties for adaptive re-use such as hotels and lifestyle attractions in line with the government’s vision for Changi Point as an attractive and rustic seaview hotel, resort and recreational destination’.

‘This latest property will add greater buzz and vibrancy to the Changi area’.

According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), leading hoteliers have expressed keen interest in this property.

Ms Caroline Leong, Director, Travel Services & Hospitality Business, STB said: ‘The STB encourages the development of different types of accommodation to add to the hotel mix available here.

‘With its lush greenery and historical charm which the old military barracks lend, a hotel development on the former Changi Camp site will provide an ideal alternative to visitors who prefer staying amidst a rustic environment’.

According to STB, mid-tier and economy hotels enjoyed healthy average room occupancy rates of 85 per cent and 87 per cent respectively in the first six months.