Dempsey gets bigger

Source : Today - 19 Dec 2008

Country City awarded bid to develop more land

FOR those who can’t get enough of the chic hangout places at Dempsey Hill, the good news is, more units and land have been released for development.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has released a 20,146.9 sq m plot of land with a gross floor area of 7,502.8 sq m on the hill, made up of several blocks of old British army buildings, to add to the existing nest of restaurants, bars, gourmet grocers and shops that have drawn crowds despite its less-than-accessible location.

The land, part of what is known as Tanglin Village, has been awarded to property investor Country City Investment, which beat 13 other bidders with a monthly rental quote of $378,300.

Upgrading will be carried out to ease traffic congestion and boost visitorship, including improvements like brighter pathways and roads, new road signs and more free parking lots.

General manager Nicholas Ng said Country City aims to “add to the already vibrant urban sanctuary for businesses and Singaporeans, expatriates and foreigners to wine and dine among lush greenery, retail lifestyle and services, and education services”.

An SLA spokeswoman said approved uses of the new plot of land include food and beverage outlets, a dance, drama, arts or music school, a spa, a childcare centre and retail shops.

The tenancy is for an initial term of three years and can be renewed until 2017.

“We hope the wide range of approved uses will further enhance the vibrancy of Tanglin Village,” she said.

The new area will be completed by the first half of next year.

Country City said it was too early to comment on the expected development costs as “we are still in planning stages”.

The firm is looking for new tenants, and a spokesperson added: “Priority will be given to existing tenants and new tenants will be carefully selected to be part of Dempsey Hill and its new concept establishments.”