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Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Depot Lane industrial estate and warehouses to be vacated by Q4 to make way for housing
Under URA's master plan, the Depot Lane industrial estate is part of a 7.3ha site zoned for residential use. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Depot Lane industrial estate and warehouses to be vacated by Q4 to make way for housing SINGAPORE - An industrial estate and a row of warehouses at Depot Lane in Bukit Merah will be vacated by the fourth quarter of 2025 to make way for housing. JTC Corporation, which manages the industrial estate, said the plot will be returned to the state for future residential development, in response to queries from The Straits Times. Under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's master plan, the Depot Lane industrial estate is part of a 7.3ha site zoned for residential use. Its plot ratio, which determines the intensity of the development, is subject to detailed evaluation. The industrial estate, consisting of about 240 units across eight blocks, was built in the 1970s. Six adjacent warehouses, which make up the rest of the plot, are owned by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). JTC said tenants were told about the redevelopment plans for the area in 2018 and were offered replacement factory spaces at JTC Space @ Ang Mo Kio or Bedok Food City. Western food stall Original Botak Jones took to social media in April to announce the closure of its outlet in the Yue Hua coffee shop at Depot Lane on June 22 due to redevelopment of the area. 'We reopened this outlet during the most uncertain times – in 2021, when dining in wasn't even allowed. It's been an incredible four-year journey,' it said. The coffee shop shuttered on June 23. Mr Xu Tianmu, director of Yue Hua coffee shop, told ST that he felt reluctant to close the place as it had been at Depot Lane for around 20 years. 'It's quite sad because this is the oldest coffee shop we have. Many of the stallholders have been with us for more than 15 years,' said Mr Xu, who also ran the Original Botak Jones outlet there. He took up JTC's offer of a replacement site at Bedok Food City and set up an Original Botak Jones outlet there in 2022. 'Depot Lane used to be very vibrant and business used to be good,' he said, adding that many businesses moved out of the industrial estate about three years ago. When ST visited the Depot Lane industrial estate on June 24, many of the tenants appeared to have moved out. Mr Alex Lim, owner of PPF Singapore Xpel, a company that sells protection films for vehicles, said it has to move out of Depot Lane by the end of June, after about five years there. He said he had to bid for a unit at an industrial park in Ang Mo Kio, as JTC had not offered him a replacement site. When ST visited the Depot Lane industrial estate on June 24, most of the tenants appeared to have moved out. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI JTC said business owners who took up tenancies after the announcement of the redevelopment plans in 2018 were told not to expect replacement sites when they were asked to vacate. Although Mr Lim was awarded the Ang Mo Kio unit, he lamented that its monthly rental of $4,500 is markedly higher than the $2,600 rent for the Depot Lane unit. In 2018, all of the Housing Board's industrial properties and land – including the Depot Lane industrial estate – were transferred to JTC. Tenants that were originally under HDB will be offered replacement units and other relocation benefits when they move out due to redevelopment, under HDB's Industrial Redevelopment Programme. The owner of a construction engineering firm, whose office has been at the Depot Lane industrial estate since 1987, said he initially wanted to take up JTC's offer of a replacement unit in Ang Mo Kio. But he could not get his preferred ground-floor unit. The owner, who declined to be named owing to the sensitivity of the matter, said he tried bidding for an industrial unit in Penjuru Close. As the tender closed with another tenderer placing the highest bid, he is unsure if he will be awarded the unit. 'When we get a new place, we still need to renovate it, arrange for electrical installations and a lot of things. All this needs money,' he said. The SLA-owned warehouses at Depot Lane are tenanted to a master tenant, real estate management services group LHN Group, ST understands. All sub-tenants will also have to vacate the site by the fourth quarter of 2025. Mr Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at real estate firm Huttons Asia, said there could be pent-up demand for homes in the Depot Road area as the last public housing development there was launched in 2012. Depot Road is sandwiched between two mature estates – Redhill and Telok Blangah – and there was good demand for the four-room flats in the Depot Heights Built-To-Order (BTO) project launched in July 2012, he noted. Mr Lee estimated that, with a gross plot ratio of 3, more than 2,000 HDB flats can be built on the 7.3ha site, around the area of 10 football fields. He said BTO flats there could fall under the Standard category as it is not near any MRT stations. Standard flats, which come with a five-year minimum occupation period (MOP), form the bulk of flat supply. Plus and Prime flats, which are closer to the city centre, transport nodes and amenities, come with stricter resale conditions, such as a 10-year MOP and a subsidy clawback. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Times
Longer leases for renewable energy will boost Singapore's energy transition: EDP Renewables
[SINGAPORE] Having longer land leases for renewable energy in Singapore is one policy shift that could accelerate the city-state's transition into a low-carbon economy, said an executive at renewable energy player EDP Renewables. While Singapore's agency for industrial development JTC currently has a scheme – called SolarLand – which converts industrial land that is temporarily vacant into solar farms, Filipa Ricciardi, executive director of EDP Renewables in Asia-Pacific, said she hopes to see more land reserved for renewable energy development over a longer term. 'I would love to see a right of use of land for renewable development... Industrial and commercial land... the purpose of it is not necessarily to develop renewable projects, and JTC was smart enough to think about an interim use. Obviously, we would like to see more stable, long-term land that could be available to serve clients here in Singapore,' said Ricciardi, who was speaking last Friday (Jun 27) at an event organised by Amazon Web Services. And that also includes the use of space over water bodies. JTC land parcels are typically allocated via a tender process, and companies that win the tender are given a temporary occupation licence, which have tenures of up to three years, indicated JTC's website. Solar farms, however, have a lifespan of between 25 and 30 years. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up While Ricciardi understands that land scarcity is a major challenge in Singapore, she said she hopes to see longer leases that could last as long as 35 years. 'What I would love to see change is the concept of temporary. And so, make it more definitive for a certain time period. As renewable developers, we push for more clarity on the uses of land and the longer the time, the better for the renewable projects,' she said. Beyond Singapore, she added, the liberalisation of electricity markets in other parts of Asia-Pacific are key for corporates to adopt more renewable energy. Regulatory frameworks that allow companies to sign corporate power purchase agreements are needed. In the context of South-east Asia, Valerie Choy, renewable energy lead for Asia-Pacific at Amazon Web Services, said that there has been tremendous progress in the region. As Indonesia's electricity market is still regulated, the company signed an agreement with state-owned utility company PLN for it to provide the cloud computing arm of Amazon with solar energy. She noted that Malaysia has also launched a programme for corporates to sign power purchase agreements, while Thailand has started a green energy procurement scheme for companies to buy renewable energy certificates. 'These are avenues that didn't exist... just four or five years ago... I think there's already tremendous progress being made, and we'll continue to work with governments and utilities in the South-east Asian countries to progress new ways to procure renewable energy,' said Choy.
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
ZEDRA Appoints Dean Blackburn as CEO
Article content LONDON — ZEDRA, a global specialist provider of Active Wealth, Corporate & Global Expansion, Funds and Pension & Incentives services, today announces the appointment of Dean Blackburn as Chief Executive Officer. Article content Having joined the business as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in September 2024, Dean has a proven track record in inspiring and motivating teams – fostering a culture of collaboration, and innovation, which has consistently translated into strong business performance and growth. Dean brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across the financial and professional services sectors, having previously served as Chief Commercial Officer and Group Head of Institutional Client Services at JTC. Article content Based in Jersey, Dean will work closely with the firm's senior leaders to ensure the continuation of exceptional service delivery for clients. Article content Speaking to his appointment, Dean Article content 'I am thrilled to step into this role at such a pivotal time in our evolution as a business. Having doubled in size in the past three years alone, we have achieved considerable success expanding into new markets. I look forward to working with our global team of exceptional professionals to continue enhancing our diverse service offering and delivery as we enter this new chapter together.' Article content remarked, Article content 'Dean's appointment will come as no surprise to those who know him. He has a sharp commercial outlook, natural leadership abilities and clear vision for the future of ZEDRA. We are confident that Dean will continue our legacy under his leadership, driving the business forward and achieving our ambitions as we evolve.' Article content Having worked closely together since Dean joined ZEDRA, Ivo Hemelraad will now move to a non-executive director role on the Group Holdings board as Dean takes up the Chief Executive Officer role. Article content continued, Article content 'Ivo's move to a non-executive role marks the end of an incredible era. At the core of our operations and leadership team from the outset of his journey with us, Ivo leaves an unmistakable legacy that I know the team will proudly continue.' Article content Dean's appointment marks an exciting chapter for ZEDRA as the firm continues to expand its global presence and service offerings, while further strengthening its position as a trusted partner, supporting both their clients and employees in achieving their ambitions. Article content About ZEDRA Article content ZEDRA is a global specialist provider of Active Wealth, Corporate & Global Expansion, Funds and Pension & Incentives services, all aligned under one common goal: to embrace the future with certainty. Article content The firm's highly experienced teams enable high net worth individuals and families as well as medium to large sized companies, pension funds and trustees, asset managers and their investors to focus on their core activities by choosing ZEDRA as their trusted partner. As an experienced, reliable and innovative adviser, ZEDRA helps them successfully navigate estate planning, governance and global operations. Article content Ultimately, what ZEDRA delivers is complete peace of mind, knowing its expertise is supported by a robust, ethical approach, meeting the local and international requirements of an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. Article content ZEDRA inherited a wealth of knowledge and experience following its acquisition of the trust businesses of a renowned bank in 2016. This solid foundation combined with innovative thinking has allowed ZEDRA to grow rapidly in a competitive marketplace to a team of over 1,300 industry experts across 17 key locations throughout the UK, Asia, the Americas and Europe. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
DGP inspects training course and issues guidelines for newly appointed constables in Varanasi
VARANASI: The Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh , Rajeev Krishna, inspected the ongoing Joining Training Course (JTC) at the Reserve Police Line Commissionerate in Varanasi on Tuesday. He inspected the training building, premises, barracks, mess, educational facilities, canteen, and logistics during his visit. After the inspection, a seminar was held with officers where important guidelines regarding the training of newly appointed constables were provided. You Can Also Check: Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi In his address, the DGP emphasised that the newly appointed constables will play a decisive role not only for the Uttar Pradesh Police but also for the future of society for the next 30-40 years. Therefore, it is essential that all officers involved in training take a keen interest in their comprehensive training, senior officers share their experiences with trainees, and establish a high standard of training that proves to be a transformative factor for the Uttar Pradesh Police. He said that the training of newly selected constables is not merely a formality but a historic opportunity to shape the future structure of the Uttar Pradesh Police. It will be implemented with full commitment, efficiency, and leadership skills. Senior police officers should provide exemplary leadership to trainees based on their experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be wasted. After training, an average of 25 trained constables will be available at each police station in the state, playing a game-changing role and shaping the Uttar Pradesh Police and society for the next 30 to 40 years. The DGP inspected the police line, training building, canteen, barracks, mess, educational facilities, and other logistics. He gave important directives during the seminar. He asked them to make law and order more robust, accountable, and sensitive. He instructed working on 10 main priorities in mission mode, which included strict and swift action against organised crime, mafias, and anti-social elements under a zero-tolerance policy against crime and criminals, special priority to women's safety and empowerment, making concrete efforts to promote sensitivity, respect, and a sense of security towards women. He asked them to make public hearings effective for the prompt resolution of public grievances, ensuring timely solutions to every citizen's complaint based on priority, and show no sympathy towards any individual breaking the law. The DGP asked them to address cybercrimes using advanced technologies considering the challenges of the digital age and raise awareness about cyber security among citizens. He instructed them to make police services provided to the public simpler, more transparent, and accountable. Every police officer should treat citizens as they would expect to be treated themselves. He spoke about the effective implementation of administrative and welfare schemes for the convenience, morale, and motivation of police officers and staff. He further asked them to identify skilled, experienced, and expert police officers/staff and utilise their talents to enhance the force's efficiency and excellence. He called upon them to strengthen data-driven decision-making capabilities using technology and artificial intelligence for smart policing, ensuring the proper utilisation of resources. He also asked them to prioritise in-service training to prepare police personnel for the latest challenges, ensuring the public receives the best service. During the seminar, the DGP received an introduction to the officers appointed in the Commissionerate Varanasi and had a detailed discussion about his priorities. The Police Commissioner of Commissionerate Varanasi, Mohit Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police Varanasi Zone, Piyush Mordia, and all senior officers were present on the occasion.
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
‘I lived on Pulau Samulun, now Jurong Shipyard': Musician remembers life before reclamation
SINGAPORE - Jurong Island, home to energy and chemicals firms with their glittering network of complexes, is not always remembered as such. For musician Mohd Nazir Dolah, it is a lost cluster of islands where the 74-year-old was raised in harmony with a sea teeming with life. Much of his childhood was spent diving in the azure waters off Pulau Samulun and Pulau Merimau, where he lived, with goggles fashioned from wood and rubber bands by his father, and sailing around on a small boat known as the kolek. Pulau Samulun was turned into Jurong Shipyard, while Pulau Merimau is one of 14 islands reclaimed by the government for its vision of a regional chemical hub. With the sea in his backyard, Mr Nazir said in Malay: 'Since I was six, I was eager to swim in the sea whenever I had the chance.' As Singapore's offshore islands were developed by the Government, Mr Nazir was among scores of villagers who were re-located to the mainland. On June 14, they gathered at a festival, named Hari Orang Pulau (Islander Day), at West Coast Park to celebrate their heritage and history through workshops, performances and talks. At the day-long event by ground-up initiative Orang Laut SG, researchers urged attendees who once lived on the islands to record their stories, noting the dwindling community harbouring these memories. The sea was more than a playground for the islanders, recounted Mr Nazir . It was a cornucopia of fish, crabs and shrimp that his family depended on for a living. 'I loved to eat raw prawns when they fall off the net. My father didn't get mad at me,' he said with a smile. 'They were very sweet, very tasty.' The clear waters off the reclaimed island of Pulau Samulun were particularly plentiful with catch, he added. 'My mother would say, 'We're not rich, but we're happy'.' By the time he turned 13, the village chief told the villagers that the Government wanted to take the island, offering each family a house and a few thousand dollars in compensation, he said. There was even an offer from Malaysia to move to Pahang, where they would get a plot of land to grown palms. Some islanders contacted a lawyer as they felt the money was insufficient, while others simply did not want to move. But his family followed the village chief's instructions, and moved to Pulau Merlimau, where his father worked for JTC as a surveyor. It was there that Mr Nazir started to pursue his dream of appearing on radio and television with his family band that specialised in ghazal, a genre of traditional Malay music. The band was so popular that they would travel by boat to Pulau Bukom, Pulau Sudong and other islands in the south to perform for weddings and competitions. But life on Pulau Merlimau came to a swift end. At the age of 20, Mr Nazir and his family moved to the mainland when Pulau Merlimau was reclaimed for the creation of Jurong Island. When asked how he felt now that the islands of his youth were gone, he said: 'It's just memories now.' After moving to the mainland Singapore, Mr Nazir would tell others that he is from Jurong Shipyard, because hailing from the islands was seen as a source of shame. The leader of the family band Orkes Melayu Mutiara said: 'It was sad that people looked down on us for being island people, but we couldn't run away from that reality.' His mindset changed only recently, through a movement by descendants of islanders, like Orang Laut SG founder Firdaus Sani, and his daughter Irma Yanti, who view their roots as a badge of pride. Said Ms Irma, 43, a vocalist for the band: 'For me, even though I have never been (on the island) before, I feel that we have this sense of history because of my father.' On June 14, Mr Nasir, his daughter and the rest of the band would help revive another tradition from the islands here by leading the Joget Dangkung. The communal dance was once a staple at weddings in Singapore's Southern Islands and continues to be practiced in Indonesia's Riau archipelago. These days, when asked where he is from, Mr Nazir has a different answer: 'I lived on Pulau Samulun, now Jurong Shipyard.' He told ST: 'Now I am proud. 'Now we have a day for island people, so everyone knows where we come from.' Additional reporting by Hadyu Rahim and Amirul Karim Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
