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Refurbished Tanjong Katong Complex to re-open by 2029, as tender for site awarded
An artist impression of the main frontage of Tanjong Katong Complex in the evening, after it is refurbished. PHOTO: JUN JIE DEVELOPMENT
Refurbished Tanjong Katong Complex to re-open by 2029, as tender for site awarded
SINGAPORE – Tanjong Katong Complex, a landmark in the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt, is set to re-open fully by 2029, after a tender for the site was awarded on a 30-year lease.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on June 28 said that it awarded a tender for the site to Jun Jie Development, a company associated with The Elegant Group that runs Grantral Mall @ MacPherson and Changi City Point.
SLA said in a statement that the winning concept for Tanjong Katong Complex features a multipurpose rooftop community deck and food garden, as well as art and heritage installations that showcase the history of the Geylang Serai precinct.
In its submission, Jun Jie Development also proposed that the complex will host programmes put up with local partners, such as creative markets, wellness activities and cultural showcases.
The company's winning bid for the state property was $90,000,888, and topped two other submissions in a concept and price tender, which first assessed the quality of tenderers' development concepts, before evaluating price.
'Jun Jie Development was selected for its strong, community-centric proposal that reflects a sensitive yet forward-looking approach to placemaking and heritage integration,' said SLA.
It said the evaluation process 'placed significant emphasis on how well proposals could retain and enhance Tanjong Katong Complex's identity as a community and cultural landmark, while delivering a high-quality, future-ready development'.
At a Wisma Geylang Serai community event celebrating the dikir barat art form on June 28, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said that the complex – including a planned extension – could re-open by 2029.
'Jun Jie Development's proposal stands out with its vision to transform Tanjong Katong Complex into a community heartbeat, where Malay traditions and heritage are upheld while creating an inclusive space for all segments of our diverse community,' said Associate Professor Faishal, who is Wisma Geylang Serai's lead adviser.
Speaking in Malay, he added that the complex will become a space to celebrate the arts, strengthen identity, and create memories for future generations.
An artist impression of the interior of Tanjong Katong Complex after it is rejuvenated.
PHOTO: JUN JIE DEVELOPMENT
When contacted, Mr David Cheong, managing director of Jun Jie Development, said the firm aims to re-open the mall in phases from mid-2026.
Under the conditions of the tender, which was launched in October 2024, the winning developer is allowed to build an annex of up to five storeys tall, bringing the gross floor area of the entire rejuvenated complex to 30,166 sq m, including the existing building's 19,000 sq m.
Jun Jie Development has to set aside 3,600 sq m for the offices of community self-help group Mendaki and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, as well as 2,400 sq m for Geylang East Public Library, which will be relocated to the refreshed complex.
The library is currently at a site near Aljunied MRT station.
A further 1,500 sq m will have to be used for Malay cultural trades or Malay entrepreneurial incubation spaces, as part of efforts to preserve the cultural flavour that Tanjong Katong Complex has long been associated with.
Mr Cheong said that Jun Jie Development is working with the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry to identify suitable tenants for this space, adding that it will likely be used to promote young Malay entrepreneurs.
He added that the firm also hopes to support the needs of the surrounding community by setting aside a unit for low-cost clinic, which will be charged a token rental – possibly $1, he said.
Mr Cheong said that while the refreshed space will showcase Malay culture and heritage, he hopes it will also bring together people of all races.
'We would like people to mix. Having a 'Malay mall' defeats the purpose of Singapore's multiracial society,' he said.
Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage.
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