The Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has successfully secured the tender to manage a row of iconic shophouses along Smith Street in Chinatown. The CBA is a collective that includes various stakeholders operating within Chinatown, such as business leaders, grassroots organizers, Chinese clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers, and shop owners.
“We are uniquely positioned to enhance Smith Street and Chinatown Singapore by leveraging our deep connections within the community and our extensive knowledge of Chinatown’s heritage and culture,” says Lim Yick Suan, Managing Director of the CBA.
As the master tenant, CBA will undertake the integrated management of the shophouses and an adjacent State land plot, covering a total area of 34,066 square feet, with an estimated gross floor area of 33,065 square feet.
Lim adds that CBA plans to introduce “distinctly Singaporean F&B offerings alongside international cuisine options, catering to both locals and tourists at Smith Street.”
Reflecting on the tender process, Lim describes it as “highly competitive” but notes that CBA’s long-standing presence in the district, spanning over two decades, was a significant advantage. “Over the years, we have built and nurtured strong partnerships, giving us a deep-rooted connection to the community,” she says.
The organization has previously organized large-scale events such as the Five Footway Festival and Dumpling Festival, along with themed markets, street activities, events, and workshops.
The tender was evaluated based on both cost and the quality of the submitted proposals. It attracted five bidders when it was launched in March, with CBA submitting the winning bid of $123,000. As the master tenant, CBA will manage the properties for a term of five years, with an option for a second term of four years.
Emerald of Katong Singapore’s Noontalk Media submitted the highest bid of $180,000, followed by CBA. Other bids ranged from $108,174 by Benlo Ventures to $68,177 by ABR Holdings, with IGYM Fitness offering $53,000.
According to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the revitalized Smith Street will feature a new array of lifestyle concepts and dining experiences. The SLA notes that CBA’s proposal, which includes “differentiated lifestyle concepts, complementary programs, and public space enhancements,” aims to further promote local Chinese heritage and strengthen the area’s identity.
The tender for a master tenant to oversee the historic row of shophouses at 11 to 37 Smith Street was jointly launched by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in November 2023.
“Visitors to Chinatown Singapore can look forward to more curated offerings and experiences for both locals and travelers upon the completion of the Smith Street revitalization project.
Our goal is to create more engaging and experiential community programs, alongside diverse offerings such as innovative lifestyle, retail, and co-living/co-working concepts, while preserving and celebrating the area’s cultural and architectural heritage,” says Lim Yick Suan.