www.shaproperty.com

Published September 14, 2007

SLA puts Paya Lebar Swimming Complex up for tender

The successful bidder can provide a water-based facility as well as land-based activities: official

By ARTHUR SIM

THE Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is seeking tenders from developers with plans for the former Paya Lebar Swimming Complex, the first time such a development has been made available.

SLA director of operations Simon Ong said: 'The site has the potential to be adapted for other sports and recreational use.

The successful bidder could continue to provide a water-based facility as well as land-based activities.'

Mr Ong said other proposals for the site would be considered, subject to the approval by the various planning agencies.

Located at 19 Aroozoo Avenue, close to Hougang New Town, the complex will be primarily for sports and recreation, but up to 20 per cent of the existing gross floor area (GFA) can be for commercial uses.

The site, which has a spectator stand, an office and retail block and a shelter, has a land area of 6578.5 square metres with a GFA of 1339.7 square metres.

The complex, which has a standard 50-metre eight-lane pool and a 35-metre shallow pool was opened in 1981.

It will be leased with a tenure on an initial term of three years and is renewable on terms up to 2017.

SLA said that the site has an indicative guide rent of $12,900.

The property, near Kovan and Upper Serangoon Road, is surrounded by private residential buildings and is within walking distance of a neighbourhood park and an upcoming adventure park in Paya Lebar, in a mature estate.

The SLA said it has already received several preliminary inquiries about the site.

Mr Ong said: 'In recent years, creative adaptive reuse of state properties has added to the vibrancy of sectors including sports and recreational with some economic viability.'

In June, SLA leased out another recreational site at the former Turf Club. The 10 ha site went to Blue Dolphin Gallery for $40,000 a month for a public horse-riding centre.

Blue Dolphin Gallery also put in a bid for another SLA recreational site at Punggol Point but the bid did not match the SLA's guide rental.

Other recreational-themed sites currently available include a 11,606.6 square metre site in Punggol Point.

The site, which is meant for food and beverage use, is on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Government Land Sales reserve list, with a lease period of 15 years.