SLA and NAC jointly launch tender for first arts sandbox at Kampong Java Rd

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and National Arts Council (NAC) have jointly launched a Price-Quality tender for a row of five restored heritage properties at 52 to 56 Kampong Java Road in Little India.

This is the first time a state property will be leased as an “arts sandbox” or experimental space for the arts. The lease will be a 5+4 years, which means the site will be leased for an initial tenancy term of five years and an additional tenancy term of four years, subject to the government’s discretion.

The Kampong Java site occupies a land area of 28,621 sq ft. It has five adjoining two-storey heritage buildings with a total gross floor area of 10,721 sq ft. It is approved for use as a multidisciplinary arts sandbox, with an F&B space measuring about 484 sq ft on the first storey of 52 Kampong Java Road.

The properties are within a 10-minute walk of the Newton MRT station (an interchange for the North-South and Downtown Lines); and the Little India MRT station (an interchange for the Northeast and Downtown Lines). Amenities nearby include United Square Shopping Mall and Pek Kio Market and Food Centre.

The site's tender proposals will be evaluated based on price and quality, with a 30-70 weightage, respectively. During the official tender launch at the Kampong Java site, SLA’s director of business planning and development, Carrie Wong, said the concept proposal should include ideas on how the premises can be positioned as a vibrant arts sandbox and suggestions on strategies to attract artists from multiple disciplines.

She adds that the agency has carried out restoration and renovation works to the property, which were completed last month. They include interior upgrading, building a new driveway, and carpark lots.

The properties' use has evolved throughout history. They were built in the 1930s as quarters and outhouses to accommodate Singapore Municipal staff and their families. In the 1950s, they were used as offices and stores for the electrical and architect departments of Singapore City Council — which was later taken over by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Public Works Department (PWD).

In the 1960s, the site was used for junior government quarters and government offices by the Election Department, Industrial Health Unit, and other ministerial departments. In the 1970s, it was leased to the public for residential use and commercial offices for companies, and then it was leased only for residential purposes from the 2000s onwards.

The tender for the state property will close on September 18, with the results slated to be announced in 4Q2024.