SLA, STB award Dempsey site to COMO Lifestyle

THE Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have awarded a site within the Dempsey cluster of Tanglin Village to COMO Lifestyle, a subsidiary of Club 21 Pte Ltd, for retail and F&B use.

This tender to develop Blocks 17 and 18 Dempsey Road was conducted on Aug 13.

COMO Lifestyle scored the highest among six bids received under a price and quality evaluation format, which accords 60 per cent of the overall score to the quality of the concept and 40 per cent to the bid price.

The joint effort between the SLA and the STB aims to rejuvenate and strengthen Tanglin Village's position as a unique lifestyle enclave, and encourage the development of interesting lifestyle concepts.

Lee Seng Lai, director of land operations (private) division at SLA, said: "The Dempsey cluster appeals to both locals and visitors because of its rustic character, diverse dining experiences and retail options.

"The agencies' intention for the tender was to rejuvenate and bring new and exciting concepts to Dempsey. The price and quality evaluation format was thus adopted such that 60 per cent of the assessment would be based on the operator's proposed idea, industry development initiatives, track record, and business sustainability."

COMO Lifestyle is introducing a refreshing and attractive concept, collectively known as "COMO Dempsey" that will integrate world-renowned retail concept store Dover Street Market, a specially conceptualised Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant and bar, and COMO Cuisine, a new restaurant concept that will offer signature dishes from COMO properties around the world. Popular local Peranakan restaurant Candlenut, by chef Malcolm Lee, has also been included as part of the proposal.

Ranita Sundramoorthy, director of attractions, dining and retail at STB, said COMO Lifestyle was awarded the tender based on its unique concept, proven track record in the F&B and retail industries, as well as its proposal to nurture emerging Singapore talents by providing practical internship opportunities at the establishments it will have in Dempsey.