SLA awards historic Moulmein site to company involved in Dempsey Hill transformation
Country City Investment’s bid of S$388,800 a month is highest of 13 offers
[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has awarded an adaptive reuse tender for a cluster of heritage properties in Moulmein Road to Country City Investment – the company involved in the transformation of the Dempsey Hill cluster, now an established lifestyle enclave.
The property investment company had submitted the highest bid of S$388,800 a month for the master tenancy of the 44 buildings on the site, in the tender that drew 12 other bids.
In a press release on Monday (Dec 8), Country City Investment said that it aims to preserve the heritage of the estate, while transforming it into a “multi-generational destination” with dining, wellness and retail options, and spaces for learning and play.
This includes distinct thematic zones designed for different age groups and interests; sports and wellness facilities integrated with the site’s natural surroundings; enrichment and learning facilities for families, youth and seniors; as well as pet-friendly and inclusive areas.
The development is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
Country City Investment added it will work with SLA, heritage specialists, consultants and community partners to “guide decisions” on design and programming. “This joint approach will ensure the transformation stays rooted in the site’s historical significance, while opening new possibilities for its future.”
The state-managed buildings in Moulmein Road stand on a 985,350-square-foot park-like compound with an estimated gross floor area of 139,705 sq ft. Of the 44 buildings, 23 are subject to addition and alteration guidelines to retain the character of the site.
The other 21 buildings cannot be demolished, but are exempt from these guidelines.
The cluster was home to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases up to 2018, and supported Covid-19 operations until it was returned to the state in 2023. It was put up for tender by SLA in May.
In its press statement then, SLA noted that it envisaged the compound as a “dynamic lifestyle hub” catering to families and multi-generational communities.
Permitted uses include serviced apartments such as co-living spaces; wellness and fitness facilities such as outdoor pickleball or tennis courts; pet-friendly services; urban farms; an art gallery; and education programmes. About a third of the space is to be set aside for food and beverage and retail outlets.
The tender closed with 13 bids in August. Offers ranged from S$18,889 to Country City Investment’s S$388,800 a month. The company has managed parts of the SLA’s Dempsey Hill cluster since 2007.
Other bidders included S1F (S$18,899 a month), an entity linked to contractor Sunray Woodcraft Construction; SA31 (S$290,000 a month), an entity linked to IndoChine Group chief executive officer Michael Ma; and Cherryloft Resorts and Hotels (S$382,000 a month), which had also bid in an earlier SLA tender for a holiday chalet site in Pasir Ris.
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