Renewal of SLA’s $2 mil of Gillman Barracks underwent five commercial launched

On the 24th of May, Singapore Land Authority (SLA) announced plans to turn the Gillman Barracks precinct into “a active, vibrant enclave that is geared towards a lifestyle”. SLA is planning to invest $2 million to rejuvenate the area, which will include upgrading the infrastructure with covered walkways to improve connectivity, as well as to improve walking access for nearby parks as well as the 17 blocks that comprise the precinct.

Amo Residences launch price sits on a 12,679.4 sqm land area next to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, District 25 of Singapore.

A playground with a theme will be constructed in the middle of the precinct, to attract parents with kids. The washrooms in the common areas will be updated with eco-friendly bathroom fittings. The renovations and upgrades are scheduled to be finished in the middle of next year.

SLA plans to broaden the options for lifestyle to include farmers’ markets, bistros that offer live music, dining on the farm workshops, and other learning opportunities. Plenty of outdoor space for refreshments will be likewise given to commercial areas for alfresco dining in an environment that is natural.

Gillman Barracks will continue to be designated as an arts and culture precinct, according to SLA. The 10 local and international art galleries run through the National Arts Council (NAC) will remain in place.

The place is famous for its rustic style and ample outdoor space in lush greenery, Gillman Barracks sits on the 6.6 ha (710,418 square feet) site with 17 colonialtype buildings, with the six F&B outlets. Gillman Barracks is popular with trekkers and cyclists, due to the fact that it’s located in the Southern Ridges loop that includes Alexandra Garden Trail and Henderson Park Connectors and is next to the planned Alexandra Nature Park in the Labrador region.

A former barracks for military construction from 1936 on, Gillman Barracks housed the British Army’s First and Second Battalions throughout World War II, before it was transferred in the hands of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in the late 1970s. The site was later vacated by SAF and was repurposed for commercial purposes, including restaurants and art galleries at the beginning of the 2000s.

Gillman Barracks was previously managed by the Singapore Economic Development Board, JTC Corp and NAC until 2020 at which point SLA assumed its management. “We have leveraged our expertise in the adaptive re-use of historical buildings to create an exceptional space in Gillman Barracks, drawing on the immense potential of this space to become an alternative destination for people who want to live their lives,” says Colin Low the SLA’s CEO. SLA.

In the wake of the revitalization, SLA intends to launch two tenders in the next phase for commercial spaces in Gillman Barracks. On the 24th of May, it began a initial phase consisting of five blocks located at 5A Lock Road, 8 Lock Road 9A Lock Road, 10 Lock Road and 45 Malan Road.

The biggest of these blocks one of them is called the 9A Lock Road, with a gross floor area of 3,692 square feet. It is accepted to be used for F&B or retail usage. The remaining four blocks are accepted for F&B use and come in dimensions ranging from 688 sq ft to 3,660 square feet.

In contrast to the standard three-year leases that is typically used for commercial properties, SLA is offering these commercial spaces to tender with a lease of five years, with the possibility of extension to another 3 or 2 years. “The longer lease period encourages tenants to think of new concepts and to commit to larger investment capital,” says Low.

Tenders are judged by a quality and price basis with 60% weightage being given to quality which includes concept, innovation and synergy to the other precincts. Green initiatives and sustainability (such as energy efficient fittings, sustainable materials or packaging) will also be considered in the process. Gillman Barracks will be repositioned as an eco-friendly facility, in accordance with SLA.

There are only two of the six current F&B tenants won’t have to be re-tendering, specifically Naked Finn and Burger Labo which are both owned by the restaurateur Tan Ken Loon. Tan created the his seafood eatery Naked Finn, which opened in the Gillman Barracks in 2015, and Burger Labo opened in the adjacent block in 2019.

The four other blocks which are occupied by F&B stores Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee, Masons Restaurant & Bar, Hopscotch cocktail bar and the biker and grill bar Handlebar will be offered the chance to be part of the process of re-tendering.

Gillman Barracks is well-connected to the Alexandra Garden Trail Park Connector Network and is located near HortPark, Labrador Park and the Southern Ridges. Labrador MRT Station on the Circle Line is a 10-minute walk from Gillman Barracks. This area is already popular for cyclists and hikers.

In addition to increasing SLA’s F&B and lifestyle options, SLA is hoping to increase its appeal to Gillman Barracks to those working at Mapletree Business City, Alexandra Technopark and people who reside in areas like the Telok Blangah, Holland Road and Farrer Park neighbourhood, along with those living in the city region.

“The revival of Gillman Barracks by SLA is an ongoing effort to maximize the value of State properties through innovative and creative ideas that help the community at large,” says Edwin Tong Minister of Culture, Community and Youth and the Second Minister for Law in an announcement. “By making more exciting and diverse arts, lifestyle and spaces for creativity, the revitalization initiative will enhance the excitement of the precinct for everyone to take pleasure in.”