The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has launched a concept and price revenue tender for a cluster of 19 residential heritage bungalows at Adam Park on a 30-year leasehold tenure.
The 12.8ha site in Adam Park has an existing gross floor area of about 9,137 sqm. It is situated on high ground off Adam Road and is in close proximity to amenities along Dunearn Road.
According to a Feb 3 announcement from SLA, the buildings on the site range from 350 to 623 sqm and were constructed in 1929 for officers and families of the Municipal Council and Singapore Improvement Trust. They comprise colonial bungalows constructed by the British government as municipal staff housing prior to World War II. They were subsequently used as a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
The concept and price revenue tender approach aims to tap on the expertise and experience of a developer and/or operator to sensitively rejuvenate and enhance the unique heritage site, while fulfilling conservation requirements. Under this approach, tenderers are required to submit their concept proposals and tender prices separately.
The concept proposals will first be evaluated against a set of criteria specified in the tender, which includes the overall development concept, quality of building design, rehabilitation and maintenance plans, and track record of tenderers.
Only compelling concept proposals will be shortlisted to proceed to the second stage of evaluation, which will be based on price only.
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SLA's vision for the site is for it to be used for serviced apartments amid the green environment.
Minimal changes are envisaged to the existing residential use as the bungalows will be operated as serviced apartments. Only limited infill development/extensions will be allowed (up to 2,000 sqm and single-storey) to adapt the site for modern living while retaining the existing rustic charm and landscape.
Office, childcare centre or F&B uses may be allowed at 7 Adam Park, while 11 Adam Park has the option to be converted into a clubhouse.
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The successful tenderer is required to retain the rustic charm of the existing site, preserve its heritage significance, and encourage concepts that celebrate the rich history of the site, and heritage bungalows at large. This includes implementing measures to promote the history and significance of the site, particularly the bungalows at 5 and 11 Adam Park, where wartime artefacts are present.
SLA also requires the successful tenderer to comply with the protection of the as-built heritage of the bungalows. As the site has been designated as a conservation area, any restoration, repair, or addition must comply with conservation guidelines.
Tan Puay Joo, director of land sales (Private) of SLA, says: “Adam Park is a unique site that represents a significant part of Singapore’s built heritage and history. This tender aims to bring renewed life to the estate that will cater to evolving lifestyle trends, while ensuring its history is respected and honoured. We look forward to working with like-minded partners who share this same vision to enhance and celebrate the unique character of this cluster of heritage bungalows.”
The tender for the Adam Park heritage bungalow site will close on Aug 4.
Heritage properties, especially shophouses, are now a common asset in several investment portfolios of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and family offices. While restoration and conservation costs, as well as stringent regulations on renovations, remain an ongoing challenge, investors are increasingly interested in these properties, as they are eligible for foreigners to purchase and are not subjected to additional buyer stamp duty (ABSD), unless it is used for residential purposes.
