Nearby residents and property analysts have also weighed in on plans to redevelop the sports facility. Photo: SLA and SportsSG
A joint tender to convert a state property at 102 Ulu Pandan Road into a sports facility has been launched by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Sport Singapore (SportSG) on on Wednesday (7 April).
Measuring almost 11,000 sq m (about the size of one-and-half football fields), the property – located opposite Pandan Valley condominium – was previously a hostel, reported TODAY.
The joint bidding by SLA and SportsSG marks the first time both are collaborating in this manner. Property developers are also invited to bid for the property along with their proposals to develop the site.
URA will take a “holistic assessment” of all bids received, where 60% of the overall score will be based on the concept’s quality and 40% on the bid price.
The sports facility forms part of the bigger hostel site, which spans over 44,000 sq m and was last tenanted for hostel use from February 2017 to November 2020.
The site has been re-parcelled into two, of which one is earmarked for sports use and the other for hostel use, with each having dedicated road access.
“While the sports facility site is now open for tender, SLA will launch the site for hostel use later this year,” said SLA and SportsSG as quoted by TODAY.
Meanwhile, several property analysts and residents living near the site offered their views on what they think would be best for the facility.
Property analysts noted that since the area predominantly consists of landed houses or condominiums, residents may already have their own sports facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms, said TODAY.
With this, ERA Realty Head of Research and Consultancy Nicholas Mak expects sports facilities that are on par with country clubs rather than just a no-frills concept.
He believes that niche sports like archery would be attractive for residents of the Ulu Pandan area considering that archery ranges are not commonly found nearby.
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Steven Tan, OrangeTee and Tie’s Chief Executive Officer, said sports venues that are hard to book, like those for futsal and badminton, may draw residents within the area.
In fact, he expects people beyond the estate to use such facilities also.
“These are sports that people don’t mind driving out there to play,” he said as quoted by TODAY.
Tan said “complementary” facilities like a sports-themed café may also be built there, serving as a place to unwind for cyclists and hikers at the nearby nature trails and park connectors.
“Then at night, the place can be turned into a restaurant, to make full use of it,” he added.
Independent property analyst Ong Kah Seng noted that since the area is a prime estate, there would also be more seniors.
As such, a “sports zone” for seniors with more first-aid stations, should also be considered for the facility.
Serap Chia, a 46-year-old resident with two children, would like to see activities such as football and basketball games at the nearby facility.
The housewife revealed that these sports are not available in her condominium.
Agreeing, Karina Quah, who works in marketing, said there is “generally a lack of badminton courts all over”. And given the difficulty in booking them, her children can only play the sport occasionally.
The 40-year-old mother said a running track would also be good, while Julian Rosales prefers more recreational facilities such as prawning pond, bowling alley and pool hall.
“There’s not much entertainment in the area, so maybe this can help inject some life,” said Rosales, a financial adviser, as quoted by TODAY.
One resident, however, prefers commercial facilities such as a clinic and a supermarket, instead of a sports facility.
“If there are floodlights, then the lights and the noise will affect the residents,” said the 68-year-old retiree, who wanted to be known only as Jennie, as quoted by TODAY.
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Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this story, email: victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
