Ex-Changi military camp now available for hotel use

Joyce Teo, Straits Times 12 Aug 08;

PART of the famous Changi military camp has been put up for tender as a hotel - the latest move to transform the sleepy coastal haven into a leisure and lifestyle hot spot.

Two of the six camp buildings in Hendon Road can be leased at a guide rent of $28,500 a month, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) yesterday.

The two three-storey buildings and a covered shed sit on 9,666 sq m of land, slightly larger than a football field. The buildings have a gross floor area of 5,097 sq m. The lease is for an initial term of three years and is renewable up to 2018.

A hotel is appropriate for the site given Changi's charm and proximity to the sea, but whoever secures the land must offer a unique concept to differentiate it from nearby competitors, said Knight Frank's director of research and consultancy, Mr Nicholas Mak.

'It has to be seen as a place for people to get away from it all,' he added.

Mr Teo Cher Hian, SLA's director of land operations (private) division, said the hotel will add greater vibrancy to Changi Point, which the Government envisages as a rustic, seaside destination with plenty of recreational diversions.

The Changi Point Boardwalk was completed nearly two years ago and it was announced last year that motor sports will be introduced at the Changi Beach Park.

The kampung-style buildings at nearby Lorong Bekukong were offered under similar conditions as the military camp and are now used as a restaurant.

A site in Turnhouse Road has been taken up but the tenderer has yet to decide on the use, while the old Changi Hospital in Halton Road is being turned into a spa resort. The ground-breaking is next month and the property will be ready by next year.

The SLA also has plans to tender out the remaining four former Changi Camp buildings for short-term use.

It quoted the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which has fielded inquiries from leading hoteliers about the camp.

'With its lush greenery and historical charm which the old military barracks lend, a hotel development...will provide an ideal alternative to visitors who prefer staying amidst a rustic environment,' said STB's director, travel services and hospitality, Ms Caroline Leong.

The first state property tendered out for hotel use in Singapore is at No. 175A Chin Swee Road. Called Hotel Re!, the 140-room hotel officially opened for business in mid-May.

The tender for the former Changi Camp will close on Aug 27.