NSRCC to get replacement land after govt takes back current site

Channel NewsAsia 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: The National Service Resort & Country Club (NSRCC) has been given 12 hectares of replacement land in return for the 26 hectares of its current temporary occupation lease (TOL) site, which the government is claiming back for Changi Airport’s development.

In a media statement from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Director National Service Affairs Brigadier-General (NS) Tung Yui Fai said: "To mitigate this loss, and to ensure that the Changi club continues to have an 18-hole golf course for NSmen, a 12-ha plot of replacement land contiguous to NSRCC has been identified.

"The land lease for NSRCC's Changi club will also be extended from 2023 to 2040."

MINDEF added that with this extended land lease, NSRCC will undertake a "comprehensive review" of both its Changi and Kranji clubs, to develop better amenities that continue to provide NSmen and their families with high standards of recreational, sports and social facilities.

NSRCC was informed on 16 February by the government that its current TOL site, which has nine holes of the club's golf course, will not be renewed after it expires this year.

Some land will also be needed for drainage and road works.

The total land returned from the existing Changi club is about 40 per cent.

NSRCC was set up to recognise the contributions of all NSmen in the Home Team and the Singapore Armed Forces.

More information on NSRCC's redevelopment plans can be found on the NSRCC website.

- CNA/xq

New 12ha plot of land for NSRCC
Area to replace land lost; club exploring future developments such as more chalets
Today Online 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE — A 12ha plot of land bordering the National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC) in Changi has been identified as a replacement for future developments which members can enjoy.

It is aimed at mitigating the impact arising from the loss of about 40 per cent of land at the existing location. The future developments being explored include more chalets and other facilities where members can socialise and hold functions.

The land lease for the NSRCC’s Changi club will also be extended from 2023 to 2040, said Brigadier-General (NS) Tung Yui Fai, Director of National Service Affairs.

The Government had informed the NSRCC two weeks ago that its current temporary occupation lease site of 26ha, which includes a nine-hole golf course, will not be renewed after it expires this year. The land will be required for Changi Airport’s expansion and work is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

In addition, part of the land will also be needed for drainage and road work. In all, the total land returned from the existing Changi club to the State is about 40 per cent of its current size.

Besides the NSRCC, the land leases of Singapore Island Country Club, Keppel Club and Tanah Merah Country Club are also in line for significant changes, aimed at freeing up land to meet Singapore’s infrastructure and housing needs.

Opened in 1994 to cater to National Servicemen, the NSRCC has two locations now — a 27-hole course with full clubhouse facilities at Changi and an 18-hole golf course at Kranji.

On Monday, the NSRCC invited its members to a town hall session, where it shared the latest information and gathered feedback on the future development plan of the club.

The club told members it is reviewing possible green fees reduction at both its Changi and Kranji golf courses, as well as a complimentary extension of membership term.

It added that it will continue to provide affordable and quality golfing and resort facilities to NSmen and will maintain 18 holes at each of its Changi and Kranji courses.

To meet the high demand for chalets, the club is looking to increase the number. In addition, the NSRCC said it is looking to expand its suite of facilities for socialising, such as affordable banquet facilities to cater to NSmen’s needs.

The club is also considering constructing a multi-storey car park to optimise its land utilisation.