Santa United International Holdings will turn a pre-war residential complex into a charter hotel aimed at tourists and businessmen. The property, which comprises of nine shophouses, is located in Katong along the East Coast Road in the Pernakan enclave.
The $12 million project will begin in early 2010 and end within the same year. Called the Santa Grand Hotel East Coast, this 1,150 sq m property will include 67 rooms. There will be a five-story extension with a gross floor area measuring 750 sq m to be located in the rear portions of the shophouses. Other features and amenities include a roof pool, a restaurant, a café, and two retail stores on the ground level.
The cultural and historical significance of the site lured Santa United managing director Ng Cheng Lock to turn it into a hotel. Many luxury homes were built in Katong during the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, Katong is known for its restaurants, especially those that serve Peranakan cuisine.
Mr. Ng paid $17 million for the property and got government approval to change the land use from commercial to hotel and to add extensions. Subsequently, some of the tenants of the shophouses have relocated to Changi South.
Santa United has five hotels under its wings, and the one to rise in East Coast will be the grandest so far, said Mr. Ning. The developer reported $70 million in sales last year. As for its new hotel, it plans to charge $200/day.