On Wednesday, the two prime state properties, which have promoted Singapore’s heritage and arts scene, have been awarded to the private sector operators. The two sites, one near Dempsey and the other in the Bras Basah area, will host art facilities and integrated museum.
Among the nine proposals that are competing for the sites, the leases of the sites at 27A, 30B and 30C Loewen Road have been awarded to Linda Gallery and the property at 222 Queen have been given to Street Daniel Teo & Associates Pte Ltd. The property at 222 Queen Street can be found within the cluster of museums along the Bras Basah-Bugis entertainment and arts zone, and the Loewen Road is just near Dempsey’s lifestyle precinct and chic arts.
Last October, via a joint request-for-interest exercise intended to manage, operate and develop art facilities and integrated museum, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and National Heritage Board (NHB) have chosen the two prime state properties as ideal sites to boost the heritage and arts scene in Singapore. It has been envisioned to allow new players to gain entrance into the heritage and art scene with ease.
Driven by theme bars and café, revolving exhibitions and films, the premises formerly used by a Catholic High Secondary School at 222 Queen Street has been developed into a Sinema, a famous culture museum. To renovate the property, Daniel Teo & Associates plans to invest at least $2.5 million for it.
The proposed museum of Linda Gallery on Loewen Road will display the Asian contemporary art collection of the owner. Aside from the retail and F&B component, Linda Gallery also plans to have an extensive garden with its large land area. The company will invest on the site an approximate of $2 million.
According to the director of the private land lease of SLA, “We are pleased that state-owned properties with rich heritage and history are able to find their fit as integrated museums of art and heritage for all to enjoy.”
Michael Koh, the chief executive of NHB said that he is delighted that the private sectors have already started to play their role to promote the arts and heritage scene in Singapore. Most of the private sectors have committed more than $14 million to develop the cultural and heritage sector despite the fact that the economic outlook was not yet settled.
Based on the statement made by NHB, “The heritage pie is set to grow further with more players from a range of industries – from museum and gallery management to publishing and films, fashion and the arts sectors – coming onboard.”
On Wednesday, the agency also revealed that there is a 26.4 percent increase from 2007 in the number of people who have come to visit the museum in Singapore, with a record of 6.58 million people in 2008.