CommercialGuru.com.sg

May 24, 2012

by Cheryl Tay
Some shop tenants are unhappy about the upcoming renovation works scheduled for China Square, which aim to add a new commercial precinct to the area.
Seven tenants, who mainly operate F&B businesses in Nankin Row (pictured), are worried that they might lose around 70 percent of business, as their revenue usually comes from the lunchtime office crowd. Their main concern is that patrons who use their al fresco dining areas will be discouraged by the noise and dirt from the construction works.
Additionally, they also claimed that landlord Great Eastern provided them with only a short notice period and limited information. Some said that they received notices only on Thursday, while the construction works are scheduled to run from next month to February 2013.
In response, Great Eastern noted that the letter it had sent was actually an early notification, as it is still finalising details. Tenants will get regular updates and items such as signs for customers, in order to help minimise inconvenience, said a spokesman.
"We are engaging our tenants on an individual basis to see how we can help mitigate the disruptions to their business, including offering rental assistance to affected tenants," he noted.
The link way to Far East Square is part of a main project which will integrate Far East Square, Great Eastern Centre and China Square Central into a precinct to be known as China Place, which will include new retail, hospitality and entertainment amenities. The cost of the S$14 million project is shared by developers Far East Organization (FEO), Frasers Commercial Trust (FCT) and Great Eastern.