HDB to build major shopping mall in Clementi

29 Mar 05

Commercial space to be sold to private developer to operate

By ARTHUR SIM


(SINGAPORE) A 25,000 sq m shopping mall will be one of the main attractions of the new Clementi Town Centre announced yesterday by the Housing and Development Board.

Roughly the size of West Mall in Bukit Batok, HDB plans to sell the commercial space to a private developer, which will then operate and manage it.

The design consultant for the project is Surbana Consultants and HDB will call tender for the building contract of the new complex in March/April 2006. The project is expected to be completed by 2015.

Clementi, developed in the mid-1970s and home to about 140,000 people, is one of the older HDB estates.

ERA assistant vice-president Eugene Lim reckons the town centre is ripe for redevelopment because of its strategic position.

With its bus interchange, it's a crossroads for people heading for educational institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic and National University of Singapore.

Mr Lim also says there haven't been any new developments in Clementi in recent years, and a new mall will lift property prices there.

The proximity of Clementi MRT station is another boon, he believes. 'I believe the concept now is to have everything linked up.'

The new town centre will be an integrated complex with a mall, an air-conditioned bus interchange linked to the MRT station, a library, town council offices and up to 388 HDB flats, some of them in a proposed 40-storey tower block.

The flats will be offered as replacements to owners affected by the town centre redevelopment.

For those who prefer financial compensation, an appointed private licensed valuer will do a valuation of the flats, as well as several small individually owned shops, in about 2 weeks' time.

The only existing integrated project on the scale planned for Clementi is Centrepoint Properties' Compass Heights at Sengkang, which combines a shopping mall, public transport and residential units.

According to Prop Nex CEO Mohd Ismail, people don't mind living over a bus terminal because 'the convenience of transport is the greatest plus point'.

The status of neighbourhood hubs has also improved significantly, and the Prop Nex CEO says familiar chains such as Jack's Place, Swensons and Starbucks will want outlets at Clementi.

Knight Frank executive director Danny Yeo reckons it's important to introduce a retail mix into a landscape traditionally considered the stronghold of Mom and Pop stores.

Currently, many in mature estates are owned by individuals, and because of this, 'HDB finds it hard to control the tenant mix', Mr Yeo said.

'The only criteria for rental is return, so if one operator does well, many will just jump on to the same bandwagon. If you don't have control, you get a lot of duplication.'

Duplication means the same shops selling the same thing - be it handphones, clothes or bubble tea.

Mr Yeo is a consultant for the $325 million Ang Mo Kio mall being developed by NTUC and Singapore Labour Foundation, which will include a hypermart, cinemas and a bowling alley.

'Redevelopment will give the Mom and Pop shop the opportunity to upgrade,' he said. 'The intent is to make the Mom and Pop shop co-exist with the mall.'

Big makeover plans for Clementi

20 Feb 06

40-storey complex with air-con bus interchange by 2010; links to MRT station, new library

By Yap Su-Yin

CLEMENTI Town Centre is set for a makeover as part of renewal plans for West Coast-Ayer Rajah Town.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-02-20/ST_3559702_19_02_2006_8.jpg

Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang, who is an MP for West Coast GRC, announced this at Clementi yesterday.

A 40-storey complex housing a new air-conditioned bus interchange - similar to that in Toa Payoh - is planned in Clementi by 2010. The mixed development will be linked to other amenities such as the Clementi MRT station, a new library, shopping mall and about 388 units of new HDB flats.

There will be better transport links too. Stage 5 of the Circle Line will run through West Coast and Telok Blangah. An MRT extension at Pioneer, expected to be ready by 2009, will also offer residents greater convenience when the two new stations, Joo Koon and Pioneer, are added.

Also, residents will enjoy more greenery and scenic spots. One of the five parks in West Coast-Ayer Rajah Town - Telok Blangah Hill - will be linked to Mount Faber Park through a high-level timber walkway.

Mr Lim also announced a pilot programme that involves installing surveillance cameras in multi-storey carparks in the town.

So far, there have been 22 interim upgrading programmes - in West Coast, Ayer Rajah, Telok Blangah and Boon Lay - to rejuvenate mature estates so they are on par with the newer estates within the town.

Three other precincts - in Clementi, West Coast and Ayer Rajah - have been selected for interim upgrading with lift upgrading, known as IUP-Plus.

Nine precincts have completed their Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) to upgrade older blocks. Two are undergoing MUP, and another two in Telok Blangah and West Coast have been selected for similar upgrading.

And nine sites in Telok Blangah, Clementi and Ayer Rajah have been selected for the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (Sers), which demolishes old blocks and offers their residents new flats nearby. Sers replacement flats at Dover Crescent and Clementi Town Centre will be completed in 2010.

will it be glassy? Or just colourful? hmmm...

hard to tell based on that rendering

Here's my scan from The Strait Times. It seems to be just paint... appropriate for HDB.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/189/clementiplan7zg.jpg

^ Think it would be quite glassy.....:yes:

It was Toa Payoh, then Queenstown, Commonwealth and... next it'll be Clementi. Soon, a sizeable number of Singaporeans will be residing at 120 metres above ground.

From the scanned picture, it looked like a 3/4-length windows instead of full-length ones. Overall, it's a remarkable piece of architectural design for public housing.

looks quite impressive! :okay:

The design reminds me of this skyscraper in Rotterdam....

Its actually quite hard to judge the final outcome based on the rendering alone...but it does seem a bit too colourful!

The design reminds me of this skyscraper in Rotterdam....

Yes indeed !
But I agree with RafflesCity, difficult to say now wether it's gonna look good or not ;-)

It seems to be just paint... appropriate for HDB.

LOL! but yeah, i agree about the rotterdam thing too

That design looks good. I like it's use of colour and the ammount of glass.
Where exactly will it be, which side of the MRT station? Is that the side of the current town centre which presumably will be partially demolished and replaced with this? If so then that represents a pretty big change in the current layout of the town centre, I'd be interested in seeing a plan of this to get an idea of how this all fits together.

That design looks good. I like it's use of colour and the ammount of glass.
Where exactly will it be, which side of the MRT station? Is that the side of the current town centre which presumably will be partially demolished and replaced with this? If so then that represents a pretty big change in the current layout of the town centre, I'd be interested in seeing a plan of this to get an idea of how this all fits together.

The entire Clementi Bus interchange and few of the adjacent blocks will be gone. On these site will be these new HDB blocks.

The temporary bus interchange is on the other side.

will boon lay have 40 storey flats too when the interchange is being built at boon lay...maybe something like a hub. Hmm...but the buildings there never go beyond 17 floors. There must be a height restriction...

I dont think Boon Lay will be getting tall HDB flats...

What a nice project!!, I like its design especially, retail podium is really glassy.

will boon lay have 40 storey flats too when the interchange is being built at boon lay...maybe something like a hub. Hmm...but the buildings there never go beyond 17 floors. There must be a height restriction...

Entire Boon Lay - definitely no-no go for 40 storey due to nearby Tengah Air Base nearby. You can even see planes flying over.

other part of Jurong East - nearer to JTC tower can raise to 40 storeys.

Clementi, Toa Payoh, Redhill, Bukit Merah, Commonwealth, Queenstown, part of Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Bishan - allow to have 40 storey HDB blocks.

Contractor has demolished the Clementi Bus Intechange. New Bus Interchange and complex is to be built on the site.

how will it look like?

how will it look like?

I saw it in the New National Library b4.....quite glassy and modern looking...:yes:

Page 4 in Tread

>Singapore Skyscraper Forum > Project and Construction >Project news and updates >40 storey HDB Block #2

is found having a perspective of project posted by ZZoozzoo on 20 Feb 06

Looks rather nice i think.....:yes:

Here's my scan from The Strait Times. It seems to be just paint... appropriate for HDB.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/189/clementiplan7zg.jpg

That's a superb development =0

The foundation testing pile of blocks (what do you call those again?) is very high! :eek:

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5455/dsc0011je0.jpg

When is this scheduled to be completed?

And does it include the whole clementi 'town' area? where mc d is now? towards the supermarket at the opposite end? or is all of this just where the bus station used to be?

its about time that clementi gets rejuvenated. its becoming a slump in an aging neighbourhood. look at toa payoh in the past and compare it with the toa payoh of the present.

hopefully this new development will add new life into this place.

just my 2 cents.

wah it will be good for clementi :)

Yeah agree with jacky lemon's comment that clementi is a bit slummy.

Can't wait for this...Clementi just looks too tired of late

The design looks like a slight variation of AMK Hub plus 40 storey buildings. :ohno:

1,700 Clementi homes to be redeveloped en bloc

29 Jun 07

Project, one of HDB's biggest under Sers scheme, will be completed by 2011

CLOSE to 1,700 households in Clementi have been selected for relocation in one of the Housing Board's largest redevelopment exercises.
Under the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (Sers), households in the 30-year-old precinct at Clementi Avenue 1 will be relocated to a new site nearby.

The current site comprises eight blocks of flats, two rental blocks and some shops.

Apart from a Sers exercise in March last year which involved about 1,800 units, earlier exercises typically involved relocation of about 600 to 1,000 units.

The new estate, due for completion by the end of 2011, will feature a new park, and is situated near Clementi MRT station, bus interchange and town centre.

It is the 70th site since Sers was introduced in 1995.

The HDB will build 1,600 new two- to five-room replacement flats and eligible flat owners living in blocks 401 to 404, and 407 to 409, will be invited to pick their new flats in mid-2008.

Four of the 10 new blocks will be 40 storeys high, joining 22 similar HDB blocks now being built or already completed islandwide.

Under Sers, owners are compensated for their homes at the prevailing market rate, and also get a 20 per cent discount on their new flats.

They are assured of flats in the new site so they can choose to live with old neighbours again, or pick flats elsewhere.

The existing blocks will be torn down for residential development after the residents are relocated, the HDB said yesterday.

Among those affected are about 500 rental tenants in blocks 405 and 406 who will be given priority allocation of new flats at the replacement site, or alternative rental flats elsewhere.

About 500 one- and two-room rental flats will be built at the new site. Tenants eligible for the Public Rental Scheme will also get a $1,000 removal allowance.

Retiree Sia Soo Kee, 72, rents a one-room flat and has lived there for 23 years. He said he does not want to relocate for fear of losing his neighbours.

Shop owners in Block 407 had mixed reactions to the announcement.

Under Sers, shop owners will be compensated based on their property's market value and will be given priority allocation at the new site. Shop tenants will be given an ex gratia payment of $60,000 and a 10 percent discount if they bid successfully for HDB shops elsewhere.

Coffee-shop owner Phang Wei Lim, 40, said he paid a relatively high price of $690,000 for his shop and felt the HDB's compensation will not be enough.

But a provision shop owner who wanted to be known only as Mr Lim, who paid about $500,000 for his shop, welcomed the news.

'This estate is getting old and my shop is struggling to break even,' he said.

Mr Yap Hee Kwan, 67, is both an affected resident and shop owner. He runs a hair salon and provision shop with his wife.

He had mixed feelings about the move. He liked the idea of a new home but added: 'After living and working here for nearly 30 years, there are so many memories to leave behind.'



By Jessica Cheam

13/11/07

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/984/img0262br0.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0262br0.jpg)
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8727/img0261zq9.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0261zq9.jpg)

Nice updates. The progress isn't very fast you know, still at piling after 6 - 7 months.

Nice updates. The progress isn't very fast you know, still at piling after 6 - 7 months.

yea..but i guess they cant work full speed coz there are pple living rite at the site. i know coz i always use that station.

Me too ^^

Yeah, the 5-storey HDB blocks are just beside, but they have covered up the lift lobbies that are exposed to the site with green netting.

What is the name of the shopping mall?

I think no name yet ^^

Right now it s known as Clementi Central :D

Does anyone know when will the new Clementi interchange be completed ?

SBS Transit says by 2011

Source (http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/2006-10-25-01-S.aspx)

Thanks for the heads up.

Hopefully I'm still alive in 2011 to see the Shin Clementi Interchange.

SBS Transit says by 2011

Source (http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/2006-10-25-01-S.aspx)

Thanks for the heads up.

Hopefully I'm still alive in 2011 to see the Shin Clementi Interchange.

Are you very old?

Life is uncertain and fragile, a few days ago I was nearly knocked down by a taxi at a traffic junction.

Last two weeks, while crossing a road, a taxi zoom pass me when the traffic lights were already red.

You never know when it's time to meet your creator.

Are you very old?

Life is uncertain and fragile, a few days ago I was nearly knocked down by a taxi at a traffic junction.

Last two weeks, while crossing a road, a taxi zoom pass me when the traffic lights were already red.

You never know when it's time to meet your creator.

Well, think positive! ;)

Yeah, positive is the word.:)

Well, think positive! ;)

Yeah, positive is the word.:)

Or you can always use "think on the bright side" :D

oops...

17 Feb

http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08070/17022008033359.jpg

Sorry for the bad quality, it was taken with a handphone

Good enough......can see the construction quite clearly...:yes:

i pity those blocks behind the new building.

Shouldn't those low-storey buildings behind go as well? They were kind of part of the interchange previously with all those shops and all..

Shouldn't those low-storey buildings behind go as well? They were kind of part of the interchange previously with all those shops and all..

No. Only Blk 445 will be demolished in SERS scheme. The rest will be left intact until Govt decides what to do with them in later stage.

Blk 436 - 438 (3 blocks) which face temporary bus interchange will be demolished after residents are relocated to new 40 storey blocks.

lets hope HDB will not channel the aircond hot fumes to the existing blocks.

Clementi cinema has started demolishment works today.

Clementi cinema has started demolishment works today.

thats so far away. thats not part of the interchange rite?

thats so far away. thats not part of the interchange rite?

Part of en-bloc. :)

2011 completion date makes construction a terribly long time! its not even a big project!

The govt did say some projects would be slowed.

And this, in terms of priority compared to other mega-projects around the island, I guess, should be developing slowly.

The govt did say some projects would be slowed.

And this, in terms of priority compared to other mega-projects around the island, I guess, should be developing slowly.

it will be hell for those blocks nearby. imagine living in constant loud noises and dust for 5 years. :nuts:

is it posisble to just bring in more construction workers? or is it a material shortage?

it will be hell for those blocks nearby. imagine living in constant loud noises and dust for 5 years. :nuts:

Well, Singapore has been under construction for years. We already suffer. Hahaha! Even there are already ongoing construction of new HDB blocks near my home. Just across the road.

Nowadays, HDB blocks are made of precast walls. So they can build up very fast. Not even 5 years. They can complete less than 3 years.

HDB blocks at Clementi would be finished in mid 2010. :)

is it posisble to just bring in more construction workers? or is it a material shortage?

Government is deferring construction projects that are yet to begin, in attempt to relieve on the demands to get cranes and construction equipments etc which are already snapped by big developers for big projects. So this effectively rise the costs of construction.

Government is deferring construction projects that are yet to begin, in attempt to relieve on the demands to get cranes and construction equipments etc which are already snapped by big developers for big projects. So this effectively rise the costs of construction.

V for Vendetta?

The cinema that houses the McDonald near the old Clementi interchange has been boarded up.

Its kind of ridiculous you know.

I was at the Clementi Interchange waiting for a taxi at the taxi stand and they put up a sign: Walkway to be closed on 3/3/08 due to commencement of demolition works. 3rd March come and go yet the walkway is still open! :bash:

on the left, demolition in progress...
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9949/image1761wz2.jpg

...major construction on the right. Clementi Central is in a mess!!
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3630/image1731qd2.jpg

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/103/image1741yn5.jpg

where is the macdonalds now?

Gone. ^^

Partyworld at Clementi is also gone, now got to go Taman Jurong instead :nuts:

24th May

...At least the number of floors can be counted

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1985/526qk3.jpg

Is that the shopping mall or the residential block?

^^

I'm not sure but the pic below shows the same structure:

17 Feb
http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08070/17022008033359.jpg

oh dear...looks like a large part will be unrecognizable. I've not been there for ages and I remember its nice relaxed ambience.

Some pics from 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/cmnt5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/cmnt2.jpg
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8062/cmnt31px.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2899/cmnt48gs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Picture taken on 29 Jun 08, part of the building reaches 10 floor but on the left still nothing yet.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6720/img0711cy6.th.jpg (http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0711cy6.jpg)

^^ Those were the days... I always liked the cascading water fountain feature, and the kids running around the sides.. something different, rather than the modern water features with water walls or water jets on the ground, etc...

I find that very.... retro (in a bad sense)

^^

really? :lol:

its a bit drab, but i did like the lazy atmosphere and the small convenience shops when i used to frequent the place, but it definitely deserves the upgrade other towns are getting, and its height potential should be fully realized.

Now you're making me feel bad!

But yeh, as much as I liked it then, the city centre does need an upgrade.

everything is gone now :(

taken a few days ago

the main structure

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee304/Excelsvr/DSC00970.jpg

and the yellow building in the first picture, CityVibe. It is now an empty plot, demolished.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee304/Excelsvr/DSC00971.jpg

Thanks for those pics, I get the true extent of the demolition. Fortunately the adjacent block housing the coffeeshops and bookshop is still intact. So this is where the 40 storey monster will arise.

Any idea on the status of Westpeak?

Thanks for those pics, I get the true extent of the demolition. Fortunately the adjacent block housing the coffeeshops and bookshop is still intact. So this is where the 40 storey monster will arise.


The massive main structure infront (first photo) is one of two 40 stories HDB blocks. You can see massive steel beams in the ground hole - for shopping mall, bus interchange.

In second photo, you see empty place that is used to be Cinema/McDonald's is now being drilled to construct second block of 40 stories block.

Any idea on the status of Westpeak?

only <5 levels.

and the yellow building in the first picture, CityVibe. It is now an empty plot, demolished.


That old cinema?

Yes. However, the cinema was long gone and came along PartyWorld KTV. If you are talking about the one with the MacDonalds, yes :)

29 August

http://sites.google.com/site/undestu/Home/IMG_3782.JPG

http://sites.google.com/site/undestu/Home/IMG_3783.JPG

http://sites.google.com/site/undestu/Home/IMG_3784.JPG

pretty ugly design yea... :(

It might be hard to assess the design from the angles posted.

pretty ugly design yea... :(

I wonder how you tell the design of a building from the metal frame of it? :lol:

I wonder how you tell the design of a building from the metal frame of it? :lol:
:lol::lol: very imaginative! :lol::lol:

where is the macdonalds now?
The McDonald's desert kiosk near the Clementi NTUC FairPrice was expanded to replace the old McDonald's at central. But it is less than half the size of the old outlet and tucked away about 5 minutes from the old location so I'm guessing it doesn't see as much traffic as it used to. Seriously, I can't be bothered to walk all the way to NTUC-side from the MRT just for McDonald's or KFC. If possible, I avoid central due to the amount of human traffic there which the construction doesn't help with.

Oct 10th, 2008

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct10-03.jpg

A great shot capturing the true extent of progress :)

thanks :cheers:

next time try another angle. even if no one catches u, it's not a great idea to shoot at the gate. :lol:

i doubt the workers would care unless there's a security guard at the gate.

Nice perspective there. Not the typical shot I'd say. And although I've seen the progress from the MRT station, I had no idea it had gone up so high.

As for the old cinema block, they're putting in all the structural elements now (lift shaft, concrete walls, etc).

i doubt the workers would care unless there's a security guard at the gate.

As long as u're outside of the plot boundary and the place isn't a designated Protected Area, they have no legal right to stop u from shooting.

30th October 2008
From a further location

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct30-02.jpg

There's this cheesy wave like roof with very bad proportion on the podium block

Its amazing how close the new building is to the adjacent block. I would think there are usually certain building setback requirements...unless the adjacent block is going to be redeveloped in future?

Yes it's almost kissing already... they can't be thinking of linking it up completely?

I just got a feeling that those old blocks may eventually be redeveloped...

Its amazing how close the new building is to the adjacent block. I would think there are usually certain building setback requirements...unless the adjacent block is going to be redeveloped in future?

Its completely out of scale in its context

^^

Which is why the context may 'rearrange' itself around this new development.

'they' dun care bout non elites. period.

Picture taken 25 Jan 09. The small shopping mall next to the new 40 floor flat has opened for business. The flat probably reached more than 20 floor but couldn't get a count as I took the pix from the train platform. The interchange still at groung lever.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5733/img0852cs2.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0852cs2.jpg)

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/3198/img0851rt4.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0851rt4.jpg)

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4841/img0853gr5.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0853gr5.jpg)

Taken 2nd March 2009

Looks like a big change when completed. Used to go there everyday..

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/485061776_Z9mjX-L-1.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/485062063_HKAQn-L-1.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/485061916_9rny9-L-1.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/485062285_ubvgm-L-1.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/485062189_YLUqM-XL-1.jpg

Construction was amazingly fast! Considering it only started around June 08

i live pretty nearby. but school sucks so i dont get to go even there :( i imagine there can't be anything nice in there though.

The design looks really slick and stands in stark contrast to the tired looking old HDB block - totally amazing.

Although it looks just like a refurbishments of an old shopping centre. There is a huge contrast between the building beside it and the buidings that we see from the reflections...

it was mention in before that clementi will have 25000sqm mall as part of the redeveoplement... after years of project work .... city vibes was open. So is this city vibes the same mall planned. will there be another one?
if city vibes was the planned 25000 sqm mall, the mall is disppointing.... dont look that big....

it was mention in before that clementi will have 25000sqm mall as part of the redeveoplement... after years of project work .... city vibes was open. So is this city vibes the same mall planned. will there be another one?
if city vibes was the planned 25000 sqm mall, the mall is disppointing.... dont look that big....

Cityvibes is just a separate redevelopment of the former cinema, which I felt should have been done long ago. The Bus Interchange redevelopment is the construction project on the right with the HDB flats shown in this thread
http://www.myhometown.sg/Forum/tabid/84/view/topic/postid/28831/Default.aspx

In other words cityvibes and clementi central square are two different developments.

so there is another retail area call clementi central square.

Clementi my home town..... so used to live there.... Nice 2 hve a aircon interchange like Toa Payoh & shopping......

I also feels that the short shop hse may be demolished.
Hope not, already lost the MAcdonald that is used to meet my friend there & see show last time & the Kar chang pu teh man....

But the changes indeed makes the town more lively. Clementi has a lot of eldery stayg there & they ve been staying there for almost 30 yrs just like me....

Clementi Central Square will be right beside Cityvibe, below the "slower" block.
Reason for that block to be slower I think is because they were digging the basement of the mall.

I have lived in Clementi for 20 years and I feel very rooted here. It's nice to have a new mall in a year or 2.

I've a feeling that the McDonald's will return to having the kiosk near NTUC FairPrice and the full-fledged outlet at Clementi Central Square. The old outlet at the cinema was way too big for them to downsize to their current location. Construction is progressing fast and if I'm not wrong, Central Square will be connected directly to the bridge linking to the MRT at the second level.

Also in anticipation, is the National Library branch that was promised when the project was mooted. Any idea what stores can be expected in Central Square?

What’s coming up in the West

Besides Jurong Lake District, you will also be able to see some of the other upcoming developments in the west here at the exhibition today. For instance, we plan to rejuvenate Clementi Town Centre. New flats will be built in the town centre as part of a 40-storey complex with facilities like shops, eateries, town council offices, a library and an air-conditioned bus interchange all under one roof. The west will also be home to the second regional campus of the Institute of Technical Education over at Choa Chu Kang and the new River Valley High School campus at Boon Lay.

Source: My Endearing Home Roving Exhibition Launch (http://www.ura.gov.sg/pr/text/2009/pr09-46.html)

any idea who is the developer for the clementi central sqaure?

10 Nov 09

THE tender for a mall at Clementi Town Centre which closed on Tuesday, attracted a top bid of $541.9 million from CM Domain.

It was a whopping 41.8 per cent above the second bid of $382 million from Titanium (AMT) and Guthrie (Anshan).

There were six bids in all, according to a statement from the Housing & Development Board.

Other bidders include CapitaMall Trust and Sim Lian Holdings.

The suburban mall is part of a larger 40-storey development that has two blocks of HDB flats and a bus interchange.


http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_452501.html

SPH explains thinking behind mall bid

18 Nov 09

(SINGAPORE) Even as the Housing & Development Board yesterday awarded Clementi Mall to a Singapore Press Holdings-led consortium, members of SPH's top management sought to explain the rationale for the bid price, which stockbroking analysts and market watchers have said was too high.

The consortium members are taking a long-term position on the investment and looking at forward rentals at the next lease renewal cycle - instead of just immediate returns when the mall begins operating in the first half of 2011, SPH's management said at media and analyst briefings yesterday.

It also revealed that more than 300 interested parties have registered interest to potentially rent space at the mall.

And the projected fit-out cost will be under $40 million - lower than the $40-50 million that some analysts had assumed.

HDB is building only the mall's core structure and facade, which it is scheduled to hand over in August next year to the joint venture, which will then finish the project and have naming rights for the property.

NTUC FairPrice, which has a 20 per cent stake in the venture, will lease 20,000-25,000 square feet for a supermarket at basement one of the mall. It may also take up additional space for a convenience store.

NTUC Income, which also has a 20 per cent stake, and SPH, the majority shareholder with 60 per cent, may also take up space in the property. The latter is likely to be for a kiosk selling newspapers and magazines.

Clementi Mall - the working name for the 99-year leasehold property - will have an air-conditioned bus interchange on the first level. The mall's third level will be linked to Clementi MRT Station.

SPH's management yesterday explained that the venture's bid valuation was based on stabilised operations after the mall's rental renewal cycle, and enhancing yield over time.

'In other words, when we do our calculations, we are not using the rentals when we start operations. We are actually using after rental renewal cycle, whether it is after three years or six years,' said SPH chief executive officer Alan Chan.

Had SPH used the typical strategy of real estate investment trusts (Reits), which assume say a 5-6 per cent return based on rents when the mall starts operating, it would have led to bids in the $300 million range - where four of the six bids came in for the mall at the close of HDB's tender last Tuesday.

'When you are a Reit, you have to ensure immediate returns. Whereas we are long-term players and we are prepared to place our bets based on forward rentals at the next cycle,' Mr Chan said.

'This is the challenge the bidder is always confronted with: Do you use standard metrics or do you think out of the box?'

The venture hopes to achieve the rentals that are obtained by the best suburban malls in Singapore.

Its winning bid of $541.898 million was the highest of six offers that HDB received for the mall. The winning bid is nearly 42 per cent more than the next highest offer of $382 million.

Earlier, analysts had forecast a valuation for the property - comprising the bid price as well as assuming fit-out costs of $40-50 million - of about $3,000 per square foot of net floor area of retail space.

But SPH management yesterday said that the projected fit-out costs would be under $40 million and hence the valuation would be 'somewhere south of $3,000 psf'.

Along prime Orchard Road, ION Orchard was valued at $3,747 psf of net lettable area as at June 30 this year.

SPH said that it also worked in prospects for potential capital appreciation in the bid price, pointing to its successful track record with Paragon along Orchard Road.

Its valuation has increased from just under $800 million in 1997 to almost $2 billion today. Based on the current market price,

Paragon's yield is well above 4 per cent. The return on equity is above 10 per cent - a result that was achieved over the years, not overnight.

Mr Chan also sought to allay concerns in some quarters that SPH's investment in Clementi Mall could clip dividend payouts to shareholders.

Firstly, SPH's stake in the venture is only 60 per cent - and for which it has enough internal funds to pay, with the rest to be funded through borrowings.

'Secondly, our dividend track record is always a function of recurring earnings. So this investment is not going to affect the dividend track record.'

And when stabilised rental income starts streaming in from Clementi Mall, SPH's recurring earnings will increase, he added.


Business Times

SPH explains thinking behind mall bid

18 Nov 09



SPH's management yesterday explained that the venture's bid valuation was based on stabilised operations after the mall's rental renewal cycle, and enhancing yield over time.

'In other words, when we do our calculations, we are not using the rentals when we start operations. We are actually using after rental renewal cycle, whether it is after three years or six years,' said SPH chief executive officer Alan Chan.

Had SPH used the typical strategy of real estate investment trusts (Reits), which assume say a 5-6 per cent return based on rents when the mall starts operating, it would have led to bids in the $300 million range - where four of the six bids came in for the mall at the close of HDB's tender last Tuesday.

'When you are a Reit, you have to ensure immediate returns. Whereas we are long-term players and we are prepared to place our bets based on forward rentals at the next cycle,' Mr Chan said.

'This is the challenge the bidder is always confronted with: Do you use standard metrics or do you think out of the box?'



Sounds lame to me hahaha. :lol:

Hmm, if you ask me, it sounds like this mall will not be any different than any others that are located in the heartlands. Seriously, I feel there is just too many malls in Singapore. At least it is better than the Big Box. That area is now like a mosquito-breeding ground......:ohno:

Walked by the site the other day, saw the plan for the complex. There will be 4 to 5 units in the completed block and several others in the one being constructed now. On level 8, which is the roof of the mall/interchange/carpark will be a roof garden. Levels 6 and 7 are for car parks. Level 1 would be the bus interchange which leaves 2 to 5 for the mall and the library. Seems like quite a decent design though the units seem small.

no cinema? :(

i wonder if the lower than expected projected fit-out costs means a shitty mall.

it has been some months since this thread is updated.

I am one of the lucky few under SER allocated a flat in this development.

I have lived in Clementi for more than 30 years. Got married and also bought a flat here.

So excited to see Clementi being made over. The new Cityvibes while is small has some character especially the moving neon display outside at night.

The new shopping center being built is covered all around with glass. Looks quite classy.

The flats above are printed in hues of brown and beige.. at least not overly colourful.

What's missing now is the old Empress Cinema redevelopment? Eng Wah seems to have let it rot for the last 3 years. What a waste.

it has been some months since this thread is updated.

I am one of the lucky few under SER allocated a flat in this development.

I have lived in Clementi for more than 30 years. Got married and also bought a flat here.

So excited to see Clementi being made over. The new Cityvibes while is small has some character especially the moving neon display outside at night.

The new shopping center being built is covered all around with glass. Looks quite classy.

The flats above are printed in hues of brown and beige.. at least not overly colourful.

What's missing now is the old Empress Cinema redevelopment? Eng Wah seems to have let it rot for the last 3 years. What a waste.

Wouldn't it be noisy for those units facing the MRT tracks?

The City Vibes is managed and owned by the ususal big players like capitaland, fraser, far east, so explain the small mall, mixture of tenants not that bad only no parking available inside.
Once the new clementi Mall which is just a few walks away, they will struggle.
The clementi mall is a intergrated transport hub, with Bus Interchange, 2 block of HDB with a shopping mall.

i'm going to be the one to be living directly above the MRT in this block. Hope it is not as noisy as i fear it to be.

Cityvibe isn't run or own by any big players. It tried to be sold to another party but failed. But when the new mall opens, this one will prosper. Because there is a linked way to the cityvibe via the mall. It can add to the activites as the new mall won't have those already in cityvibe.


The City Vibes is managed and owned by the ususal big players like capitaland, fraser, far east, so explain the small mall, mixture of tenants not that bad only no parking available inside.
Once the new clementi Mall which is just a few walks away, they will struggle.
The clementi mall is a intergrated transport hub, with Bus Interchange, 2 block of HDB with a shopping mall.

i'm going to be the one to be living directly above the MRT in this block. Hope it is not as noisy as i fear it to be.

Cityvibe isn't run or own by any big players. It tried to be sold to another party but failed. But when the new mall opens, this one will prosper. Because there is a linked way to the cityvibe via the mall. It can add to the activites as the new mall won't have those already in cityvibe.

Sorry typo error, miss out the word "Not" ciy vibes is under some developer call grandlink or grandview. I doubt there is a link between the Clementi mall and City vibes maybe a walk way only. The clementi mall is not directly link to the MRT, need to doing down the mrt escalator to the main entry of the mall.
Think the night life will be better in clementi, as the mall may have some F&B outlet that operate 24 hrs.

The clementi mall is not directly link to the MRT, need to doing down the mrt escalator to the main entry of the mall.


There's a direct link to the MRT station. The bridge linking the mall from the 2nd or 3rd floor is already almost completed just that they haven't hack the wall near the MRT station's escalator and lift.

Anchor tenants for Clementi Mall

NTUC FairPrice Finest, Foodfare and the National Library Board will be the anchor tenants of the Clementi Mall, which is scheduled to open in January.

The FairPrice Finest supermarket will occupy some 20,000 square feet at Basement One, while Foodfare foodcourt will take up about 10,000 square feet on Level 4. The 20,000 square feet NLB library will be situated on Level 5.

Coming up at Clementi town centre, The Clementi Mall is a six-storey retail development with about 190,000 square feet of retail space,

When completed, it will be linked directly to the Clementi MRT station on the third storey, and later, the bus interchange on the first level in the later part of 2011.

CM Domain, the owner of The Clementi Mall, won the tender for the 99-year leasehold property at Commonwealth Avenue West / Clementi Avenue 3 last November.

The company is a joint venture by Singapore Press Holding's subsidiary Times Properties Pte Ltd, NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd and NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd.

The Clementi Mall is part of a larger development by HDB, which will also house two blocks of 40-storey HDB blocks with 388 units above the retail podium.

can imagine the whole complex is pretty small...

Library occupy whole floor. Food court half a floor... level 3 shops, .. level 2 is void... level 1 is bus interchange... B1 half taken by Fairprice.. balance half small shops... B2 is parking...

Am so glad it is Fairprice Finest rather than Fairprice Xtra else parking will be a huge problem due to the crowd.

Not surprised 2 of the Anchor tenant belongs to NTUC (Finest + Foodfare, both owned by NTUC) and this mall is owned partly by NTUC. Am surprised SPH don't have a shop there.. maybe selling magazines or bookshop... so don't expect to see MPH, Popular in this complex.

Did you guys see the LED lights being tested? It's actually very nice... however only the side that faces MRT got it, the other side facing the primary school don't have .. not isomatical ... wasted...

and worse (or maybe blessing in disguise), no cinema...

I can't wait to move over from my pretty worn out flat ...


Anchor tenants for Clementi Mall

NTUC FairPrice Finest, Foodfare and the National Library Board will be the anchor tenants of the Clementi Mall, which is scheduled to open in January.

The FairPrice Finest supermarket will occupy some 20,000 square feet at Basement One, while Foodfare foodcourt will take up about 10,000 square feet on Level 4. The 20,000 square feet NLB library will be situated on Level 5.

Coming up at Clementi town centre, The Clementi Mall is a six-storey retail development with about 190,000 square feet of retail space,

When completed, it will be linked directly to the Clementi MRT station on the third storey, and later, the bus interchange on the first level in the later part of 2011.

CM Domain, the owner of The Clementi Mall, won the tender for the 99-year leasehold property at Commonwealth Avenue West / Clementi Avenue 3 last November.

The company is a joint venture by Singapore Press Holding's subsidiary Times Properties Pte Ltd, NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd and NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd.

The Clementi Mall is part of a larger development by HDB, which will also house two blocks of 40-storey HDB blocks with 388 units above the retail podium.

just another suburban mall ...

The usual suspects

Hey given that Clementi has very few such attractions after all these year, any type of lookalike mall or entertainment is welcomed. At least we do not have to go jurying just for free airconsitioning. Ha ha

i'm happy its fairprice finest rather than fairprice not-so-fine. and nlb is good too. now i have a nearer place to return my cds and dvds rather than going all the way back to esplanade or bugis.

i hope there'll be a muji, but i know there wont haha.

you are not the only one glad that it is Finest instead of the usual flair. I can imagine not being able to park if Xtra were to open there.

NLB will be really popular there given the close proximity to all the uni and poly.

FYI, I can see that they have started to reno for the library where I am staying.

Overall, it will be a small no frill mall. Convenient is the key word rather than luxury. At least, many Clementi residents will be able to get the things they need rather than having to travel to other towns like Jurong.

I'm just hoping that the Empress Cinema will be developed soon.

i'm happy its fairprice finest rather than fairprice not-so-fine. and nlb is good too. now i have a nearer place to return my cds and dvds rather than going all the way back to esplanade or bugis.

i hope there'll be a muji, but i know there wont haha.

Wonder how NLB can afford to pay such rent ?

Wonder how NLB can afford to pay such rent ?

it is a public good. and is a statutory board of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, therefore non profitable and funded by taxpayers.

I find the existing libraries quite crowded especially during non working hours, it's good to have more of these in sub urban malls, as population increases. Even the existing libraries have expanded or moved to bigger premises.

Why should it be located in a shopping mall and use tax payer $ to pay commercial rent ? It should be maybe put in a community centre or town council building , it's a waste of taxpayer $!

in certain towns, the libraries have their own building or is situated within a community centre. Example Jurong East/TPY/AMK libraries are standalone libraries. The one at boon lay has moved from Jurong Point to the newly constructed community centre nearby. Orchard Library at Taka has closed down in recent years.

I'm not the best person to answer this, and do not stay in Clementi. But perhaps the community centre at Clementi is not conveniently located near the interchange/mrt station, unlike the CCs at other estates/towns.

I do believe they have done a pros vs cons analysis and found the benefits outweigh all the costs. Example if you consider building a library in an existing CC, the CC probably has to forgo its current services like, classes, renting of classrooms, etc. Or a new standalone library (whole complex) is way to big to cater to the small population of that area, and the building cost is gonna cost them a bomb.

Renting a premise could also be a way to test the market in that area, if there is a need to move, they can decide not to renew the contract after 2 years?

I live in Clementi and yes the existing CC is too small to accomodate any size of useable library. There aren't many sites here that seems to meet the criteria.

I also am guessing like what you did about the library moving out when it finds the location not right.

Given the number of students studying in U and Poly here, you can be certain this library will be super crowded everyday. Even if people just come in for some free airconditioning.

Back to the main topic, this mall certainly change the landscape of Clementi which have been far forgotten for a long while now for any form of useful development. There aren't any private condo within the central unlike other towns. Not even a EC. I think the vacant sites left by SER will be used for this purpose.

Given it is HDB design, I find the mall a bit dated especially the orange colour scheme used on it's facade. The LED lights means it looks nice at night though as it brightens up the space. I look forward to see how the water feature at the ground floor will work.

Hope it opens on schedule. And hopefully Eng Wah will realise that they will miss out by not developing the Empress Clementi.

in certain towns, the libraries have their own building or is situated within a community centre. Example Jurong East/TPY/AMK libraries are standalone libraries. The one at boon lay has moved from Jurong Point to the newly constructed community centre nearby. Orchard Library at Taka has closed down in recent years.

I'm not the best person to answer this, and do not stay in Clementi. But perhaps the community centre at Clementi is not conveniently located near the interchange/mrt station, unlike the CCs at other estates/towns.

I do believe they have done a pros vs cons analysis and found the benefits outweigh all the costs. Example if you consider building a library in an existing CC, the CC probably has to forgo its current services like, classes, renting of classrooms, etc. Or a new standalone library (whole complex) is way to big to cater to the small population of that area, and the building cost is gonna cost them a bomb.

Renting a premise could also be a way to test the market in that area, if there is a need to move, they can decide not to renew the contract after 2 years?

are there any pictures of the new mall? i near nus but rarely ever go to clementi station...

i think its great to have the library at a central location like a mall. putting it at an old, unaccessible CC would be a waste, even if it could be cheaper, as no one would bother going there anyway.

I'd agree to have the library near the MRT or central areas so it's easier for people to reach.

Manage to take these pics on the way back from NTU. Here they are.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLggu4ETaGI/AAAAAAAAAT0/Qzwv2lgVYWA/s640/DSC00372.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLggu4ETaGI/AAAAAAAAAT0/Qzwv2lgVYWA/s640/DSC00372.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLggxsxHcFI/AAAAAAAAAT4/5JWSPV3Yzl4/s640/DSC00373.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLggxsxHcFI/AAAAAAAAAT4/5JWSPV3Yzl4/s640/DSC00373.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLgg0jkz2LI/AAAAAAAAAT8/0yHKeGJJ2I4/s640/DSC00374.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLgg0jkz2LI/AAAAAAAAAT8/0yHKeGJJ2I4/s640/DSC00374.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLgg3jOw1fI/AAAAAAAAAUA/ZIkYXmXLzT8/s640/DSC00375.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TLgg3jOw1fI/AAAAAAAAAUA/ZIkYXmXLzT8/s640/DSC00375.JPG

Two new libraries to open in Serangoon & Clementi in 2011
By S Ramesh | Posted: 15 October 2010 1611 hrs

SINGAPORE: The National Library Board has said it will be opening two more public libraries in the heartlands next year, with one to be located at Serangoon while the other at Clementi.

This brings the total to 24 libraries in Singapore.

The Serangoon Public Library (SRPL) will open its doors in March 2011.

It will cater to some 122,000 residents and be housed at the fourth level of a retail mall that links directly to the Serangoon MRT Station of the North East Line and Circle Line, and the Serangoon Bus Interchange.

In May 2011, residents of Clementi will also have a library in their neighbourhood.

The Clementi Public Library (CMPL) will be located on the fifth level of Clementi Mall that links directly to the Clementi MRT Station and the bus interchange.

It will cater to 91,000 residents in the area.

Each library offers a start-up collection of about 150,000 volumes of books, magazines and audio-visual material, selected based on the demographic make-up and profile of the community.

- CNA/wk

This development is bloody slow. I been waiting for more than 5 years for my keys and todate no news.

you'd wish construction here was like this

Nov 12 - Chinese workers build 15-story hotel in 6 days (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQI87lYz1Vs) (video)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/misc/DSC00378.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/misc/DSC00379.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/misc/DSC00380.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/misc/DSC00381.jpg

First shop to open there - Cake History:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/misc/DSC00382.jpg

Linkway to City Vibe:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/misc/DSC00383.jpg

it looks as though the apartment block on the right is a little more upscale than the one on the left...

and looking at the cake shop, clementi won't be becoming any more upscale anytime soon...

^^ That's cause one block is completed while one isn't (right block is completed, left block still under construction). And I don't think Clementi needs to be any more upscale anyway. What they need is just more of the conveniences that other places seem to have - bus interchange, mall, hypermart, cinema.

Finally a decent looking landmark HDB. Hope the interior layout and common areas are good

Hi all,

I happen to only know of this development this recently weeks.

Is there any chance I can still apply for the housing there in clementi skysraper city ?

Or I can only wait for balance flats to be out ?

I guess it may be a little too late now but if there is a slight chance.

Thanks for reading my post all.

Cheers

^^ That's cause one block is completed while one isn't (right block is completed, left block still under construction). And I don't think Clementi needs to be any more upscale anyway. What they need is just more of the conveniences that other places seem to have - bus interchange, mall, hypermart, cinema.

If I could remember, I think the block on the right only consists of 4units of 4 and 5 room flats, while the block on the left consists of smaller units with a shared lift lobby configuration.

Hi all,

I happen to only know of this development this recently weeks.

Is there any chance I can still apply for the housing there in clementi skysraper city ?

Or I can only wait for balance flats to be out ?

I guess it may be a little too late now but if there is a slight chance.

Thanks for reading my post all.

Cheers

If I'm not wrong, the last few remaining 3,4 and 5 rooms units for this SERS project were released in Oct 09 SBF and were all selected.

I reckon it will be quite noisy with the coming and going of the trains.

If I could remember, I think the block on the right only consists of 4units of 4 and 5 room flats, while the block on the left consists of smaller units with a shared lift lobby configuration.
It would seem so. The completed block is really small compared to the one still under construction.

If I'm not wrong, the last few remaining 3,4 and 5 rooms units for this SERS project were released in Oct 09 SBF and were all selected.

tks much sc00by ....

Found this article on mypaper newspaper. This is some good news I guess for the area. :)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TR1HwO7KVBI/AAAAAAAABK4/Rg4af4edAeM/s512/DSC00963.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TR1HwO7KVBI/AAAAAAAABK4/Rg4af4edAeM/s512/DSC00963.JPG

Found this article on mypaper newspaper. This is some good news I guess for the area. :)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TR1HwO7KVBI/AAAAAAAABK4/Rg4af4edAeM/s512/DSC00963.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TR1HwO7KVBI/AAAAAAAABK4/Rg4af4edAeM/s512/DSC00963.JPG

Yap, good news for the area...
Clementi Mall opens in early 2011, with anchor tenants:
BHG departmental store, NTUC Finest, Best Denki, Challenger, Library etc....

And
"Empress Entertainment Centre" down the walking streets will opens in 2012 by Eng Wah:
"The cinemas at Empress, which have been closed for four years, are also being renovated now and will reopen as the operator's biggest cineplex with 10 halls and 1,300 seats in 2012. It will also be redeveloped as Empress Entertainment Centre, a shopping mall that will include the upgraded cineplex."

http://admpreview.straitstimes.com:90/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2a6a4074bdacc210VgnVCM100000430a0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e361758920e39010VgnVCM1000000a35010aRCRD
Dec 10, 2010 (Straits Times Life)
Eng Wah upgrades
The Eng Wah cinema chain is re-doing its cineplexes and adding features such as new seats and a ticketing system
By cheryl tan

Eng Wah?s Suntec cineplex (above) will be shuttered in February next year for its facelift. -- ST FILE PHOTO

The Eng Wah Group is splashing out more than $100 million to give its cineplexes a facelift.

All the halls in Suntec City, West Mall in Bukit Batok and Empress in Clementi will be fitted with new seats. A $500,000 ticketing system has been implemented at Suntec City and West Mall.

The group revealed its multi-million-dollar renovation plans for its retail and cinemas yesterday. It is the third cinema chain here to upgrade its theatres this year.

Golden Village revamped its 18-year-old multiplex in Yishun and added digital projection and 3-D technology to three of its 10 halls. The cineplex reopened last month after the $5 million upgrade.

Shaw Theatres is also spending more than $16 million to add three new halls to its original eight at flagship cineplex Lido, which has been operating since 1993. The cineplex closed in October and is due to open in April next year.

Eng Wah has been operating in Singapore since the 1940s.

Work has already started for Eng Wah's renovation project. Its theatres at Jubilee and Toa Payoh have been shuttered for good but the entertainment centres will be renovated and new retail tenants added.

The cinemas at Empress, which have been closed for four years, are also being renovated now and will reopen as the operator's biggest cineplex with 10 halls and 1,300 seats in 2012. It will also be redeveloped as Empress Entertainment Centre, a shopping mall that will include the upgraded cineplex.

Eng Wah's other two cinemas in West Mall and Suntec City will also be given a sprucing up next month and in February next year.

Besides its cinema business, the Eng Wah Group owns businesses in the retail industry and also Hotel Fort Canning, a five-star hotel at The Legends Fort Canning, which cost $70 million to build.

Financial planner Tan Weiming said the facelift for both of Eng Wah's entertainment centres will help breathe new life into otherwise 'rundown' malls with 'no interesting tenants' to bring in the crowds vital to fill up cinema halls.

He recalled his visit to the chain's cineplex in Suntec City earlier this year: 'The seats are decent but the sound system is not very good. It doesn't feel as modern as the other cinema chains.'

Its cinemas in Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh are also small and rundown, he added, which 'gives the impression that it is not very well run'.

^^That is some interesting news. I can see that in the near future, Clementi would help reduce the crowds going to Jurong Point as there is anither alternative for them to go to. :) However, West Coast Plaza may suffer.

And I don't think Clementi needs to be any more upscale anyway. What they need is just more of the conveniences that other places seem to have - bus interchange, mall, hypermart, cinema.


well, i'd like better bakeries, patisseries, supermarkets (fairprice finest is decent at least!), and lifestyle stores!

well, i'd like better bakeries, patisseries, supermarkets (fairprice finest is decent at least!), and lifestyle stores!
Right, get what you mean. Perhaps a breadtalk in the new mall. For those who don't know, it will be called "The Clementi Mall" as seen from the signage.

i was thinking more about a place that would make a decent macaron or mont-blanc/vermicelles dessert! i'm just being selfish of course, wanting stuff for myself, but we all do i suppose.

perhaps the developers should bring in one of those large european bakery chains that are everywhere (except singapore) like paul or pain quotidien, or perhaps a smaller scale bakery but no less famous - poilane. peck at takashimaya is a move in the right direction, although i ahve to admit i havent found anything i really like there....

or maybe forget the european bakeries - bring in large successful japanese cafe chains - singaporeans love japanese things right? doutor or excelsior would be a godsend for its royal milk tea and mont-blanc cake..

the clementi mall opened on 13 jan 2011. photos here (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/the-clementi-mall-phase-1/).

Thanks for the update, man. So far, how many stores have opened? :)

I don't think many have opened. Fair Price Finest is open though, in the basement. They have adverts for other stores in the pipes though. I saw boards for breadtalk & toastbox and Goldheart. The post outside the mall shows BHG as well, with opening soon underneath it. A foodcourt is supposed to be one of the tenants as well, on level 4 beneath the library at level 5. A lot of work is still going on.

there are only ard 10 shops or so opened. when i went on thu, mcdonalds was still under renovation. fairprice finest, kfc, subway, burger king, chewy junior, watsons and a few others are open. the rest still not yet.

but i think need to wait till march when phase 2 (lvl3-5)opens then will we see more shops such as BHG, popular, the library, foodcourt, etc.

Does it have a cinema?

Does it have a cinema?

No. They renovate the empress cinema by 2012.

^^I am sure they(Eng Wah) do not want another cinema rival that close to its cinema. They would try to get it refurbished to attract the crowds that are going to Clementi Mall. :)

there are only ard 10 shops or so opened. when i went on thu, mcdonalds was still under renovation. fairprice finest, kfc, subway, burger king, chewy junior, watsons and a few others are open. the rest still not yet.

but i think need to wait till march when phase 2 (lvl3-5)opens then will we see more shops such as BHG, popular, the library, foodcourt, etc.
Was there earlier today. Where is the McDonald's located? Didn't see it at the basement.

Otherwise, here's a rough list of shops.

B1
Watsons - open as mentioned by jieshun
Burger King - open as mentioned by jieshun
KFC - open as mentioned by jieshun
Subway - open
Four Seasons - open
TCM Shop (forgot the name) - open
Fair Price Finest - open as mentioned by jieshun
Some durian pancake kiosk - open
Some wild/raw honey kiosk - open
Chewy Junior - open as mentioned by jieshun
Long John Silver - under renovation
Ya Kun (kiosk concept) - under renovation
Pet Lovers Centre - under renovation
Random shop next to Subway - under renovation
Starhub - closed when I went
I believe there was a money changer or something I forgot near the escalators to B1

Level 1
Toast box - under renovation
Bread talk - under renovation (they say "talk to u end jan 2011)
Spectacle Hut I believe - under renovation
Goldheart - under renovation

Other tenants
Foodcourt - Will be run by Foodfare
BHG
Popular
NLB

Seems like a typical neighbourhood mall mix, though I wonder why they need a Subway and LJS here when they are already available next door in City Vibe. Hope it wouldn't mean the closure of one or the other and thus a reduction in seating space.

^^ It is the same thing in Toa Payoh. There are 2 SUBWAY stores about a walking distance apart. I guess it is regarding the number of seats. :)

^^ It is the same thing in Toa Payoh. There are 2 SUBWAY stores about a walking distance apart. I guess it is regarding the number of seats. :)

Also happen in Ang Mo Kio. One is at AMK Hub, another one at jubilee.

Was there earlier today. Where is the McDonald's located? Didn't see it at the basement.



I don't think there will be a McDonald's there. There is one nearby just a walking distance away at Blk 451. :)

I don't think there will be a McDonald's there. There is one nearby just a walking distance away at Blk 451. :)
Actually, I think there will be. McDonald's suffered a dramatic reduction in shop space (including seating) when they had to relocate outside NTUC due to the redevelopment. I'd expect that they'd want to compete with KFC, BK, LJS especially and gain back a bit of their former space in the new mall. Perhaps its round the corner at level 1. Would be a more convenient location too, to be at the most central area of Clementi and directly next to the MRT and bus interchange.

^^Hmm, you have a point. Any idea if Wendy's or Popeye's is opening there? :)

No idea, didn't see any signs for either Wendy's or Popeye's. I'm sure the school kids around the area will now find more reasons to hang out in Clementi. :lol:

ETA:McDonald's has opened. Its the store closest to the junction of Clementi Ave 3 and Commonwealth Ave West. Upper seating area is still having work done, but will definitely be more seating than at the NTUC Kiosk near the polyclinic.

Subway CityVibe has closed. Its been replaced by Subway Clementi Mall.

^^ Okay, our earlier assesment seems to be wrong. Then again, most of the guys I know who eat Subway usually take-away so I think seating won't be much of an issue. :)

Adding to the tenant list...

B1 - Now open
Long John Silvers
Ya Kun
Hong Kong noodle kiosk with seating
Yami Yogurt
Money Changer
Fix It shop
Laundry service shop
Eu Yan Sang

Level 1 - Now open
Spectacle Hut
McDonald's upper seating area

Others coming soon
B1 - Ajisen
B1 - Old Chang Kee kiosk
B1 - Some rice p-something shop

Phase 2 (levels 3 to 5) will open in March according to the information posted at the mall.

can find the complete list of stores at its website here http://www.theclementimall.com/stores

^^ Thanks for the updates. It seems that it is just another typical heartland mall.

how's that? it doesnt seem like there's anything particularly outstanding in the shop list…

^^ Okay, I have edited my statement.

It pretty much is a typical heartland mall. A bit overdue for Clementi really though. I guess standard is better than something out of the ordinary. The needs of the residents should be met before anything really new is implemented. As is, traffic can be pretty bad in the town and I'm guessing that LTA wouldn't want to add an extra load both on the roads and public transport system from shoppers flocking to the new thing in town. :)

haha - then they better have some 'new thing' in clementi - rather than something stale like clementi mall.

it seems even west coast plaza is marginally more interesting.

Almost all HDB flats are tall now...

Phase 2 are now open today!

Just wondering if anyone knows whether there are any Baskin Robins in Singapore yet? Or will the one at Clementi Mall be the first outlet here?

I think that would be the first outlet . There used to be a few in Singapore. :)

that's the best thing about clementi mall - the return of baskin robbins :D

the shocking green floor tiles are blinding.

Photos of Phase 2 clementi mall here (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/the-clementi-mall-phase-2/).

Baskin Robbins not open yet.

^^ Thanks for the pics!!:)

it's not a show-off thing for people living in Clementi. It is that of convenience. I think many of whom have not came here do not understand. Clementi had nothing aside from the dyfuncted Empress Cinema and some town center shops.

This mall though small add lots of convenience to people living here. We no longer have to go to IMM or West Coast for Popular book store and buy only at NTUC and lurk all the shopping back to the MRT.

It's convenience... simple as that.

it would be convenient if there was a muji or a twg there...

West Coast Plaza had been in Clementi for a long time. So Clementi Mall is not the first.

But I bet quite a number of Clementi residents will still drive to IMM in Jurong East because of first 3 hours free parking. IMM is also so spacious, therefore less stress of being in a crowd. Plus having Giant hypermart.

This is an article I found on mypaper a few days ago. :)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc35DCfPTEI/AAAAAAAADG4/n57tuyFBRZQ/s912/IMG.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc35DCfPTEI/AAAAAAAADG4/n57tuyFBRZQ/s912/IMG.jpg

Here is some updates on the Clementi Mall as posted by Vrooms. :)


Source:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_671122.html

A drum beat to officially open Clementi Mall
By Ng Huiwen

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20110521/cm.chewsengkim.jpg

AT 2.30pm on Saturday, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Tony Tan beat a drum to officially open The Clementi Mall.

The five-storey retail mall is a joint venture between Times Properties, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH); NTUC Fairprice Co-operative; and NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative.

Mr Lim - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office - is also NTUC secretary-general while Dr Tan is chairman of SPH.

Dr Tan struck a drum to officiate the opening of The Clementi Mall in the presence of mall visitors and more than 120 guests.

The 290,000 sq ft mall - with two basements - is the first full-fledged mall to open in the Clementi area and is part of the first mixed-use development built by the Housing Board.

Besides the retail podium, it also houses two residential blocks of 388 units and the West Coast Town Council (Clementi Office). The mall has 135 shops, including 16 restaurants and cafes, and boasts anchor tenants such as FairPrice Finest, Popular Bookstore and Clementi Public Library.

Certainly one of the better designed public housing

Click here (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/christmas-at-clementi-mall/) for christmas deco at clementi mall. Nothing really interesting though :/

^^ Somehow I am not surprised since it is a heartland mall. :lol:

New Clementi bus interchange to benefit 8,500 commuters daily
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid | Posted: 17 November 2011 1155 hrs



SINGAPORE: About 8,500 commuters are expected to benefit daily when the new Clementi bus interchange opens on November 26.

The new 8,100 sq metre facility will be the sixth Integrated Transport Hub, where bus interchanges and MRT stations are seamlessly linked with adjoining commercial developments.

It will allow residents to switch between bus and train in air-conditioned comfort.

The Land Transport Authority said more such interchanges will be constructed at Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Hougang Central, Joo Koon, Jurong East, Marina South and Yishun in tandem with redevelopment in the areas.

This is in addition to the existing five at Serangoon, Boon Lay, Toa Payoh, Sengkang and Ang Mo Kio which are fully integrated with the rail stations and adjoining commercial developments.

Mr Chan Kwok Cheong, LTA's Director for Public Transport Promotion and Services, said: "This is the sixth integrated transport hub, with easy and direct access to the MRT station and shopping malls, commuters can run errands or shop conveniently and in comfort, before transferring to the connecting bus or train."

- CNA/ac

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1165973/1/.html

It seems that the development has won an award. :)


Clementi Town mixed development wins prestigious award
Posted: 16 May 2012 0945 hrs

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/components/display_image.php?id=494438
The mixed development of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Clementi Town.

SINGAPORE: Singapore's first development with public housing, commercial facilities and a bus interchange built together in one complex has won a prestigious international award.

The mixed development of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Clementi Town was Runner-Up under the Master Plan Category of the FIABCI Prix d'Excellence award.

The awards ceremony was held on May 15 in St Petersburg, Russia.

The award recognises projects that display distinction in aspects such as overall concept, architecture and design, development and construction, community benefit, environmental impact, as well as financial and marketing aspects.

The HDB said on Wednesday that its project injected new life into a mature town.

It optimised land use by turning an old bus interchange site into a modern mixed development that's well integrated with its surroundings and transport nodes.

The development, completed in November 2011, is a 40-storey mixed development.

It has two blocks of 40-storey high residential blocks, air-conditioned bus interchange, a community library, a new Town Council office, and a modern shopping mall.

The residential component consists of 388 units of new HDB flats.

The new flats were built under the HDB's Selective Enbloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) programme for home owners from within the same township.

The HDB highlighted the challenges of breathing new life into the mature town, much of which was built during the 1970s.

It transformed the existing Town Centre and old bus interchange into a modern shopping mall, with residential units above.

An air-conditioned transport hub was integrated with the mixed development to provide residents with seamless connection to the rest of the island.

As Clementi is already a developed town with existing infrastructures, the HDB had to make sure it did not disrupt the existing amenities, as well as minimise inconveniences to residents.

Due to the odd shape and tight space, the challenge was to design a complex and carry out construction without disrupting public access to existing shops and Clementi MRT station.

A temporary bus interchange had to be built nearby during construction so that bus services for residents will not be disrupted.

Another challenge was to complete the commercial development first for business, while continuing with the construction of the residential units above.

HDB's group director (Development & Procurement), Mr Fong Chun Wah, said: "Being committed to provide quality living for Singaporeans, the development is in line with the first thrust of HDB's Roadmap for Better Living - to develop 'Well-designed Towns'.

"With good planning and design, we have added vibrancy and improved the living environment of residents residing in an established town like Clementi."

- CNA/cc


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1201580/1/.html