Singapore, 2 December 2021 – City Developments Limited (CDL) will redevelop its Central Mall properties and the surrounding area into a large-scale mixed-use development following the proposed acquisition of Central Square for a purchase consideration of S$315 million. Located at 20 Havelock Road, Central Square is currently a 99-year leasehold commercial and residential development, with a remaining lease tenure of approximately 72 years1, which comprises a serviced residence and commercial spaces including offices and retail units.
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CDL Constellation Pte. Ltd., CDL has entered into a put and call option agreement to acquire the asset from DBS Trustee Limited (a trustee of Far East Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust) for S$313.2 million and the reversionary leasehold interest from OPH Riverside Pte Ltd for S$1.8 million. The transaction includes an incentive payment of up to S$18 million2 above the purchase consideration, subject to certain conditions being met by 31 December 2023, including getting planning approval for residential use.
CDL currently owns the 81,660 sq ft Central Mall site comprising the freehold 7-storey Central Mall (Office Tower) and a cluster of conservation shophouses on a 99-year leasehold site with a remaining lease tenure of approximately 71 years1. Located along Havelock Road and Magazine Road near the Central Business District (CBD), it is within close proximity to three MRT stations – Clarke Quay (North East Line), Fort Canning (Downtown Line) and Chinatown (Downtown and North East Line), as well as major expressways.
Upon completion of the proposed Central Square transaction in Q1 2022, CDL plans to redevelop all the sites under the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) Scheme. The Outline Permission obtained for the redevelopment of the existing sites into a mixed-use development allows for commercial, hospitality and serviced apartment components, potentially yielding a Gross Floor Area (GFA) uplift of 67% to approximately 735,500 sq ft from the current GFA of 441,650 sq ft. CDL will be working closely with the authorities to further enhance the viability of the redevelopment scheme and potentially add in a residential component.
Mr Sherman Kwek, Group Chief Executive Officer of CDL, said, “The strategic acquisition of Central Square crystallises our master plan to shape the precinct’s transformation into a new and vibrant lifestyle hub. This rare placemaking opportunity augments our role in rejuvenating the Singapore River precinct and aligns with our enhancement strategy to unlock the latent value of our matured assets. With the enlarged site, we can take a multi-faceted approach to the planning and design of the entire area and shape the public realm to maximise value for all stakeholders in this precinct. The Central Mall and Central Square redevelopment project marks our third rejuvenation initiative in the Central Area to transform the cityscape.”
CDL is also currently redeveloping the former Liang Court site jointly with CapitaLand Development into an integrated project that comprises the 696-unit CanningHill Piers, the tallest residential development along the Singapore River, CanningHill Square with F&B and retail outlets, a 475-room hotel operated under the Moxy brand by Marriott International and a 192-unit serviced residence with a hotel licence operated under the Somerset brand.
CDL has also commenced the redevelopment of its former Fuji Xerox Towers located at 80 Anson Road under the CBD Incentive Scheme. The proposed redevelopment will comprise a 45-storey mixed-use integrated project. Subject to authorities’ approval, 40% will be dedicated for office and retail purposes, 35% for residential and 25% for serviced apartments. The residential component, comprising about 256 units, is slated for launch in 2H 2022.