Dempsey site, former Open Farm Community home, up for tender for experiential F&B and urban farming concepts
The experiential F&B and urban-farming requirement could reinforce Dempsey’s nature-led positioning while limiting uses that generate substantial traffic or noise.
SLA launched a price-quality tender for the approximately 43,000 sq ft state property at 130E Minden Road, with bids closing on Sept 2.
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The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has launched a price-quality tender for the state property at 130E Minden Road — which previously housed farm-to-table restaurant Open Farm Community and outdoor cafe Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari — in the Dempsey lifestyle enclave.
SLA is inviting proposals for "experiential F&B and/or urban farming concepts that complement the precinct’s distinctive character" with minimal traffic and noise generation, it said on July 9.
The property spans about 43,000 sq ft and has generous outdoor spaces surrounded by mature trees and greenery. Ancillary retail use is capped at 90 sq m (about 969 sq ft).
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Given the expansive grounds, there are opportunities for concepts that can extend beyond the one-storey building itself, such as alfresco dining nestled among nature and farm-to-table experiences, edible gardens, and community activities, SLA noted.
It is seeking proposals that "thoughtfully respond to the site’s unique qualities while enhancing Dempsey’s identity as a destination where heritage and nature continue to inspire new experiences".
A site showaround will be held on July 16 at 3pm, and the tender closes on Sept 2 at 11am.
The indicative date of award is Jan 31 next year. The site is intended to be leased for a term of five plus four years.
In a price-quality tender, bids are evaluated based on both price and quality attributes, rather than solely on the lowest price.
Singapore-based lifestyle brand Spa Esprit Group's Open Farm Community and Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari were the former occupants of 130E Minden Road. Both businesses shuttered on Jan 11 this year.
The group did not provide a reason for the closures and had declined to comment when contacted by the media.
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Opened in June 2015, Open Farm Community occupied a 35,000 sq ft space with its 120-seat restaurant and an urban garden with herbs, edible flowers and fruit trees.
Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari at the same compound had opened in 2018 and was said to have a “glamping-esque” theme inspired by African safaris, serving pastries and coffees.