Tourism board invites proposals to redevelop Emerald Hill site into hotel, lifestyle destination

As part of plans to rejuvenate the Orchard Road area, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a concept and price revenue tender to redevelop 37 Emerald Hill — built in 1925 and the former Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (SCGS) campus till 1994.

STB is inviting innovative proposals to turn the historic site — spanning about 10,415 sq m (112,104 sq ft) or 1.04ha — into a mixed-use development that “celebrates its rich heritage whilst creating a distinctive new lifestyle node for both locals and visitors”.

It is seeking proposals that include sensitively developed spaces, a new-to-market hotel concept, and first-of-its-kind lifestyle experiences.

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The aim is to create compelling experiences that will attract visitors, and encourage longer stays as well as repeat visits to the Orchard precinct, STB said in a Sept 16 media release.

It should also incorporate accessible public spaces with year-round programming to ensure consistent footfall and community engagement.

Ashlynn Loo, director, land and concept development at STB, said: “We envision 37 Emerald Hill becoming a distinctive landmark that strengthens Orchard Road's position as an iconic lifestyle destination, supporting our ambition for quality tourism growth towards 2040.”

The land parcel is situated at the intersection of Somerset and the Emerald Hill Conservation Area, tucked just behind the main Orchard shopping belt.

Built a century ago, the state property used to house SCGS, which pioneered education for women in Singapore. The girls’ school moved out of the Emerald Hill premises in July 1994, after about seven decades there, and relocated to its current home on Dunearn Road.

The property later housed Chatsworth International School in 1998, before it was converted into a primary-only campus in 2018 and then closed in 2020. The international school has moved to Bukit Timah, along Bukit Tinggi Road.

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The grounds include three iconic buildings that have been preserved: the two-storey Main Block with neo-classical and Art Deco elements, built in 1925; the two-storey Principal’s House in the same style with a pitched clay tile roof, built in 1930, and the three-storey modern-style Song Ong Siang Block, built in 1956.

Under the STB tender, the lease term will span 50 years, with the option to extend for a further 20 years, subject to terms and conditions. The maximum gross floor area is 16,664 sq m (179,370 sq ft).

It is slated predominantly for hospitality and commercial uses. Allowable commercial uses include restaurants, bars or pubs, outdoor refreshment areas, shops, fitness centre, gym, and medical clinics.

Residential uses, offices, serviced apartments and schools will not be allowed.

The tender is open to local and international bidders, and will run for six months. The closing date to submit proposals is March 16, 2027.