Such interest in repurposing ageing buildings rather than demolishing them has been growing in Singapore, with urban planning experts saying that these projects reflect a broader shift towards adaptive reuse.
According to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), more than 20 tenders were launched in 2025 to repurpose state properties, with former offices, schools and other buildings being transformed into co-living spaces, community hubs and lifestyle destinations.
The agency said it recorded a 50 per cent increase in the number of social entities repurposing state properties for community uses between 2021 and 2024, compared with the previous three-year period.
“In a high-rise, high-density city like Singapore and others around the world, efficiency and sustainability are critical,” noted Ms Elaine Tan, research director at the Centre for Liveable Cities.
“Adaptive reuse demonstrates that retrofitting can be both economically and environmentally advantageous because it delivers quicker returns while strengthening long-term resilience.”
The practice can help cities preserve cultural heritage, retain shared memories and rejuvenate neighbourhoods, she added.