The tender, which was launched on Nov 30, 2023 and closed on March 20, attracted five bidders, including CBA which submitted the winning bid of $123,000. Noontalk Media submitted the highest bid of $180,000. The other bids were $108,174 from Benlo Ventures, $68,177 from ABR Holdings and $53,000 from IGYM Fitness.
“CBA’s proposal of differentiated lifestyle concepts, complementary programmes and enhancements to the public realm aims to further promote local Chinese heritage and strengthen the identity of the area,” SLA said.
As a non-profit organisation with a diverse group of stakeholders, CBA has worked with its members and partners to contribute to the vibrancy of the Chinatown precinct, SLA added.
CBA is set up by Chinatown stakeholders drawn from a cross-section of businesses, grassroots leaders, and retailers to serve and promote the business and community interests of stakeholders in the area.
Ms Lim Yick Suan, CBA’s executive director, told ST that it is in the process of reaching out to its partners and key stakeholders to kickstart the Smith Street Rejuvenation Project.
“CBA has been active in the precinct for over 20 years,” she said. “We have built and nurtured relationships, and this has afforded us a deep-rooted connection to the ground.”
In the past two decades, CBA has also taken on the mantle to promote the culture and heritage of Chinatown Singapore, ranging from wide-scale festival celebrations such as Five Footway Festival and Dumpling Festival, to themed markets, street activities, events and workshops.
“This experience is unique to CBA, and we hope to leverage our relationships in the community and knowledge of Chinatown Singapore’s heritage and culture to inject more vibrancy to Smith Street and Chinatown Singapore,” she added.
Ms Lim also said that given Singapore’s reputation as a food haven, CBA will be bringing in uniquely Singaporean food and beverage, as well as international food offerings, for both locals and tourists.
The Chinatown Food Street, which opened in Smith Street in 2001 as part of STB’s efforts to revitalise Chinatown, shuttered in October 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.