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Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Katong Plaza and Novotel on Kitchener Rd to be redeveloped
Katong Plaza and Novotel Singapore on Kitchener hotel were in the past two years sold to new owners. ST PHOTOS: AZMI ATHNI, ARIFFIN JAMAR New hotels to replace Katong Plaza and Novotel hotel in Kitchener Road SINGAPORE – The Novotel Singapore on Kitchener hotel and Katong Plaza are set to be replaced by new hotels. Both properties date back to around 1981, with the Kitchener Road hotel branded with different names along the way. They were in the past two years sold, and the new owners have recently secured at least provisional planning approvals from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Worldwide Hotels subsidiary Midtown Development has permission to redevelop the Kitchener Road property into a hotel with 1,625 rooms and 1,214 sq m of retail space. The hotel opened in 1981 as President Merlin Hotel – a part of the President Hotel and Shopping Complex that also included the President Shopping Centre which opened in 1970. The hotel was later rebranded as New Park Hotel in 1990 after a $30 million facelift. In 2007, it became Parkroyal on Kitchener Road, while the shopping centre was demolished in 2017 to make way for Centrium Square. In 2023, UOL sold Parkroyal on Kitchener Road for $525 million to Worldwide Hotels, a Singapore-based firm that owns chains such as Hotel 81 and Hotel Mi. The hotel reopened in November that year as the 543-room Novotel Singapore on Kitchener , a brand under French multinational hospitality company Accor . The hotel is on a freehold 7,780.1 sq m site and has a gross floor area of 37,827.71 sq m. A spokesperson for Worldwide Hotels told The Straits Times on June 3 that it is unable to share further details about the new hotel. Katong Plaza in Brooke Road, which opened around the start of 1981 , is set to make way for a hotel with 374 rooms and 537 sq m of retail space. The strata-titled mixed-use development near Marine Parade MRT station with 132 retail units and 14 residential apartments was in 2024 sold to Fragrance Group for $180 million . At the time of the sale, the building's owners had outline permission from the URA to convert it for hotel use. The existing building is on a freehold 3,162 sq m site and has a gross floor area of 9,488 sq m. The Fragrance Group did not respond to requests for comment. When ST visited the building on May 30, most of the retail tenants had vacated their units. Some were packing up and said they had to leave by end-June. A notice dated April 16, put up alongside minutes of the building's collective sale committee's meetings, stated that owners choosing to stay in the building until July 2025 will be responsible for covering all expenses such as air-conditioner and lift maintenance fees. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner John Ng, 70, who has operated a clinic in the mall since April 2006, said he is disappointed to leave behind neighbours of almost two decades. 'We all knew each other and were very friendly. Everyone trusted each other and I could leave my clinic unattended, knowing others would help to keep watch,' said Mr Ng. He was in the process of relocating his clinic to Kreta Ayer in Chinatown . Items at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic being kept on May 31, ahead of the closure of Katong Plaza. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Mr Alan Cheong, Savills Singapore's executive director of research and consultancy, expects that the Katong site will house a mid-tier hotel, given the planned number of rooms. He also pointed out that the Kitchener Road hotel is likely to be an economy-tier type geared towards mass market tourism. He added that Worldwide Hotels' plan to triple the number of rooms is 'logical', as the move will help to boost its earnings. Asked if there is sufficient demand for rooms in the Farrer Park and Marine Parade areas to justify the planned supply, analysts said Singapore's hotel market has performed strongly in the past 12 to 18 months. Mr Edwin Loo, an associate director at real estate consultancy Cistri, said: 'Much of this growth is in the mid-market and upscale segments, reflecting Singapore's success in attracting event-focused visitors as well as visitors from emerging Asia who are willing to spend but remain price-sensitive given Singapore's relatively higher room rates when compared with other regional destinations.' But he noted that the site of Katong Plaza, which is next to Roxy Square, is relatively long and narrow. Mr Edwin Loo, an associate director at real estate consultancy Cistri, felt that the planned redevelopment of Katong Plaza would be boosted if neighbour Roxy Square is also roped in. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI 'An integrated development incorporating both of these sites would have resulted in a better outcome in terms of land optimisation and urban design, especially considering the need to accommodate the extensive pickup, drop-off and coach parking requirements at the ground level and the potential for a larger site to provide greater amenity for the community,' he said. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Bart Ramselaar's lone effort helps Lion City Sailors retain Singapore Cup
Unbeaten throughout the tournament, the defending champions proved to be the better side in front of a crowd of 2,766. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – Singapore Premier League champions Lion City Sailors completed their first domestic double with a 1-0 victory over BG Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Cup final on May 31 at Jalan Besar Stadium. Unbeaten throughout the tournament, the defending champions proved to be the better side in front of a crowd of 2,766. The Sailors sealed the win in the tight contest with a lone second-half goal from Bart Ramselaar. A late red card for a headbutt by midfielder Shah Shahiran on Ramselaar all but ended any hopes of a Tampines comeback. Full report to follow. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Prison programme helps elderly inmates with mobility issues reintegrate into society
The Singapore Prison Service's Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders is a rehabilitation programme started in 2023 for seniors with mobility issues. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – For seniors who have been incarcerated, reintegrating into society after their release can be a daunting task. Some are estranged from their families, while others struggle to find accommodation or jobs. For John (not his real name), 75, who is currentl y serving a sentence of two years and six months, a challenge is finding a meaningful way to spend his free time after he returns to society. He is among a number of prisoners enrolled in the Singapore Prison Service's (SPS) Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders (TMSEO), a rehabilitation programme started in 202 3 for seniors with mobility issues. It was launched in partnership with Care Community Services Society (CCSS), a social service organisation that provides programmes for individuals in need. As at April, 80 inmates have attended the programme. Senior inmates aged 60 and above who reside in the Assisted Living Correctional Unit (ALCU) qualify for the programme. The ALCU, launched in 2016, comprises cells fitted with amenities such as plastic beds, sitting toilets and grab bars, reserved for inmates with mobility issues. As at April, there are 65 inmates living in these cells, 35 of whom are aged 65 and above. Inmates in the TMSEO programme attend group sessions with social workers from CCSS, where they learn skills such as problem-solving through activities and learn to challenge patterns of negative thinking. The group sessions have an exercise component for senior inmates to encourage active ageing. Inmates also attend individual counselling sessions, where social workers help them come up with a plan for their release. 'The programme helped me identify what I need to work on when I am released, and it taught me the importance of taking care of my physical health,' John said. Inmate John in his cell in the assisted living correctional unit block at Changi Prison. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR He added that he has weak knees and is unable to walk long distances. In prison, he uses a wheelchair to move from his cell to the recreation yard twice a week, where he spends time exercising. Nowadays, he tries to keep himself busy with simple exercises in his cell or reading the newspapers. After his release in October, John hopes to go on a holiday with his wife. Inmate John says Singapore Service Prison's Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders programme has helped him identify what he needs to work on upon release. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The TMSEO programme ensures that senior inmates like John receive a specially tailored correctional programme while serving their sentences and aftercare services upon their release. These may include helping senior inmates find work or accommodation, or connecting them with active ageing centres to ensure they have adequate social support after release. Inmates using walking aid and wheelchairs at the recreation area inside Institution A5 at Changi Prison Complex. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Assistant Superintendent Nor Yusdzaidie Bagio, who oversees the planning and delivery of rehabilitation programmes and reintegration services at the Changi Prison Complex, told the media that having extended community engagement with senior inmates helps build rapport with them. 'A big issue is that (elderly inmates) do not have social support after their release, so having a community partner provide them this support really helps with their reintegration into society,' he said, adding that the main issues elderly inmates face are finding accommodation and financial stability. 'While these are common areas of concern for all inmates, what's different for the elderly is that their health might present a challenge when it comes to finding employment. This leads to a spillover effect of helplessness and loss of self-worth,' he said. Assistant Superintendent Nor Yusdzaidie Bagio says the main issues elderly inmates face are finding accommodation and financial stability. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR By undergoing counselling sessions, these inmates learn how to manage their expectations, and 'age gracefully ', he added. The assisted living correctional unit inside Institution A5 at Changi Prison Complex. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR For older inmates incarcerated for drug offences, ASP Yusdzaidie said part of the TMSEO programme involves creating a relapse plan, which helps inmates understand their triggers and motivations for drug use. The plan will also guide them on what to do if they face a situation where they are tempted to relapse. Although the programme is currently available only to elderly inmates residing in the ALCU, ASP Yusdzaidie said there are plans to expand it to older inmates occupying regular cells. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Take a deep dive into Peranakan culture at Sentosa Sensoryscape
The Peranakan House is part of the Peranakan Reimagined show, a tribute to the artistry and elegance of Peranakan designs. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – With the music of the 1940 Indonesian keroncong hit Bengawan Solo setting the mood, visitors to Sentosa Sensoryscape will rediscover heritage through a contemporary lens in a new Peranakan Reimagined show. The show pays homage to the Peranakans, recognising their culture as a vital part of Singapore's identity, while reinterpreting it for modern audiences through immersive art, performances, culinary events and projection mapping. Ms Thien Kwee Eng, chief executive of Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), says the vibrant and colourful exhibition promises to captivate the senses and elevate every visitor's experience. 'Through this showcase, we reaffirm our commitment to creating engaging experiences and delivering memorable moments for all our guests,' she says. There are more than 10 installations, as well as close to 20 events and dining arrangements, planned for Peranakan Reimagined. Sentosa Sensoryscape is a 350m two-tier linkway designed as a day-to-night island experience. It presents a 'phygital' – physical and digital – celebration of the senses. From the outset at Beach Station, the trail's element of sensorial surprise awaits visitors who will see a transformation in the area linking Resorts World Sentosa in the north with the island's southern shoreline. Installations and experiences line the walkway, culminating in an after-hours experience called The Peranakan House, which weaves in a 'sixth sense' of the imagination through immersive displays and a choreography of lights. Even the island resort's cable cars have been transformed with panels depicting familiar Peranakan tile designs – also called majolica tiles – as part of the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line. The three-month show, which launched on May 23 and will run till Aug 31, is a collaboration between SDC and Mount Faber Leisure Group. One key contributor to the concept is Ms Regina Chia, SDC's senior assistant director of brand experience and marketing, who was inspired by the visual and cultural language of the Peranakans , from their intricate craftsmanship and bold batik motifs to the sounds and stories passed down through generations . Ms Regina Chia, Sentosa Development Corporation's senior assistant director of brand experience and marketing, was inspired by the visual and cultural language of the Peranakans. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR She wanted to highlight how this vibrant culture continues to evolve, bridging past and present while inspiring new expressions for generations to come. 'When I started out on this project, I reached out to my closest contacts from the different Peranakan communities,' Ms Chia, 53, tells The Straits Times. 'They went on to connect me with other contacts, demonstrating the warm and hospitable nature of Peranakans in Singapore. The showcase was made possible through the close collaboration of passionate individuals and partners, who brought unique perspectives and knowledge to the table.' The showcase began to take shape after partnering with advocates of Peranakan culture such as Baba Chia , co-founder of the Peranakan Mansion Singapore in Joo Chiat, and Baba Richard Tan. Ms Chia also reached out to organisations such as the Gunong Sayang Association and the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association of Singapore. Together with her team, she set about presenting the community's rich traditions through not only a traditional approach but also the lens of modern design and technology. Ms Chia adds: 'Sentosa Sensoryscape, with its purpose-built design centred on sensorial experiences, allows us to bring Peranakan culture to life in unexpected and meaningful ways.' ST looks at the highlights of the Peranakan Reimagined show . Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line revelry The Sentosa Line cable cars feature Peranakan-inspired exteriors such as pastel hues and majolica tile motifs. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The Sentosa Line cable car cabins feature striking Peranakan-inspired exteriors such as pastel hues and intricate majolica tile motifs from the historic shophouses of Koon Seng Road, once home to Singapore's Peranakan community. Developed with Mr Alvin Yapp of The Intan Peranakan Home Museum, these heritage-inspired cabins turn the skies above Sentosa into a moving tribute to Peranakan culture. The tile motifs on the cable cars are from the historic shophouses of Koon Seng Road, once home to Singapore's Peranakan community. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Info: Singaporeans and residents get a special one-for-one Sentosa Line promotion between May 23 and Aug 31, including a Sentosa Line round trip for two at $4 (usual price: $4 for an adult and $3 a child). There is also a one-day unlimited ride for two, priced at $14 (usual price: $27 an adult; $22 a child). The promotion is available only for tickets purchased at the Sentosa Line at Sensoryscape Station Ticketing Counter, or at Sensoryscape's Guest Service Centre. Scented Sphere's Rempah and Riang: Secret Sauce of Peranakan Fare Guests can experience Peranakan cuisine at Scented Sphere's Rempah And Riang showcase. PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION At Scented Sphere, guests can experience a tapestry of Peranakan aromas and flavours. Commonly used Peranakan herbs and plants are displayed within and behind the sensory garden's vessels. On display are various ingredients in Nonya cuisine, such as laksa leaves (daun kesum), blue pea flowers (bunga telang), curry leaves and pandan leaves. There is also a replica of a Tok Panjang ('long table' in Malay), featuring recipes and information about traditional herbs and plants. Field of Beaded Bloom at Tactile Trellis An installation of beaded Peranakan slippers at the Field of Beaded Bloom at Tactile Trellis. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Within the Field of Beaded Bloom at Tactile Trellis, guests can look forward to an immersive day-to-night experience, where the garden's 198 panels have been transformed with vibrant designs inspired by the intricate beadwork of kasut manek, traditional Peranakan sandals. One interactive installation to check out is a p air of larger-than-life beaded Peranakan slippers, where guests are invited to touch and experience the ornate beadwork. At night, a light show at Tactile Trellis brings batik motifs to life through digital light art displays. From giant installations to mosaic magic An installation of tiffin carriers at a stop along Sentosa Sensoryscape. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Dotted throughout the 350m thoroughfare are larger-than-life installations at resting nooks that showcase everyday objects Nonyas and Babas still use today. These include objects such as kamcheng (traditional Peranakan containers), with their intricate craftsmanship that alludes to the elegant lifestyles of the Peranakans. Meanwhile, Gilded Mosaic features hundreds of reflective mosaic tiles that form a pixellated image when viewed closely or through a camera, offering fresh perspectives. An installation of a kamcheng (traditional Peranakan container). ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The Peranakan House at Lookout Loop This 7.2m-tall Peranakan-inspired house transforms into a projection-mapped canvas by night. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The main attraction of the showcase is a 7.2m-tall Peranakan-inspired house that transforms into a projection-mapped canvas by night. A grand reimagination of a traditional Peranakan home, this larger-than-life centrepiece is adorned with intricate detailing and bold colours as a tribute to the artistry and elegance of Peranakan designs. After dark, the installation comes alive with a new experience featuring dynamic multimedia storytelling and projection artwork, illuminating the rich textures of Peranakan life, from intricate motifs and architecture to beloved cuisine. These can be admired from different angles while strolling along Lookout Loop. Info: The projection show runs daily from May 23 till Aug 31 every 15 minutes from 7.30 to 9.30pm . Sentosa Shop @ Sensoryscape Staff of Sentosa Shop @ Sensoryscape modelling some of the sarong kebaya ensembles available for rental. PHOTO: MOUNT FABER LEISURE GROUP Visitors can rent k ebayas and batik shirts for adults and children, and enjoy a Peranakan makeover at Sentosa Shop @ Sensoryscape. Rates for a two-hour rental start at $48 for women's kebayas and $38 for girls', and $35 for men's batik shirts and $30 for boys'. There is also complimentary use of props such as a hand fan and umbrella for women, subject to availability. Also on sale is a selection of kebayas and beaded sandals curated by Mr Raymond Wong from Rumah Kim Choo, a shop in East Coast Road dedicated to showcasing Peranakan culture. Other Peranakan-themed goods include scarves, plus an exclusive collection of Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line Peranakan-themed cable car illustrations on tea towels, tote bags, tumblers, coasters and notebooks by local illustrator @yenidraws. Prices start at $12.90 for a coaster. More ways to soak up Peranakan traditions Scentopia Discover the heritage of the Peranakans through the Allure of Oriented Aromas series at Scentopia's Peranakan Perfume Making Workshop, which costs $80 a person. The hands-on session blends culture and creativity, where workshop participants can concoct a 50ml keepsake of their own signature scent. Good Old Days Savour the flavours of Peranakan cuisine at Good Old Days, the island's popular eatery that offers local and Asian favourites outside Beach Station. Its two-course Peranakan Bento set meal ($26) features Nonya favourites such as ayam buah keluak (Nonya chicken and gravy made from buah keluak nuts), ikan chilli garam (fish cooked in a salt-and-chilli gravy) and chinchalok omelette (omelette made with fermented krill). Rumours Beach Club Rumours Beach Club marks SG60 with a taste of tradition, where every dish tells the story of Peranakan heritage. Its Hae Bee Hiam Ngoh Hiang is a blend of coriander, radish and carrot, wrapped around minced pork and prawns, fragranced with five spice and topped with hae bee hiam (dried chilli prawn paste). There is also Grilled Scallop with Curry Laksa Butter, which has three pieces of grilled half-shell scallops with roe, topped with torch ginger flower, curry laksa butter and toasted coconut flakes. It comes with a side of homemade shrimp sambal. The Peranakan Heritage Feast Set is priced at $71.94. Quentin's Bar & Restaurant Its Peranakan Tasting Menu, priced at $48++, is a curated Peranakan Set Lunch showcasing the depth and elegance of Nonya flavours. From Ayam Buah Keluak and Babi Tahu (braised pork in dark sauce) to the Gula Melaka Lava Cake, each dish is a tribute to Peranakan culinary traditions centred on a balance of spicy, savoury and sweet tastes. Designer and lifestyle journalist Chantal Sajan writes on design and architecture. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Car review: GAC E9 joins unexpected MPV revival
Luxe barge: The GAC E9 is bigger but not convincingly better than the Toyota Alphard. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – If the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) were an animal, it would be the coelacanth – a prehistoric fish which was once thought to have gone the way of the dinosaur. As it turns out, it is very much alive. The MPV was likewise thought to be near extinct, having largely been replaced by a far more successful species, the SUV (sport utility vehicle). Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
