SINGAPORE: A wave of transformation is sweeping
through the once-sleepy Tiong Bahru estate.
Thanks to a new breed of indie retail shops and
coffee houses, the 20 blocks of pre-war conserved flats have
attracted renewed interest from home buyers and this has pushed up
home prices in the area by about 50 percent over the last two
years.
Located near Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre, the
area bounded by Seng Poh, Outram and Tiong Poh Roads was once an
old estate.
The 20 blocks of pre-war flats were built in the 1930s and awarded
conservation status in 2003.
In the past year, the estate has been gaining attention for the
rising number of independent shops and coffee houses that has sunk
roots there.
One of the shops specialising in Bhutanese art and home decor
opened for business in March this year.
Tan Tiong Pin, owner of Bhutan Shop, said: "This was still
considered an old estate two years ago. Many elderly folks lived
here. But with new condominiums built, many expatriates and yuppies
now live here."
A couple who moved into one of the Tiong Bahru pre-war apartments
nine years ago fell in love with the estate.
Three months ago, they opened a shop selling curios and vintage
items, which are attracting tourists and residents from other
estates.
Terence Yeung, owner of Flea & Trees, said: "There's a charm in
this space. When people come to this area, they find it's like an
oasis in a big city, right next to the heart of the city and that's
very charming."
With new life breathed into Tiong Bahru, prices of the pre-war
flats have also gone up.
Property agents say conserved flats in Singapore are rare.
With the attractive amenities and shops in Tiong Bahru, agents say
prices for the pre-war flats have jumped.
A 1,000-square-foot pre-war flat, for example, is now going for
close to a million Singapore dollars.
- CNA/al