Two new F&B outlets to open at emerging lifestyle hub

Visitors to Gillman Barracks can look forward to a new cyclist-friendly cafe and live music bar in 2023, as part of plans to introduce more lifestyle offerings to the arts enclave.

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on Tuesday awarded tenders to two new tenants: Wheeler's Estate and The Blackbird.

Plans for Wheeler's Estate's new cyclist-friendly outlet there include offering activities such as yoga classes and outdoor spin classes, said the firm's business development manager Ong Bang Jun.

"We're looking to incorporate tropical - Balinese or even Hawaiian - vibes into the decor. We've been on the lookout for a new outlet and Gillman Barrack's raw beauty, surrounded by nature and history, stood out to us," he added. The firm's winning bid of $16,000 in rent was the third highest.

The Blackbird, a restaurant and bar, will have live music and the capacity to host events such as weddings and corporate functions. It is a collaboration between co-founder of Timbre Group Danny Loong, musician Surath Godfrey, Pangdemonium Theatre chairman Raeza Ibrahim and co-founder of Kanshoku Ramen Brendon Leung.

Mr Loong said they plan to have tribute bands in classic rock, blues and jazz genres.

"We'll also have comedy nights and arts events," he said.

In May, SLA announced plans to introduce more food and beverage and lifestyle concepts to the former military barracks-turned-arts enclave.

Infrastructure upgrades, such as adding covered walkways and building a new playground for families with children, are in the works and are expected to be completed in the first half of 2023. Heritage and art tours will resume by the end of 2022.

Three current tenants - Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee, Hopscotch and Handlebar - will stay on after winning the tenders, and will have new offerings and green initiatives.

Creamier plans to collaborate with educational institutions for ice-cream making events. Hopscotch will have an in-house vertical garden to showcase farm-to-table sustainability concepts for craft cocktails. And Handlebar will incorporate electric-vehicle charging ports for motorcycles and solar roofs.

Some of the tenants also have plans to attain pet-friendly licences.

But one tenant, which has been there since 2012, will have to give up its restaurant at the arts cluster off Alexandra Road.

Mr Rob Coldman, owner of Verve Holdings, which runs Masons restaurant, said he was disappointed but expected the outcome as the firm had placed the lowest bid of $11,000 a month - a slight increase from its current rent. The winning bid of $20,000 was placed by The Blackbird.

"We're saddened, but we wish the new tenant success. We've had about 50 wedding inquiries for next year and we'll have to let those couples down."

Two other F&B outlets - Naked Finn and BurgerLabo, both under the Naked Finn Group - were given direct tenancy.

SLA on Tuesday also launched two new tenders, marking the second phase of the authority's efforts to unlock greater value from state properties.

One is for a second floor unit in 9 Lock Road, while the other is for 43 Malan Road and four units in 47 Malan Road.

SLA chief executive Colin Low said the latest tender offers a chance to introduce more varied, creative lifestyle concepts to the precinct. "This includes potentially having more offerings such as artisanal craft, fitness and wellness, vertical farming, family bonding and co-working spaces."

The tenders will be open for eight weeks on SLA's State Property Information Online portal. These contracts will have a longer upfront tenure of five years, renewable for a second term of two years.