Tan Boon Liat Building, a well-known commercial property located along Outram Road, has been put up for collective sale at a price of $1.15 billion. This move has sparked considerable interest due to its potential rezoning. The building will change from its current Business 1 classification to a mixed-use residential and commercial property.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has indicated it may support the proposed rezoning, thus altering the landscape of this prime location. If successful, the rezoning would increase the allowable gross floor area (GFA) of the building. This would open up new possibilities for residential and commercial use, which we know will interest all the property seekers on 99.co.
So, let’s dive in!
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Why is Tan Boon Liat being rezoned?
The decision to rezone Tan Boon Liat Building stems from Singapore’s ongoing efforts to maximise land use efficiency and respond to the increasing demand for residential and mixed-use properties in city fringe areas. The URA’s outline planning advice highlights the potential for creating a vibrant, mixed-use development that can integrate residential units with commercial spaces.
One of the key motivations behind the rezoning is the building’s prime location in the Outram district, which has seen substantial growth in both residential and commercial activities. With the increasing popularity of living in city fringe areas, coupled with the demand for modern, integrated developments, rezoning offers an opportunity to meet these market needs while capitalising on the site’s strategic positioning.
Furthermore, the potential for a 50% uplift in gross floor area (GFA) through rezoning will allow developers to make better use of the land. This increase in plot ratio is particularly advantageous, as it opens the door to larger developments that combine residential living with commercial use. The ability to build taller structures—up to 180 meters—also plays a role in meeting Singapore’s high-density urban planning goals.
This shift would support both residential and commercial needs, offering a balanced and sustainable living environment, while also benefiting businesses and visitors to the area.
Neighbourhood overview
Tan Boon Liat is surrounded by a variety of amenities, which makes it an attractive location for potential residential development. The area is well-known for its proximity to key urban features, including offices, retail hubs, and cultural landmarks.
One notable feature of the neighbourhood is its accessibility to several retail options, including the nearby Tiong Bahru Plaza, which offers a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment choices. In addition, the area is home to various local schools ensuring that families have convenient educational options. For those seeking green spaces, the nearby Tiong Bahru Park provides a welcome retreat, while residents can also take advantage of the local cafés and restaurants that are popular among both locals and visitors.
Read more about the neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru here
Nearby amenities
Tan Boon Liat Building benefits from excellent transportation connectivity as part of the Thomson-East Coast Line. Residents have easy access to other key parts of Singapore, such as Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the central business district.
- Nearest MRT: Havelock MRT station is the closest to the building and is about 5 minutes by walk.
- Nearest primary schools: The closest school is Zhangde Primary which is about 1.3kms from the building. Alexandra Primary school and River Valley Primary school are 1.5kms and 1.6kms from the building respectively.
- Nearest markets and malls: Tiong Bahru Plaza is about 13 minutes from the MRT station, and 12 minutes from the Tan Boon Liat building. The closest shopping area, however, is at the Concorde Shopping Centre which is about 4 minutes away from both the Tan Boon Liat building, and the Havelock MRT station.
Looking for a property close to an MRT station of your choice? Check out 99.co’s MRT map here.
HDBs near Havelock MRT
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What the future holds…
Given the increasing demand for residential properties in Singapore’s Central Region, coupled with the building’s freehold status and its close proximity to transport links, the project is likely to attract significant interest from developers. However, the rezoning process will be key to determining how the building evolves in the future. Whether as a new residential landmark or a mixed-use development, Tan Boon Liat’s sale presents an exciting opportunity for reshaping the Outram district’s landscape. Rest assured we will be keeping an eye on it for all our readers!
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Looking to sell your property?
Whether your HDB apartment is reaching the end of its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) or your condo has crossed its Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) window, it is always good to know how much you can potentially gain if you were to list and sell your property. Not only that, you’ll also need to know whether your gains would allow you to right-size to the dream home in the neighbourhood you and your family have been eyeing.
One easy way is to send us a request for a credible and trusted property consultant to reach out to you.
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