SINGAPORE – Raffles Town Club will have to vacate its premises in Plymouth Avenue when its lease ends on Oct 17, 2026, with the site slated for future residential development.
In a statement on Nov 20, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the redevelopment of the site near Stevens MRT station will support future housing demand.
The agencies said the redevelopment is in line with the Government’s focus on redeveloping brownfield sites as much as possible to meet future demand for land, including housing.
A brownfield site is land that has been cleared for urban or industrial use.
The redevelopment of the 12,317.8 sq m site – the size of nearly two football fields – will also “enhance the residential character of the precinct”, and allow future residents to benefit from the transport infrastructure and connectivity to the city and other parts of Singapore, added the authorities.
Raffles Town Club can continue operating at the site until its lease expires in October 2026, upon which it must return the land to the state, said SLA and URA.
SLA will work closely with the club on the return of the land.
The agencies said that if the club wishes to continue operations after its lease expires, it can move to other available state properties.
“Agencies will engage Raffles Town Club on the availability of suitable state properties through open tender, or (the club) can explore other options from the open market,” added SLA and URA.
Asked if the site would be set aside for private or public housing, URA said it could not provide more details.
Opened in March 2000, Raffles Town Club has 14,000 active members, according to its website.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, a spokesperson for the club said the authorities had notified its management team of their decision on Nov 20.
The club said it had always known its lease would expire in October 2026.
It did not answer ST’s question on whether it plans to relocate. But the club’s spokesperson said: “The management will continue to provide services to our members, who may enjoy the club facilities until the lease expiry date in October 2026.”
The club has facilities such as a gym, a rooftop tennis court, an aerobics room and a bowling alley. It also offers guest rooms for overnight stays, and houses a MindChamps pre-school and a car grooming centre.
“Source:[Raffles Town Club site to be redeveloped into homes after lease expires in Oct 2026: SLA, URA] © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction”
