Singapore, 7 September 2019 – Eight property and business owners have come together in a collaborative partnership to form Discover Tanjong Pagar on 7 September 2019. The first to take-off out of the 9 precincts selected to participate in the pilot Business Improvement District (BID) programme announced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in September 2018, the group has been working closely with the government agencies with the aim of building a strong community, connecting people and businesses together, and creating a place where people want to be. The launch of Discover Tanjong Pagar will be graced by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Ministry of Finance,Ministry of Education.

Mr Cheng Hsing Yao, Chairman of Discover Tanjong Pagar and Group Managing Director of Guoco Land Singapore, said, “Tanjong Pagar is a historically rich precinct that holds a unique mix of heritage, culture, architecture and demographics, with commercial property owners also playing an essential component to the area. With the rejuvenation of the precinct, it is timely for the multiple stakeholders to join hands to further the transformation of Tanjong Pagar through synergised efforts. Together, we can capitalise on the diverse elements of this precinct and build an enhanced live, work and play experience for our community.Ultimately, we want to build it for the people and the businesses, and for more generations to come.”

Ms Indranee said, “It is heartening to see our different communities coming together for a common good – to improve the Tanjong Pagar precinct. Residents and visitors can look forward to a more vibrant Tanjong Pagar as Discover Tanjong Pagar plans for programming and activities for the public to participate in.Today’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebration is one good example. Discover Tanjong Pagar has partnered the People’s Association and Sports SG to organise activities such as a lantern walk and artisan market. Such collaborative place making initiatives are an important ingredient in our continuous efforts to enliven our city.”

Tanjong Pagar is an area that is brimming with potential. It’s the first area in Singapore to be gazetted under the government’s conservation plan in 1989, and today retains historic charm with many shop houses. Since then, Tanjong Pagar has evolved very quickly into a vibrant district with cafes, bars, restaurants and bustling businesses, and served by an efficient transportation nexus.

In recent years, it has also advanced on the residential front. From just one project, International Plaza, offering private homes, it is now a city residential hub designed for high-powered urban living at developments such as Wallich Residenceand Altez. In addition, the district also saw the revamp of existing properties, such as International Plaza, as well as the completion of numerous commercial developments such as Carlton City Hotel, Icon Village, Downtown Gallery,Orchid Hotel,Sofitel Singapore City Centre and the award-winning Oasia Hotel Downtown and Guoco Tower.

Hsing Yao added, “It is said that ‘two going together are better able to think and to act’. One of the germinal efforts by the 8 stakeholders was to give back to the community during the Christmas season, before the pilot BID was formed. The pooling of resources and the enthusiasm of the team benefited 800 beneficiaries. We will continue to give back to the community through our programmes.”

Implementing the first of Discover Tanjong Pagar’s 2019 business plan, arrange of exciting place making activities and initiatives have been specially curated to complement and support the rejuvenation of the offerings in the precinct. Public spaces will be transformed into vibrant community places as people interact amongst and immerse themselves in the unique aspects of this precinct.

To kick-start the launch,the Discover Tanjong Pagarhas collaborated with People’s Association and SportSG to organise activities in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival, to engage residents, visitors and businesses of Tanjong Pagar on 7 September 2019 (Saturday).

In addition, a series of fitness activities,held over 3 months,have been organised to promote wellness in our community. Tying up with District Race which uses augmented reality and location-based technology to enable fun urban running, explorers can race and navigate their way through Tanjong Pagar while collecting as many points as possible. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to discover the many unique highlights of the precinct.

Fitness enthusiasts and adventurous families can further test their fitness level and mettle by stepping up to the next challenge on the following weekend. On 14 September 2019(Saturday),Spartan Challenge will be held on the road, right in the heart of the city. On the same weekend, those who prefer to bend, twist and balance can join Virgin Active, Sweatbox and Freedom Yoga for two days of yoga in the park on 14 and 15 September 2019 (Saturday and Sunday)

The 8 stakeholders of Discover Tanjong Pagar include Carlton City Hotel Singapore by Carlton City Group, Downtown Gallery by OUE Pte Ltd, Guoco Tower by Guoco Land Singapore, Icon Village by Far East Organization, International Plaza by Tian Teck Group, Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore managed by Far East Hospitality, Orchid Hotel and Sofitel Singapore City Centre.