Housing and Development Board (HDB), the statutory board responsible for public housing in Singapore will give the 25-year old Kitchener Complex an extensive makeover.

Kitchener Complex, a commercial building which houses eateries and shops near Lavender MRT station, will undergo a renovation commencing next year.

The plans include installing escalators and air-conditioning in Block 809, landscaping the open spaces and transforming the facade into a fresh and modern look.

The renovated Kitchener Complex will offer new facilities including child care centre at the third level of Block 808 and 1066sqm supermarket to be located at the ground floor of Block 808.

The current 46 retail outlets at block 809 will be increased to 62 shops.

Due to the renovation works, all tenants will get two months free rent. Tenants who need to vacate their premises will be transferred at Kreta Ayer Rd and at Eunos Industrial Estate while those eligible tenants who decided to no longer stay at the complex will be given $60,000 ex-gratia payment per tenancy.

While some tenants are uncertain how their business will go once they move out from their premises, they consider the facelift beneficial for the whole complex.

“It is an ageing population here. Such a customer base is not so suitable for my business, which has been static in the past few years. Hopefully, this revamp will draw more and younger customers,” said Mary Lee, owner of optical shop Visual Optics.

The Kitchener Complex renovation is expected to be completed by 2013.

HDB has also gave an upgrade to other commercial buildings including Gek Poh Shopping Centre, Joo Chiat Complex, Yew Tee Shopping Centre and People’s Park Complex.

GB