A unique mall concept plan has been unveiled in Singapore, linking sports and shopping.

SMRT Alpha, a joint venture between subsidiaries of transport company SMRT and supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice, will lease and operate a retail mall at the Singapore Sports Hub.

The 41,000 sqm retail mall and waterfront area will feature a wide-range of outlets, also including cafes, restaurants, bars, dessert and snack bars.

For shoppers, the mall will offer a wide range of stores and amenities, including fashion, accessories, banking services, entertainment, beauty spas and enrichment centres from a selection of international and local brands.

A FairPrice Xtra hypermarket will anchor the development.

Philippe Collin Delavaud, CEO of Singapore Sports Hub, is confident SMRT Alpha will be able to employ their combined expertise and knowledge to make the Singapore Sports Hub concept a success.

“Both SMRT and NTUC FairPrice have a proven track record in reaching out to and bringing the community together,” he said.

As part of its transit retail management strategy, SMRT Alpha regards this mall operation as an extension to improve and enhance the experience and convenience of commuters.

Desmond Kuek, SMRT Alpha president and CEO, said the company has valuable retail experience of its own through the running of retail spaces in the SMRT network.

“Leveraging our transport network and retail management strengths, we are able to offer Sports Hub unique support to enhance its success and vibrancy,” said Kuek.

“We are confident of the retail potential in this area as it will serve sports enthusiasts, arts patrons who visit the nearby amenities, as well as the residents staying in the vicinity,” added Tan Kian Chiew, CEO of NTUC FairPrice.

The combination of sports and entertainment venues, shopping choices, community activities and restaurants will make the Singapore Sports Hub the new lifestyle centre of Singapore.

The Singapore Sports Hub will be opened and fully operational in April 2014.

GB