The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is pumping more resources to make neighbourhood shopping areas more attractive.
HDB is implementing a S$6 million pilot scheme in 14 areas at various estates. It is also spending S$12.5 million to assist shopkeepers by addressing the problem of oversupply of shops, as well as helping those who are losing money to retire or restructure their business.
There are many types of shops in the four blocks that make up Serangoon North Neighbourhood Centre.
To improve the area such as having new walkways, shop owners pay half the cost, which can go up to S$10,000. The remaining cost is borne by the HDB and the Town Council.
Those who rent the retail space from HDB either pay nothing or up to S$20,000. The co-sharing scheme comes under the Revitalisation of Shops Scheme.
The HDB is overseeing the infrastructure in its efforts to revitalise shops. However, it is not just the outside that is important.
The Minister of State for National Development, Grace Fu, pointed out that the interior of the shops is important too. So the plan is for SPRING Singapore to help shopkeepers in areas like marketing, packaging and displays.
SPRING Singapore's contribution is part of the Heartland Retail Programme. It will bear up to 70% of the costs, which can come up to S$10,000 for one shop.
SPRING is also funding up to 70% of the manpower, equipment and professional services costs like hiring consultants to work with Merchant Associations.
"We are working with the architects quite closely for the past few months. We (are) negotiating on what to be included in our four blocks," said Patrick Ong from Serangoon North Merchants Association.
The scheme was announced by the Minister of State for National Development in March. Touring the shops on Wednesday, Ms Fu was given an update on the progress of the scheme.
HDB said for some areas, construction can be finished between one and two years. But others need more time.
For example, Jurong West will get an amphitheatre and Bedok Town Council has applied for block awning.
"Many of the shop owners see the challenges ahead of them. They want to do something about it. But individually, they might not have the financial resources nor the ability to carry out the revitalisation of their neighbourhood centres," said Fu.
Another area HDB is addressing is the oversupply of shops and what to do if they experience poor business.
This is where the Restructuring Programme for Shops comes in. It offers shopkeepers the option to close shop or restructure their business. 293 shops will close in total.
The programme was started in 2005. - CNA /ls
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