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  Today Online 10 Oct 06
Seeking the simple life in Singapore
Tor Ching Li

LAWYERS, engineers and former bankers are among some of the city slickers who are now thinking of leaving the concrete jungle for the rustic charm of Lim Chu Kang, where they hope to build nature retreats, meditation centres, restaurants, spas, chalets, fish, prawn and vegetable farms, and even an Indian village recreating life in the 1950s.

These were some of the ideas expressed in 37 enquiries received by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) regarding agricultural land parcels in Lim Chu Kang, where three plots of land, totalling 78,329 sq m, are open for tender until Dec 5.

This is the first time the SLA is selling land based on a broad range of allowable "agri-tainment" uses--such as agricultural farming, artist studios, rock climbing--with bidders free to suggest alternative and innovative land uses.

Said SLA's director of land operations division Simon Ong: "The Government's vision is to transform the Lim Chu Kang area into a recreational countryside--a destination within easy reach of urban dwellers where we can enjoy rustic scenery, see livestock up close and take part in exciting adventure and outdoor activities."

However, a new condition requiring the successful bidders of the plots--which range from 12,000 sq m to 50,000 sq m--to pay 20 years' lease upfront is nipping some "farmpreneurs" in the bud.

Existing "farmpreneurs" like pioneer Mrs Ivy Singh-Lim, 57, who spent $2 million developing her educational farm and Poison Ivy restaurant in Lim Chu Kang in 2001, pay their rent annually for a 20-year lease.

Although the land price, which will be determined by market competition, is as yet unknown, Mrs Singh-Lim pays $60,000 a year for a 40,500 sq m plot of land. Based on this rate, aspiring farmpreneurs may have to fork up almost $1.5 million upfront for the biggest plot of land.

Engineer Adrian Tan, 33, who spent his childhood in Lim Chu Kang where his parents ran a pig farm, said he probably can't "fight with the big fish" for the three plots of land. He was going to set aside $200,000 to start a fish and prawn farm. "But now, with the huge capital outlay, I think I will have to reconsider my plans," he said.

Ditto for lawyer Kertar Singh, 58, who had planned, with his partners, to spend up to $2 million to recreate an Indian village of the 1950s as a retirement project. He is now considering scaling down the concept to a showfarm with chalet, spa and gym facilities.

While Mrs Singh-Lim rooted for lowering start-up costs to hothouse enterprising young people, such as chefs or artistes, an SLA spokesperson said that paying an upfront premium was standard for all land sales in the market, and makes it easier for the landowner to borrow money from the bank for development.

Straits Times 10 Oct 06
3 plots of farmland put up for tender
Tan Hui Yee

THREE plots of farmland in the Kranji area totalling 7.8ha have been been put up for tender.

These are the first plots released by the Government since it relaxed rules to allow farms to develop recreational and commercial facilities.

It is also the first time in about three years that farmland has been made available.

The Singapore Land Authority, which is conducting the tender, has received 37 inquiries since it indicated in August it would release the plots.

Some of those who inquired are farmers looking to expand their operations.

The first plot, in Neo Tiew Lane 2, is about 5ha, which is about the size of seven football fields. Another in Lim Chu Kang Lane 3 is 1.5ha, while the third, in Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, is 1.2ha.

Criminal lawyer Kertar Singh, 58, is one of those eyeing the plots. He intends to get together with four friends and set up an educational farmhouse so children can become acquainted with nature.

Within limits, the eventual owners of these three plots can put up facilities like outdoor classrooms and artists' studios.

Bidders can also suggest alternative ideas for use of the land. The tender will remain open for eight weeks, instead of the usual four, to get people acquainted with the new system.
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