Kitchener Complex to undergo extensive makeover

All the tenants will be given a 2-month rent free period as renovation works are carried out.

HDB said it will give the 25-year old complex located at the junction of Horne Road and French Road an extensive makeover to transform it into a new lifestyle hub. An HDB announcement said, “The works cover the retail podium and will offer a much wider range of shopping, F&B and retail outlets, including a new child care centre, to serve local residents.”

Temporary vacant premises at Eunos Industrial Estate and Kreta Ayer Road have been set aside to assist those who may need to move out temporarily. Meanwhile an ex-gratia payment of $60,000 per tenancy will be given to eligible tenants who do not wish to continue with their business at the Complex.

Completed in 1986, Kitchener Complex has a large gross floor area of almost 27,000 square metres. There are 140 shop units in the two 3-storey retail podium, 117 of which are occupied. Of these, according to HDB, 46 units are in retail trades. The rest are mainly engaged in hardware businesses, education services or are used as offices.

The makeover is expected to start in the second quarter of 2012 and complete by the third quarter of 2013.