Renting Out Void Decks in Potong Pasir and Lor 8 Toa Payoh for Commercial Use

Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many void decks or part void decks in the constituency of Potong Pasir and Lorong 8 Toa Payoh have been rented out for commercial uses since 2011; and (b) what is the total amount of rental collected in the last four years.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (for the Minister for National Development): Madam, there are 101 commercial premises rented out at the 12 void decks and three standalone blocks in Potong Pasir and Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. Since 2011, there have been no new commercial premises developed, although three of existing premises were let out after they were vacated by their previous tenants.

The average rent for these 101 commercial premises ranges from $37 to $52 per square metre (psm), depending on the type of use.

Mrs Lina Chiam: I thank the Minister of State for answering the question. Is it possible to know the percentage of void deck space – both at the constituency of Potong Pasir and Lor 8 Toa Payoh – has been used for commercial purposes. What is the percentage being used?

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: I thank the Member for the question. The total void deck space available in Potong Pasir is about 39,100 square metres. This includes 434 square metres of commercial space, which is just about 1.1% of the total void deck space. About 4,066 square metres are for social and communal facilities. That is about 10.4%. In total, about only 11.5% of void deck space is used up. About 88% of space is still available for residents to use for their own activities.

Mdm Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 3.30 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 2.59 pm until 3.30 pm.

Sitting resumed at 3.30 pm.

[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]: