BUKIT MERAH HDB CENTRE

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Minister for National Development in view of the HDB, having moved to its new premises in Toa Payoh in June, and having shelved its plans to sell its HDB Centre at Bukit Merah and decided to lease out the property instead (a) what is the occupancy rate of the property now and what will be the projected occupancy rate in the near and mid-term and (b) if the occupancy rate is low, will the HDB consider putting the space to more efficient uses, such as leasing it to Government agencies or leasing it at nominal rates to community, socio-civil or non-profit organisations.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: HDB has appointed a panel of 5 marketing agents to help lease out its former premises at Bukit Merah, which are currently unoccupied. HDB expects demand for the office space at its former premises in the near term to be weak. However, HDB will, through its marketing agents, actively market the vacated premises.

HDB has approached various Government agencies to take up the office space at the HDB Centre at Bukit Merah. These agencies are currently considering HDB's offer. HDB will also consider renting out the office space to community, social-civil or non-profit organisations.