RECTIFICATION WORKS AT PASIR PANJANG WHOLESALE CENTRE
The Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre first began operations in 1983. Spanning 15.4 hectares across 26 blocks, it is Singapore’s largest wholesale centre for fruits, vegetables, and dried goods.
As part of the requirements for a lease extension, about 200 out of 1,200 units will be required to undertake fire safety compliance works. The 1,200 units include shops, stalls, cold rooms and trading pitches.
These include the installation of sprinkler systems, as well as rectifying past modifications made by the lessees without SFA approval, said the agency.
These rectifications are critical to ensure the safety of tenants, workers and members of the public visiting the wholesale centre, SFA said.
Since 2022, SFA has been working closely with tenants and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to progressively address fire safety requirements.
Thus far, SFA said it has completed the installation of sprinklers in common areas and linear heat detectors in shops, laying the foundation for broader rectification works.
SFA will also complete the addition and alteration rectification exercise progressively between now and end-2026.
This will include the demolishing of non-fire safety compliant assets from units to facilitate the installation of sprinklers as well as securing fire safety approvals for Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre once the entire sprinkler system is properly tested.
SFA said it will bear the cost of installing sprinklers at the ceiling of each shop and demolish existing chillers or assets that do not meet fire safety standards.
In addition, affected tenants will receive waivers for three months’ rent and service and conservancy charges.
