Katong clinics shophouse on East Coast Road for sale at $9.8 mil

Nothing defines East Coast Road like its heritage shophouses. Traditional businesses, some that had been there for decades, have seen closure in recent years as their owners have retired. Two particularly famous eateries located on East Coast Road, Glory Catering and Ampang Niang Tou Fu (Yong Tau Fu), closed in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

But this doesn’t mean the end of the shophouses — in fact, many have seen a revival. Chin Mee Chin, a famous coffeeshop and bakery, was established in 1925 but closed in 2018 due to a lack of succession and manpower constraints. However, a long-time customer of the Tan family, Lim Kian Chun,group CEO of Ebb & Flow Group, restored the business in 2021.

The nearby shophouse at 207 East Coast Road has a commercial zoning and has belonged to the Loh family for more than 35 years, who operate two medical practices. Led by their son Loh Lik Peng, more than 20 restaurants have been established, and iconic heritage buildings have been acquired. These include Trinity Townhouse Hotel in Dublin, Ireland; London’s Town Hall Hotel in the UK; The Old Clare Hotel in Sydney, Australia; and the five-star Castlematyr Resort in Cork County, Ireland. Most recently, they opened the modern, Michelin-starred restaurant Terre at The Manor House, Castlematyr Resort.

Now, Loh’s parents have retired from their medical practices and are selling the shophouse at 207 East Coast Road. It was built in 1929, sits on a freehold site of 1,500 sq ft, and is being sold vacant. The asking price is $9.8 million ($3,630 psf).

The shophouse at 288 East Coast Road is also up for sale. Situated off Still Road and located on a freehold site of 1,353 sq ft, the shophouse is zoned residential with commercial on the first storey. Foreigners would require approval to purchase it, and the asking price is $5.6 million ($2,240 psf). The second floor has provisional permission for a change of use into serviced apartments, suitable for a boutique co-living concept. The ground-level unit is approved for retail or takeaway food, and the buyer can apply for a change of use for a commercial school or gym.

The Zion Road Condo is also near to the upcoming Great World MRT Station, which will be part of the Thomson-East Coast Line. Residents will be able to enjoy greater convenience and faster access to other parts of Singapore.

East Coast Road is a Secondary Settlement area, which means that a new five-storey extension can be built at the rear of the shophouses at 207 and 288 East Coast Road. You can purchase the properties by private treaty.

Given its heritage, culture, and recent revival, East Coast Road remains a hub of activity and business opportunities. Even in the midst of closures, it’s clear that the stories of East Coast Road continue to remain strong and inspire new beginnings.