Raffles Town Club site slated for future residential use after lease expiry in 2026

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced on Nov 20th that the lease on the 1 Plymouth Ave plot of land in Bukit Timah occupied by Raffles Town Club (RTC) will not be renewed when it expires on October 17, 2026.

RTC can continue operating on the site until the expiry of the lease and it must then return the land to the state. The 132,639 sq ft plot is situated in District 11 and it is within walking distance of the Stevens MRT Interchange.

The joint statement issued by SLA and URA says the development of the site for residential use will “support future housing demand and enhance the residential character of the precinct”.

Given the low-rise development of the surrounding area, Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director for data analytics of Huttons Asia believes the plot may be ascribed a plot ratio of 1.4. This would mean that the site could potentially be developed into a luxury project with 160 to 190 units with an average unit size ranging from 915 to 1076 sq ft. Should the site be launched for tender today, Sze Teck believes it could draw a winning bid of over 1,500 psf per plot ratio.

Zion Road Condo is the epitome of urban development. From the luxurious interiors, to the beautiful views of Singapore River, to its direct access to the city’s lifestyle offerings, and the tranquil riverside environment, living in here comes with incomparable benefits. Residents here experience an amalgamation of an urban atmosphere blended with the serenity of nature and the lavishness of modern living. Zion Road Condo offers its resident the perfect balance of urban comfort and natural beauty, something that could not found in a typical residence.

Eugene Lim, Key Executive Officer at ERA Singapore believes the plot may be granted a higher plot ratio of 1.6 or 2.1 than the estimate of the former, allowing a taller development to serve as a landmark of the intersection of Whitley Road and Dunearn Road.

Located only a 5 minute drive from the Singapore Botanic Gardens and close to esteemed educational institutions such as Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, Nanyang Primary School and St Joseph’s Institution, the Raffles Town Club site is highly desired. Looking through recent resale transactions within a 500m-radius, this reflects in the property prices.

The redevelopment of the 1 Plymouth Ave site for residential use will further enhance the residential area of Bukit Timah. With the plot ratio being potentially higher than expected and its many near surroundings, the site will certainly draw attractive offers and bring great value to the area.