He believes that if businesses focus on things locals can enjoy, then foreigners will naturally also start coming.
The Chinatown Business Association’s executive director Lim Yick Suan said the organisation is looking forward to new offerings and concepts to bring the buzz back to the district.
“We are hopeful to have a very, very close collaboration with the new operator to promote and augment Chinatown’s rich heritage and culture,” she said.
“With this, we hope that visitors to Chinatown, (including) Singaporeans and tourists from all around the world, can enjoy and deepen their experience in Singapore’s Chinatown even more.”
PREVENTING GENTRIFICATION
Dr Lee Nai Jia, head of real estate intelligence at PropertyGuru, said the move to rejuvenate the Chinatown district is timely.
He noted the efforts that have taken place since 2001, including the introduction of new food concepts in the area, and said that much more can be done to better utilise the space.