ST : Mixed feelings over Katong Mall revamp

Mar 7, 2010

Mixed feelings over Katong Mall revamp

Departing tenants fear losing customer base but some patrons welcome more shopping options

By Kueh Xiu Qing and Ng Hui Ying

A planned makeover of Katong Mall, a popular retail space in its heyday, has provoked mixed feelings and even grouses among tenants and their patrons.

Some worry about finding nearby retail space while others will miss its laid-back retro ambience.

Built in 1983, the mall has in recent years become an educational and enrichment hub for children, with several tenants offering services from tuition to ballet classes.

But its new owner wants to move with the times. Last year, it was reported that Perennial Katong Retail Trust bought over the mall for $247.6 million.

A $55 million revamp will see the mall converted into a food and beverage and lifestyle hub with facilities that include a cinema, foodcourt and gourmet supermarket.

The BreadTalk Group is already interested in leasing space there to house some of its brands, such as Food Republic and Din Tai Fung.

When The Sunday Times visited the mall last week, about 30 tenants - less than 20 per cent of the original number - were still there.

They have until June this year to move out. The makeover will take 12 to 15 months.

Several tenants said they had difficulty finding a new place in the vicinity so as to maintain their customer base.

Ms Vicky Yu, 42, a teacher at Forever Education School, which provides Chinese enrichment at primary level, said: 'Everyone's moving out at the same time, so many spots are filling up fast.

'In nearby Parkway Centre, only two units are left.'

Mr Peter Ng, 37, owner of Baby Meadows, a mothercare shop, has moved to Parkway Centre. He said: 'What I'll miss is the more personal feel of Katong Mall - it's not as busy or clinical as typical shopping malls.'

Mr Paul Lee, 44, founder of UniqArts & Technologies, which has moved to nearby Roxy Square, said: 'I'll definitely miss the mall. After being here for over 10 years, I'm familiar and comfortable with the environment, and am good friends with the other tenants.' He provides art and creativity programmes for children and adults.

Tenants moving farther away were worried about their customer bases. One tenant, who runs a Chinese language enrichment centre at primary level, said: 'We're moving to Joo Chiat and it's inconvenient for some customers.'

Some tenants felt the new management had kept them in the dark for a long time about its renovation plans. An employee of Lilac Fashion, which sells women's apparel and costume jewellery, said: 'Our queries were pushed around from person to person.'

Others said they had wanted to terminate their contracts early to facilitate their moves to new locations but were not allowed to do so.

When asked about these issues, a spokesman for the mall's owner said: 'We have been working closely and communicating with many tenants since Jan 29. For early termination, we have acceded to nearly all requests.'

Patrons had mixed views.

Mrs Lorraine Tan, 48, a housewife, said: 'The mall has built up a reputation as an education hub. It'll be inconvenient for parents like me who now have to travel from one place to another.'

Her daughter Teresa, eight, attended Chinese enrichment classes and piano lessons at two different providers in the mall. They have moved to different locations.

But Mrs Dawn Yee, 35, an image consultant, welcomed the change, saying: 'It's good to have more options. There is no other good mall nearby except Parkway Parade, which is always crowded.'