ST : SPCA's looking for a new home

Jun 15, 2010

SPCA's looking for a new home

Current lease ends in 2012; rent, operations costs among challenges

By Grace Chua

THE clock is ticking for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to find a new home.

The charity has to relocate before its current lease in Mount Vernon Road, where it has been based since 1984, expires in October 2012.

And while the SPCA has been sourcing alternative locations for its office, clinic and shelter for about 200 abandoned dogs, cats, rabbits and even guinea pigs, it is concerned that time is running out.

Said its executive officer Deirdre Moss: 'We have less than 21/2 years to build from scratch. We'll probably need to ask for an extension on the lease.'

The search for new premises has not been easy as it needs the stability of a lease of at least 20 years and a site large enough to take in that many animals.

In September last year, it was offered a 0.8ha site in the Sungei Tengah area, near Choa Chu Kang, more than double the size of its current 0.37ha premises.

However, that site is pending approval by government agencies.

The SPCA will meet them later this month to sort things out.

Even if the SPCA secures the land, it still faces several challenges.

Ms Moss said that the relocation project could cost up to $5 million, or more than two years' worth of donations.

Already, the charity has been stocking up on reserves for the construction, but will need to raise more to cover both daily operations and building costs.

Another issue is rent. While the SPCA did not say how much rent it pays to the Government, it is said to be 'nominal'.

It would probably pay closer to market rates at the new premises, said Ms Moss, which would jack up operating costs.

Also, moving to an area on the outskirts of the island, such as Choa Chu Kang, would come with challenges, like retaining staff and volunteers, she added.

The shelter receives 600 animals every month, and must put down about 70 per cent of them due to lack of space. Some of the animals are healthy and young, and could otherwise be adopted.

Mount Vernon, near the city centre, is convenient for those who want to visit its clinic or adopt animals. But it is precisely its prime location near Bartley MRT station which is forcing its relocation.

The area has been zoned for future residential use, the Urban Redevelopment Authority told The Straits Times.

The current site would make a plum pick for developers, said Mr Donald Han, managing director of real estate company Cushman & Wakefield's Singapore office.

Based on recent property transactions nearby, Mr Han estimated prices could be between $600 and $660 per sq ft per plot ratio if the lease is 99 years.

It is not the first time the SPCA has had to relocate. Before its move to Mount Vernon in 1984, it had been based in the Orchard Road area since 1954.

'Now it's time to go again,' Ms Moss said wistfully. 'Another era has gone by.'

caiwj@sph.com.sg