The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) wanted to explore the opportunity to redevelop the historic “Haw Par Villa” site (formerly Tiger Balm Gardens, 虎豹別墅) into a unique new mixed-use destination for both residents and visiting tourists.

Haw Par Villa is one of the earliest and most unique leisure attractions in Singapore, dating from the 1930s. A previous attempt at revitalizing and expanding the park in the 1990s was less than successful, and in recent years, visitation has fallen significantly. Current revenue does not cover costs, and the gardens have fallen into disrepair. More than half of the site is currently closed off to the public.

However, the neighborhood around the site is growing and changing. New residential developments are being developed, and the Science Park immediately adjacent to the site is expanding. A new MRT line has been built, and a new station along this line is located at the entrance to the site. This station, and the people that transit through it every day (many from the Science Park), will be a strong driver of future development.

Studies and consultations were undertaken to determine what is the most appropriate type and amount of development. Scope included stakeholder engagement, market analysis, development programming & strategy, physical master planning, review of engineering/transport infrastructure considerations, and preliminary financial feasibility. The proposed new mixed-use development would include hotels and/or serviced apartments, retail, F&B, entertainment focused on the existing hillside open space.

Role: Brian Jennett led this effort and conducted the economic/real estate analysis while employed as a Director of Economics + Planning at AECOM. Design by other members of his team.