HDB expands scheme to assist shops island-wide

SINGAPORE — The Housing & Development Board (HDB) will set aside S$1.9 million to help 2,800 shops island wide as part of efforts to enhance business vibrancy and competitiveness under the sixth batch of the Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) scheme.

The ROS scheme is part of the Government’s measures to assist HDB retailers and comprises of three components: co-funding for upgrading of common areas, co-funding for promotional events, as well as rent-free periods for tenants to renovate their shops.

By co-funding the upgrades of common area, HDB said that it will “improve the overall shopping environment for residents”.

The HDB also said that it will co-fund more than half of the expenditure for promotional events held by the merchants’ associations in hopes to “attract more customers”.

HDB also announced that assistance will be provided to tenants who may experience revenue drop when carrying out upgrading works by granting rent-free period of up to one month when shops are undergoing renovation in conjunction with the ROS scheme.

Since its inception in 2007, HDB has spent nearly S$8.4 million on the ROS scheme, benefitting 4,600 shops at 52 sites which cover more than half of HDB Town and Neighbourhood centres.

HDB shop owners and tenants can call the HDB Commercial Properties toll-free line at 1800-866-3073 for any queries.