Jurong Country Club members to get compensation in two tranches next year

SINGAPORE — As operations at Jurong Country Club (JCC) draw to a close to make way for the construction of the High-Speed Rail project, the club management said on Tuesday (Dec 20) that members will receive their compensation in two tranches between February and May next year.

The announcement came in the midst of an ongoing appeal filed by JCC over the compensation amount that the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) offered last year: The club wants S$168.1 million, nearly double the S$89.8 million offer made by the authorities for the acquisition of the 67 hectare site.

The appeal is still before the courts, with a pre-trial conference fixed for Feb 15 next year, but the club will cease operations on Dec 31.

“We are keen to reach a settlement and do not want to prolong the uncertainty for our members,” said club president Bobby Wee. “As it stands, all club activities will cease on Dec 31 and our land will be handed over to SLA, before the issue of compensation is finalised.”

He added that the award should factor in staff compensation. “The staff lost their jobs as a result of the compulsory acquisition rather than through any action of the club,” said Mr Wee.

JCC plans to use S$5 million of the awarded amount to cover staff compensation and expenses related to the acquisition. The remainder will be distributed to members in February or March (40 per cent) and in April or May (60 per cent).

Following an extraordinary general meeting on Dec 11, JCC members decided that the compensation will be given out based on three factors: The price of a membership at the acquisition point, the cost of buying a similar membership in a comparable club, and membership rights based on the club constitution.

In the days leading to the closure, the club threw a charity Christmas party for 70 senior citizens on Dec 11, and has plans for a final golf game and carnival on Dec 31.

JCC is in the midst of disposing its assets, and has closed the tender for golf maintenance equipment.