Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Chinatown Business Association (CBA) have launched a “Request for Business Proposal” to invite the industry to propose business concepts to enhance and operate Chinatown Food Street.

Chinatown Food Street, located along Smith Street, is unique in being the only al fresco street dining venue in Singapore located within a heritage district flanked by conservation shophouses. It first commenced operations in November 2001. Since then, the business landscape has changed significantly with the area around Chinatown Food Street evolving to feature new retail, dining, residential and hotel developments. In addition, the local dining scene has been enriched with the introduction of many food and beverage concepts including Glutton’s Bay @ Esplanade, Beer Garden @ St James Power Station and Singapore Food Trail @ Singapore Flyer.

Based on feedback received from stakeholders and a retail study surveying 1,000 people conducted by CBA in 2010, there is a need for Chinatown Food Street to be enhanced and improvements to be made, such as more comfort and hygiene as well as a greater variety of food, to increase visitorship.

The STB and CBA have hence launched this Request for Business Proposal as an opportunity for industry players to present options to enhance Chinatown Food Street, so that it continues to be attractive and relevant in today’s context. While envisaged to be a dining paradise, other concepts are also welcomed to make Chinatown Food Street a place where everyone – locals and tourists alike – can enjoy the heritage and ambience of Chinatown.

The Request for Business Proposal will be conducted in two stages. The first pre-qualification stage will close on 7 October 2011.

The public will then have the opportunity to view and provide feedback on the proposals. More details of this public engagement will be provided later.

The business proposals and public feedback received will then by reviewed by an evaluation panel comprising industry experts and members from STB and CBA.

The first pre-qualification stage will not lead to an award but it is a necessary pre-qualifying stage before parties are eligible to participate in the next stage of this Request for Business Proposal where a company will be appointed to operationalise the business proposal and operate Chinatown Food Street.

The Chinatown Food Street enhancement works are expected to start in the second quarter of 2012 if there are compelling proposals received from this round of engagement. Otherwise, CBA and STB will continue working with the industry to draw out better alternatives for the area.