COMMERCIAL USES IN HDB CIVIL DEFENCE SHELTERS

Abstract

In June 1990, HDB (in a pilot project) tendered out three CD shelters for commercial uses. Knowledge was lacking then on the appropriate type of commercial uses to be allowed and the authorities (ie. HDB, Civil Defence Shelter Bureau) had been rather stringent on the list of uses. The result is low take-up rates during the initial leasing programme of these shelters. However, in recent years, the list of approved commercial uses has been expanding as more and more recommendations are made by shelter tenants to the authorities. Take-up rates have shown signs of improvement, partly due to the relaxation of uses and partly owing to the growing receptiveness of people towards operating businesses in CD shelters. But, to what extent have CD shelters satisfied the needs of tenants and shoppers and are the design features and location of these shelters realty suitable for commercial uses? Contrary to general perception, majority of the shoppers actually find these shelters more comfortable than conventional HDB shops though a handful actually find such premises rather uncomfortable, largely due to insufficient renovation work done on the shelter (by the tenant). As for tenants, majority find the design and layout of CD shelters rather suitable for their use, though high renovation costs is still a common problem among most tenants. According to the survey analysis, it was also found that owing to the geographic position (CD shelters are located in scattered blocks underneath HDB flats) and the limited visibility of these shelters, self-generative businesses which do not depend on good location or neighbouring facilities to generate businesses are more likely to perform well, compared to shared businesses (which need other complementary businesses to help generate business). Thus, the hypothesis that "businesses which do not require proximity to facilities are suitable to locate in CD shelters" is upheld.