Tan Boon Liat tenants brace for break-up of furniture hub after en bloc sale

Singapore’s iconic furniture and home decor hub, Tan Boon Liat Building, faces a dramatic transformation as its en bloc sale to Kingsford Group has officially taken effect. The deal, valued at S$950 million (US$756 million), marks the end of an era for the 15-storey landmark on Outram Road, which has served as a central gathering point for furniture retailers and artisans for decades. Tenants, many of whom have called the building home for years, are now preparing for the inevitable break-up of the once-thriving community space. The sale announcement came on July 21, sparking immediate discussions among tenants. Some gathered in a WhatsApp chat group to strategise their next steps, with proposals for a collective relocation under consideration. Mr Saurabh Mangla, owner of bespoke furniture brand Ipse Ipsa Ipsum, expressed hope that tenants could maintain some form of cohesion despite the impending changes. “If we can find a way to house people together, even if it's not the whole ecosystem, then slowly, it may build over time,” he said. His store, located within the building, recently underwent a renovation, underscoring the emotional and financial stakes for many. The Tan Boon Liat Building, constructed in 1976, consists of a 15-storey main structure at 315 Outram Road and a smaller two-storey building across the car park. It houses approximately 150 units, primarily showrooms and warehouses for home decor, furnishings, and carpets, alongside a smaller number of office spaces. The building gained prominence in the late 2000s as furniture retailers began to consolidate here, creating a unique ecosystem where stores collaborated rather than competed. This cooperative spirit extended beyond commerce, with tenants organizing block parties and compiling directories to assist customers navigating the complex layout. Among the early adopters was Journey East, which relocated to the third floor in 2009 after leaving Dempsey. Managing director Anita Sam recalled the initial days of the building’s transformation. “When we first moved in, there were only three (furniture shops),” she said. At the time, the building also housed photography studios, shipping companies, and logistics firms, laying the groundwork for its eventual evolution into a major destination for home decor. Over time, the area became known for its curated selection and collaborative ethos, drawing both locals and international clients. Despite the sentimental value tied to the building, tenants are approaching the change pragmatically. Ms Sam noted that the sale was “just a matter of when it was going to happen.” General manager Terence Teh added that the transition offers an opportunity to enhance the customer experience, stating that the company had already begun exploring new locations. However, he admitted to feeling a “deep sense of nostalgia” for the space, acknowledging its significance to the business and the broader community. Other long-standing tenants, such as Japanese knife specialist Razorsharp, remain undecided on their future plans. Owner David Lim, who has operated the ground-floor store for over two decades, is not in a hurry to make decisions. “I’m 71 years old, I’m not going to work until the day I die. And it’s going to cost a lot of money to restart, I may lose 40 to 50 per cent of my present business, so it can be challenging,” he said. He intends to stay until the final day of operations, expressing a deep connection to the site. The building’s fate was anticipated by some tenants, including Journey East, which commissioned a series of photographs documenting the space years ago. “We knew that one day this building would be no more,” Ms Sam reflected. As the sale proceeds, the legacy of Tan Boon Liat Building continues to shape the memories and strategies of those who have called it home.