In Feb 1997, HDB unveiled a $5-billion redevelopment programme for its industrial estates. Under the programme, HDB will relocate tenants in old industrial areas to new and better premises. Today, I am pleased to be here to witness the official opening of one of the first developments under this redevelopment programme.

HDB has about 11,000 industrial premises under its management. These are mainly for small and medium-sized enterprises. The majority of the premises are over 15 years old. Hence the facilities in these industrial estates are no longer adequate to meet the present needs of the businesses. Through the redevelopment programme, HDB hopes to achieve two objectives; provide tenants with modern and functional industrial buildings, and maximise use of the land occupied by the old premises.

To date, HDB has launched 5 relocation exercises involving some 1,800 units of industrial premises. One of the first developments offered to tenants for relocation is this modern multi-storey industrial complex - known as AMK AutoPoint.

Built at a cost of $83 million, this complex is the first of its kind in Singapore to house all automobile services under one roof. There are 112 shops spread over 5 floors, offering auto repair, spray painting, and retail accessories. Motorists can have all their motoring needs well taken care of herein this one-stop centre.

In terms of facilities, this complex is fully equipped to meet the needs of its customers. The building is specially designed with higher electrical loading, individual car wash bays and roof-top parking space which can be used as a holding area for cars waiting to be repaired or serviced.

It is good to have new and better facilities. But what is even more important is to ensure that businesses maintain their competitive edge and keep up with the needs of the customers.

To this end, the government has helped the tenants here to upgrade their operations through the Productivity & Standards Board's Upgrading Assistance Package. Under this package, PSB helps tenants to plan and enhance the operations of their factory so that operation costs can be reduced.

The development of AutoPoint is a good example of how we can intensify land use. Compare the yield from this site with that of the old premises in Toa Payoh and Yishun. Here, we have 25,000 square metres of industrial space occupying only 2 ha of land. In Toa Payoh and Yishun, the combined land area was about the same as this site - almost 2 ha - but the built up area was only 11,000 square meters. The productivity of the land has more than doubled.

This modern industrial building therefore signifies not only HDB’s progress in its industrial redevelopment programme. More importantly, it is a testimony of how the government and businesses can work together for mutual benefit.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your effort and determination. HDB, having built this centre, will continue working closely with you to make sure that it works for you. I wish you success in your business.

Thank you.

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