Singapore plans major redevelopment of migrant worker recreation centres

Soon Lee and Kaki Bukit recreation centres will be expanded into larger, multi-use hubs.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has called for expressions of interest (EOI) for consultancy firms to redevelop Soon Lee Recreation Centre (RC) into Singapore’s first Recreation Hub (RH) and upgrade Kaki Bukit RC, both of which serve migrant workers.

The plans are part of a broader effort to expand and improve facilities for migrant workers’ rest and recreation.

Authorities intend to turn both sites into larger, multi-use hubs that combine leisure, services, and learning spaces.

Soon Lee RC, currently the largest recreation centre for migrant workers in Singapore, serves more than 40,000 workers in the area.

After redevelopment, it is expected to double its usable space by making fuller use of the existing site.

Once completed, it is projected to serve over 100,000 workers by around 2030.

The redeveloped Soon Lee site is planned to include weather-proof sports facilities that can host large gatherings or be repurposed when needed, along with spectator seating.

It will also feature food and retail outlets and space for government services so workers can complete administrative tasks on site.

Non-government organisations and community groups will also be allocated areas to run programmes, training, and support services.

Kaki Bukit RC, which serves workers in eastern Singapore, is also set for expansion by 2030.

It will be reconfigured to increase capacity to more than 20,000 users and upgraded with improved sports facilities, as well as a wider range of food and retail options.

Both Soon Lee RH and Kaki Bukit RCs are also designed with flexible layouts so parts of the facilities can be converted for emergency needs, such as medical operations or vaccination drives.

The consultancy process will take place in two stages.

The first stage invites firms to submit their experience, team setup, and broad design approach.

Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to a second stage where they must submit detailed architectural and site design proposals.

One consultant will eventually be appointed for each project to carry the work through design and implementation.

The appointed consultants will undertake a comprehensive consultancy study, develop design concepts for Soon Lee RH and Kaki Bukit RC, and supervise construction for the projects.