North-South Corridor delay: Novena businesses report 60-75% revenue drop, some may shut

The Land Transport Authority has delayed the North-South Corridor's completion to 2029, prompting businesses in Novena to report revenue declines of up to 75 per cent. Some tenants are considering not renewing leases, while residents brace for continued noise, dust and travel disruption.

SINGAPORE – Businesses near North-South Corridor construction sites are fearing for their survival, while residents are bracing for more inconveniences, after the project's completion was delayed by two years. From F&B outlets to laundry services, firms told CNA the delay would mean a longer period of disrupted earnings, footfall and visibility. Some are even considering shutting down.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Thursday (Sep 17) that the North-South Corridor will now open in phases starting from 2029, instead of 2027 as originally planned. At Novena, which LTA has called one of the most technically demanding sections of the project, Mr Alvin Lin, owner of Celine’s Gelato, said business has fallen by 75 per cent. The ice cream shop sits just in front of the construction hoardings opposite Church of St Alphonsus. It used to be open from 11am to 9.30pm, seven days a week, but has had to cut its hours and is now closed on Mondays. Three other businesses along the same stretch have closed since June, he said.

Other businesses at Novena Regency, a mixed development, are facing similar struggles. Ms Lim Shi Shi, owner of Mexican eatery El Cocinero, said business has fallen by 60 per cent since construction began, with tenants around her changing hands or leaving vacant units. She had already been considering not renewing her lease. “I already wanted to leave the place because it's not doing well. So I don't want to fight this war anymore. But now that you say it's extending another two more years, you're giving me an assurance that I should not continue,” she said. Also at Novena Regency, Mr John Goh, who runs Urban Laundry, said business has fallen by about 30 per cent. “The construction site is very inconvenient and the diversions keep changing, so people are very confused,” the 60-year-old said.

At Goldhill Shopping Centre, Mr Mike Mok of Chye Kee Goldhill Roasted Chicken Rice said his business has fallen by 25 to 30 per cent since construction started. About seven coffee shops in the area have closed down, leaving his – open for more than 26 years – as the only one remaining. Noise is one of the biggest issues, Mr Mok said. He has had to call the construction company's office during the lunch period, which accounts for much of the shop's takings, to ask for noisy works to be halted.

Businesses in the heartlands near Chong Pang in Yishun were less concerned about the extended timeline. Ms Patricia Kua, owner of Hair Scent salon, said the dust is expected of such a major construction project. Her business relies mostly on returning regulars rather than walk-in customers, she said, and has not been much affected. Madam Ong Ai Choo, who works at Kheng Huat General Construction, said it is business as usual at her renovation firm, as her shop sits behind the tall sound barriers along the main road.

Residents near two affected sites, Braddell Hill and Chong Pang, also told CNA they are grappling with noise, dust and travel disruption. At Braddell Hill, Ms Ella Baptista, who lives in a block directly facing the construction site, said her walk to Marymount MRT station has doubled from 10 to 20 minutes. Another Braddell Hill resident, Lin Hui Fen, 41, also told CNA her home is "constantly" dusty, and that construction sometimes runs into the night, extending the noise. Residents living in Chong Pang facing the Sembawang Road work site also face the same issues. Long-time resident Mr Tay, who wanted to be known only by his surname, said the noise and dust can be severe, with works running late into the night. His family listed their house for sale two months ago. There has been interest from buyers, though the ongoing construction remains a sticking point on price.