More time for Zouk to relocate

Zouk has been given a temporary reprieve at its current location after the authorities announced a "final" extension of its lease at Jiak Kim Street.

The lease, which was due to be terminated on Dec 31, has been extended, said a joint statement by the Singapore Land Authority, Singapore Tourism Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority yesterday.

The length of the extension depends on whether the world-famous nightclub finds a new location by June 30.

If it does, the club can remain at Jiak Kim Street until Dec 31, 2017, to give it time to complete the moving process, which may include renovation and construction of a new structure at the new venue.

If Zouk fails to secure a new site by the stipulated time, its tenancy at Jiak Kim Street will expire on Dec 31 next year, the joint statement added.

The decision to extend Zouk's lease again is aimed at striking a balance between giving the club time to make alternative arrangements and giving residents certainty on plans for the area, it added.

Zouk's head of business development and public relations, Ms Sofie Chandra, said news of the latest extension had lifted the mood among its staff, who were "happy and upbeat".

The popular night spot, which has been granted repeated lease extensions since June 2012, had been searching for a new site with no success.

Two months ago, the clubbing community got into a tizzy over news that the iconic club may have to shut its doors when its lease ends this year.

PETITION

An online petition titled "Save Zouk" has been supported by international DJs and local partygoers alike, and has received over 39,000 votes.

When contacted by The New Paper, Zouk's founder, Mr Lincoln Cheng, replied in an e-mail to express his gratitude to the authorities. He said: "We continue to intensify our search for a new location to build a new club."

Ms Chandra said the club has been considering various venues as possible locations over the years.

"Our preference is for Zouk to be located in the central area of town and as a standalone structure," she said.

The club is keen on the open theatre space at the Singapore Flyer, but continues to leave its options open, Ms Chandra added. She declined to elaborate on its other options.

News of the extension, which was posted on the club's Facebook page, received more than 1,000 likes and was shared more than 500 times.

Netizen Tiffany Ang posted: "This really calls for a celebration!" In the same vein, Nave Chua wrote: "Time to have a Revival Party! #zouksaved"

This article was first published on August 22, 2014.
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