What Now? What’s Next After Turf Club Closes?

Posted on: August 15, 2023

Last updated on: November 5, 2023

Singapore Turf Club with closed gates, urban landscape.

The Singapore Turf Club (STC) will close its doors for good in March 2027, after 185 years of operation. The closure of the STC will mark the end of an era for horse racing in Singapore, but it also raises questions about what will happen to the land occupied by the club.

The government has said that the land will be redeveloped to meet future land use needs. However, it has not yet announced any specific plans for the site. Some possible uses for the land include public housing, commercial development, or a nature park.

The closure of the STC will also have a significant impact on the horse racing industry in Singapore. The club employs over 350 people, and it also supports a number of businesses, such as horse trainers, jockeys, and stable owners. 

The closure of the STC will mean that these businesses will have to find new ways to operate.

The Singapore government has said that it will provide assistance to affected businesses and workers. However, it is unclear how much assistance will be provided, and whether it will be enough to offset the loss of the STC.

The closure of the STC is a significant event for Singapore. It marks the end of an era for horse racing in the country, and it also raises questions about the future of the land occupied by the club. 

The government will need to carefully consider the needs of all stakeholders as it plans for the redevelopment of the site.

Here are some possible scenarios for the future of the STC land:

Public housing: The government could use the land to build public housing, which would provide much-needed homes for Singaporeans. This would be a popular option with many Singaporeans, as it would help to address the country’s housing shortage.

Commercial development: The government could also use the land for commercial development, such as office buildings, retail stores, or hotels. This would bring in revenue for the government and create jobs for Singaporeans.

Nature park: The government could also use the land to create a nature park, which would provide a much-needed green space for Singaporeans. This would be a popular option with many Singaporeans, as it would offer a place to relax and enjoy nature.

The government will need to carefully consider the needs of all stakeholders as it plans for the redevelopment of the STC land. 

It will need to balance the needs of the horse racing industry, the needs of the community, and the needs of the economy. The decision it makes will have a significant impact on the future of Singapore.