I bypassed the site at Balestier Road & Jalan Ah Hood that day, and realized that the hoarding has been put up around the designated Zhong Shan Park. Not sure if you could recall, the land was released under Government land sales early 2008. I believe the project was put on hold for a period of time due to the economy downturn. However it seems that the site is going to kick start the project soon.

The site is of 4.6 hectares, is located across from the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorical Hall. As the name Zhong Shan Park suggests, it is named after the Sun Yat Sen in Chinese. The site is zoned as hotel site, having gross floor area of 425,942 square feet, which can potentially yield some 675 hotel rooms. 4,844 square feet of space in the public park can be used for outdoor refreshment areas and tea pavilions.

Property developer Hiap Hoe has put in the top bid of S$73.3 million for a hotel site in Year 2008. The price works out to S$172 per square foot per plot ratio for the 99-year leasehold site. As illustrated in the artist impression on the hoarding, the development will be providing a strong linkage to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyng Memorical Hall, through a public greenpark with water body. It seems to be an exciting project, which may revitalize the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorical Hall.

Currently the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorical Hall is pretty deserted even during the weekend. I thought this is quite a waste, given that the place is pretty lovely with the garden and good architecture. Maybe one suggestion to the board, we should waive the entrance fee and make it a place for the nearby residents to gather and enjoy.

Given the excitement commencing at the Zhong Shan Park, it is no surprise that the property at the area has been excelling in its transactions. Not to forget that Balestier Road is also known for its delicious local fares, such as Tau Sar Pia and Bak Kut Teh, that are tucked away in shophouses that line the road.