Cap imposed on space for medical clinics within commercial buildings

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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cap-on-space-for-medical/1546264.html

The authorities are imposing a cap on the space allowed for use as medical clinics within commercial buildings.

Under new guidelines effective on Tuesday (Dec 23), only 3,000 square metres or 20 per cent of the total floor area approved for commercial use within a commercial building can be used for medical clinics, whichever is lower.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said this is because there has been a trend of applications for larger private medical clinics within commercial developments. Having too many medical clinics within a commercial building would turn the development into a de-facto medical centre.

According to property analysts, the reason more developers are applying to change the use of commercial spaces to medical clinics is because they can charge up to twice the price for a unit approved for use as a medical clinic, compared to an office unit.

The new cap does not apply to clinics located in shophouse developments and HDB shops and it does not affect existing clinics.

The guidelines only apply to entities licensed as Western medical/dental clinics under the Private Hospital & Medical Clinics Act. Aesthetic clinics that are licensed as medical clinics are also included. However, TCM clinics, physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics are not included.