ORCHARDS & VINEYARDS
ORCHARDS & VINEYARDS
Learn more about Cornerstone’s property project at Orchard Towers and how you can be a part of this journey!
A NOTE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR
Dear Cornerstonians,
For over 40 years now, Orchard Towers has been known for all the wrong reasons.
But in the beginning, its developers had different plans. It was intended to be a thriving integrated development of retail and residential properties, even boasting a roof garden and the 477-seater Premier cinema, which operated from 1978 to 1983. The art house cinema of the early 80s was converted into Live Theatre in 1983 which later became the Sun City Live Theatre, the only English-language live theatre in Singapore. It was short-lived, however, operating only for only 2 months in 1984. When a large nightclub called Top Ten (1985-2005) moved in in the mid-1980s, Orchard Towers began its transformation into a red-light district of vice, not vibrancy. More bars moved in subsequently, as well as other related businesses such as social escort agencies, sex shops and go-go bars, earning the venue the notorious moniker, “The Four Floors of Whores”. Top Ten was later renamed and reopened as Top 5 on 5th May 2006 under different management. A neighbouring unit was occupied by a bar called Crazy Horse for 20 years, until entertainment licenses were no longer renewed in mid-2023.
These two properties, totalling more than 19,000 sq ft, are where we will be taking ground next. Redeeming a place from its dark past and reviving it for a brighter future is not something Cornerstone is unfamiliar with. Since our first property purchase of Music World in 1997, our church has subsequently taken over six other units which were formerly KTVs, pubs and massage parlours.1 Redeeming dark places and being situated in commercial spaces in the heart of the community have come to be a significant part of our DNA as a church. The two adjacent properties at Orchard Towers would be the 7th & 8th such acquisitions and these properties, once a stronghold of the enemy, is now being claimed by the people of God.
In acquiring the properties at Orchard Towers, we inherit more than auditoriums. We are stepping into the promises of God, who has promised to enlarge our tent. We are committing to stepping out in faith and we believe this step of faith will result in much fruit. But more than that, we are inheriting the responsibility of stewarding and seeking the welfare of the community to which he is sending us.
For several years now, our church has been seeking additional space to accommodate the needs of our growing community. Our congregation at Cornerstone Bugis is growing and many attendees with children would benefit from a Cornerstone location closer to central Singapore.
A permanent home in Orchard with low en-bloc potential also means more sustainable operations for our “Bugis” congregation and the possibility of opening more service slots for our numerous language congregations during the weekend as well. Furthermore, the retail units surrounding the auditorium offer space for potential future expansion should our footprint need to grow in the city.
Orchard Towers presents a rare freehold opportunity prime real estate, which has been earmarked for renewal.2 This bodes well, both for the ongoing value of the property as well as the availability of amenities surrounding the church which already has an adequate selection of transport options, malls, food, and shops surrounding it. To boot, the location also contains a carpark with ample parking for our large congregation practically eliminating the challenge of insufficient parking lots.
Planting a new vineyard on Orchard Road is a significant, generational investment. Just as the previous generation of Cornerstonians had sown generously to establish a house for the Lord in Katong, let us come together to do it once again on Orchard Road.
Let’s plant a new vineyard on Orchard.
Yours sincerely,
Ps. Yang Tuck Yoong
Senior Pastor
1 The outlets are: Music World – Main Audi (1997); Shalala KTV Karaoke Pub #02-07 – Theatrettes 1&2 (2005); Eternity Pub & Massage Parlour #02-01 – Children’s Church (2006); Pub Eleven #02-26/30 – Children’s Church & Board Room (2007); Odeonia Health Centre Massage Parlour #02-22 – Faithworks (2008); Turn Me On Pub #02-03 – Children’s Church (2009)
2 https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanburgos/2023/08/28/tycoon-ong-beng-sengs-hotel-properties-wins-approval-to-undertake-singapore-redevelopment/
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How is the ownership of the Orchard Towers properties to be structured? Why is the ownership structured in this way?
The Orchard Towers Properties will be held directly by Cornerstone Heritage Pte Ltd (CHPL), a private company registered under the Singapore Companies Act. 100% of the shares in CHPL are held by three trustees on trust for Cornerstone Community Church (CSCC), a society registered under the Singapore Societies Act.
The Holding Trustees are not able to effect any sale or mortgage of property without the prior approval of the general meeting of members of the Church.
(Explainer: Article 12.1 of CSCC’s Constitution requires the holding of any immovable property acquired by CSCC to be held by Holding Trustees subject to a declaration of trust. Article 12.2 then provides that where the Holding Trustee is a corporation (as CHPL, in this case, is), members of the Holding Trustee must either be members of the Board or elected by a general meeting of members (as is the case here). All Holding Trustees of the shares in CHPL have, in respect of those shares, entered into declarations of trust in favour of CSCC.)
What is the expected capacity of the new auditorium? Will there be space for Children’s Church?
Expected capacity of the new auditorium is approximately 550 seats. The units opposite the auditorium may be designated for Children’s Church use.
What are the plans for the Bugis congregation upon the purchase of the Orchard Towers properties?
We are currently discussing the possibility of moving Bugis services to Orchard Towers, given that we will save on Bugis rental. The team is working through the details and provide an update some time next year.
What measures are being implemented to enhance safety at Orchard Towers?
Orchard Towers is gradually experiencing a shift in the types of businesses occupying its shop spaces, with many units on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors currently vacant. The Church will ensure that all necessary safety protocols are carefully followed when we become fully operational there.
What’s the timeline for this purchase?
We expect to complete the documentation for the purchase by early Q1 of 2025. The earliest estimated completion of renovation and commencement of operations would likely be end 2025.
How will the Church finance the purchase?
[Updated 5 Feb 2025] The Church acknowledges that the S$54.5 million purchase price is a large sum of money. Over the past two decades, we have been diligently saving to ensure a strong financial position, allowing us to make this purchase with minimal debt.
To further ease pressure on our working capital, we may also secure an external loan equivalent to one year’s expenditure.
Do you have any other question we could help you with? Please email us at mail@cscc.org.sg.
Healing Ministry (Weekend Services)
Our Healing Ministry teams believe in the supernatural healing power of God to bring life, wholeness and love to those suffering from physical ailments, emotional wounds, and breakthroughs in different aspects of their lives (e.g. family, financial, etc).
Our teams are ready to pray with you for your breakthrough during our weekend services. You can also reach out to us for an appointment during the week.
KEY FACTS
Properties:
The properties being considered are situated on Level 4 of the front block of Orchard Towers, comprising 6 units in total:
1) A disco pub originally converted from a 450-seat cinema (#04-35/36)
2) A stretch of retail units (#04-31 to 34)
Access:
Direct ramp access to the car park, situated at the rear block of Orchard Towers. From main entrance of Orchard Towers, three flights of escalators lead directly to properties, without circling through intermediate floors.
Total floor size of properties:
1,792 sqm
Tenure:
Freehold
Nearest MRT:
8 mins walk to Orchard MRT
PARTNER WITH US
We invite you to journey alongside through praying and giving.
UEN: S95SS0118JBF1
Account name: Cornerstone Comm Church Building Fund
DBS Account: 072-041326-1
Bank Code: 7171
Branch Code: 072
*Note 1: The Building Fund is a restricted fund, and donations received into this account will be restricted to the purchase of Church premises. The details of this account may also be found on Cornerstone’s Giving page at https://cscc.org.sg/give/
*Note 2: The Church’s Finance Team will be glad to issue non tax-deductible receipts for donations. If you require a receipt, kindly email your request to giving@cscc.org.sg and allow for the team to get back to you within 10 working days.
*Note 3: Cashier’s order or cheques may be to payee “Cornerstone Comm Church Building Fund”. Please note that local currency (ie Singapore Dollar) is preferred due to compliance guidelines. For cheques, please add name and contact number on reverse side of cheque in case we need to contact you.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7
Pastor Yang and the executive team visited the units and spent months in prayerful consideration. The possibility was also presented to the Church Board, and after much discussion, both the leadership team and Board reached the following conclusion:
1. A Permanent Space in a Prime Location for Our Growing Congregation
These units offer a permanent home for our Bugis Congregation, and a wonderful opportunity for our language congregations to establish a foothold in the heart of the city.
Its central location makes it highly accessible and convenient for our congregation and visitors alike. The icing on the cake is that the surrounding retail units provide plenty of opportunity for future expansion.
2. A Rare and Unique Opportunity
It’s increasingly rare and difficult for churches to acquire commercial space that can be approved for religious use, especially in prime locations.
This freehold property, while costly, is truly one of a kind and a worthwhile investment which could last decades. Thanks to our strong financial foundation, we are able to make this purchase with minimal borrowing.
3. Aligning with our Call to Redeem Places of Darkness for God’s Glory
Part of our mission as a church is to transform places of darkness into places of light. This calling has been part of who we are since we started redeeming discotheques and KTV bars in Odeon Katong.
Acquiring these units at Orchard Towers is another radical act of obedience in redeeming territory out of the marketplace for the Lord. As we did many years ago, we see this as a chance to turn a place with a troubled past into a thriving community for God’s people. Just as He provided for us before, we believe God is leading us to plant a new vineyard on Orchard, reclaiming it for His Kingdom.
Notice of EGM
Notice is hereby given that the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Church be held at:
Address: 11 East Coast Road,
Odeon Katong Level 3 Auditorium,
Singapore 409045
Date: 12 November 2024 (Tues)
Time: 7.30pm
for the purpose of considering and if thought fit passing the following resolutions:
Resolution 1: Approval to Utilise Subsidiary for Property Purchase
Resolution 2: Approval to Negotiate Purchase Price and terms
Resolution 3: Approval for Financing and Allocation of Funds
Resolution 4: Approval for Property Renovation
Resolutions 5 & 6: Authorisation for Legal and Regulatory Advice & Compliance
Resolution 7: Authorisation to take such actions as may be in the Church’s best interests
IMPORTANT NOTE
The EGM is open only to members of Cornerstone Community Church.
Registration for the EGM is essential and can be done through this form.
