Expression of Interest for Operator of Theatre at Tanglin

View from the stage of the 1,000-seat theatre, designed to world-class standards for international and local productions. Image credit: Pacific Eagle Real Estate

The National Arts Council (NAC), supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for an experienced partner to operate a new 1,000-seat theatre at Tanglin. The EOI is open to local and international venue operators, arts organisations, and cultural institutions with preferably a strong track record in the performing arts sector.

The theatre will be located at the mixed-used development by Pacific Eagle Real Estate (PERE) on the site of the former Tanglin Shopping Centre located within the Tanglin enclave of Orchard Road. The Tanglin area has been designated as an 'Arts and Artisanal Mixed-Use Neighbourhood’ under Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) masterplan for the Orchard Road precinct. This positions the Theatre within a vibrant and growing arts precinct, surrounded by complementary developments that will draw both local and foreign visitors to the area.

The scope of the operator will cover five key areas:

• Artistic direction and programming: Develop and deliver a world-class programme line-up that balances international excellence with Singapore’s cultural identity. This includes presenting local arts groups and facilitating international artistic exchanges.

• Local arts ecosystem development: Contribute to the growth of Singapore’s performing arts ecosystem through initiatives such as residency programmes, mentorship, co-production partnerships and affordable access to arts spaces, while creating jobs for the local arts ecosystem, and leveraging international networks to create meaningful opportunities for local artists to engage with global counterparts and audiences.

• International network development: Attract high-quality international acts and establish global networks to build enduring partnerships that enhance Singapore’s standing as a premier destination for world-class performing arts.

• Venue management: Oversee the theatre’s day-to-day operations, including but not limited to venue bookings, front-of-house services, technical production support, facilities maintenance, food and beverage operations and venue hire, ensuring the venue is managed to international standards.

• Financial sustainability: Develop a sustainable operating model through diversified revenue streams.

Application

Please visit go.gov.sg/theatreoperator (opens in new tab) to submit your application for the EOI. The application window is from 23 September 2026, 1pm SGT to 17 November 2026, 1pm SGT.

Applicants are advised to download the EOI Information Pack (opens in new tab), FAQ 1 (opens in new tab), FAQ 2 (opens in new tab) and FAQ 3 (opens in new tab) before applying.

Briefing on 29 September 2026 5pm SGT

An EOI briefing was conducted both in-person and virtually via Microsoft Teams on 29 September 2026, 5pm SGT.

Shortlisting for Second Stage

In the second stage of the EOI, applicants will be required to submit a detailed business proposal. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to this stage, which is expected to take place in Q1 2027.

NAC will announce the results of the two-stage EOI and seek to award the winning operator in Q2 2027.

Media Release

Please see our media release (opens in new tab).

For queries and clarifications on the EOI, please email:

Steven Cheong

Senior Manager, Infrastructure, Planning & Development

Steven_CHEONG@nac.gov.sg 

Cheryl Chng

Manager, Infrastructure, Planning & Development

Cheryl_CHNG_from.TP@nac.gov.sg