Use of Industrial Premises for Religious Activities

42 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development if he will provide an update on the take-up rate of the non-exclusive and limited use of industrial premises for religious activities.

Mr Lawrence Wong: In response to requests from religious organisations to allow some flexibility in the use of industrial space for religious purposes during factory downtime, the Urban Redevelopment Authority introduced a set of guidelines allowing religious organisations to use industrial premises zoned Business 1 on a limited and non-exclusive basis. The predominant use of the premises must remain that of industrial activities, and the religious use must not alter the primary character and function of the industrial premises.

Since the introduction of the guidelines in June 2012, 17 churches and two Taoist temples have been approved non-exclusive and limited use of industrial premises for religious activities.