NTU students in Singapore start petition to save canteen stalls amid rental hikes, S$20,000 renovation fee

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students have initiated a petition to safeguard vendors operating at CresPion Canteen, as the university's change in management threatens to displace existing stalls. Titled "Save Our CresPion Canteen", the petition has amassed 1,533 signatures on Change.org. Concerns revolve around rising rental costs and renovation fees imposed by the incoming operator, Food Paradise, scheduled to commence changes on December 11.

NTU's Office of Commercial and Auxiliary Services (OCAS) is transferring the canteen's management to Food Paradise, with vendors facing a potential two to three times increase in monthly costs. Currently, vendors pay around S$3,600 (RM11,452) to the outgoing operator, Food Haven, covering rental, cleaning, and management fees, along with Gross Turnover (GTO), a percentage of monthly sales paid to the landlord on top of base rent.

Under the new arrangement, monthly costs are anticipated to surge above S$7,100, including a 5% GTO. Additionally, vendors must shoulder a S$20,000 renovation fee, equivalent to more than five months of their previous rent.

The students argue that these increased costs could lead to higher food prices or the departure of existing vendors, diminishing access to affordable meals on campus. They emphasize that the existing stalls provide reasonably priced meals to students residing on campus and in neighboring halls. The petition outlines four demands for NTU OCAS, including permitting existing vendors to stay without bearing the additional renovation costs and steep rental hikes.

The university is also urged to maintain affordable rental and food prices, as higher operating expenses might ultimately be passed on to students and patrons.

The petition highlights the lack of alternative affordable dining options on campus, with vendors already experiencing reduced income during school holidays when student activity is lower. It further calls on NTU to reconsider its profit-maximizing practices, asserting that as a public institution, the university should prioritize the welfare of its students and workers. AsiaOne has contacted NTU for additional information.