They were first shocked, then resigned to their fate - that was the reaction of restaurant staff and regular customers at Oasis building in Kallang.

In a surprise announcement, they have been told that the place is being acquired to make way for a new water sports centre that will be part of the Sports Hub.

Many restaurant staff said they found out about this development from media reports.

Currently, there is still uncertainty as the respective managements hold discussions on what are the options available.

But many are not hopeful.

"The only option we are left with is no option because they are driving us out. Moving to a different place isn't the same. There are restaurants in every shopping centre but there's no unique attachment; people come here for the good memories," said Eddie Chew, operations manager at Oasis Town Porridge.

"80% of those who come here are regular customers. The notice is also a bit too short. From now till December, that's about 6 months. We didn't know anything before that," said Roger Yue, restaurant manager at Thai Village Restaurant.

Reactions were mixed among customers.

"I have been here since my childhood days, and I still come back here regularly. After so many years, I think it's time they do some improvements to it (Oasis building)," said one member of the public.

"This Oasis building has quite a unique structure so I think it should be incorporated into the design," said another.

"It's a pity. I feel very sad about it but I can't do anything. It's the government's decision," said a third.

The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) said the decision was made after careful deliberation.

The need to do away with this building was reinforced by feedback from bidding consortia.

The bidders claimed that the Oasis building could constrain the overall design and master planning of the Sports Hub.

SSC added in an emailed response that the owners of Oasis are free to engage any of the three consortia to discuss partnership tie-ups.

So far, only one of the three consortia - SingaporeGold - has released visuals of how the area would be transformed.

As for whether this late change could increase costs, SSC said the additional commercial space would generate more revenue and the bidders could factor this into their overall cost planning.

Restaurants on the premises will have to vacate by the end of the year, but whether or not the uniquely shaped building will remain part of Singapore's skyline remains in the hands of the winning bidder. -