Built in 1975, the old Shaw Tower was a landmark along Singapore’s Beach Road with its iconic Brutalist architectural style and “waffle-like” appearance. When it was completed, it stood as the tallest skyscraper in Singapore until OCBC Centre came up a year later.
Over the past decade, the Ophir-Rochor corridor in Bugis saw rapid urban rejuvenation, with projects such as Duo Galleria, The South Beach, the Downtown MRT Line and the upcoming North South Corridor making their presence felt. (Developer Guocoland is now executing the area’s biggest transformation yet: Guoco Midtown I and II are massive mixed-use developments under construction that will cover 3.2 hectares of land between Bugis MRT and Shaw Tower.)
The owners of Shaw Tower, after discussion with Guocoland, agreed that it was best to redevelop the property. After all, the old tower had seen its fortunes wane as new malls sprung up around it in the 1990s. But we’re still a sentimental bunch: After it was announced in 2019 that the existing Shaw Tower will be demolished, there were more than a few Singaporeans expressing their sadness at the demise of an architectural icon.
But the unveiling of the new development, which will connect seamlessly with Guoco Midtown right next to it and South Beach Residences across the road, could whet a few appetites and make us forget about the old Shaw Tower. It could also make the neighbourhood an even more compelling one to set up a home in, for both expats and locals alike.
New Shaw Tower to have retail, Grade A office space
Compared to 134 metres previously, the new Shaw Tower will rise to a height of nearly 200 metres. The tower’s modern glass and steel architecture will blend in seamlessly with neighbouring developments, but there’s much more to the building than simply looks.
Developed by Lendlease on appointment by the Sir Run Run Shaw Charitable Trust, the new Shaw Tower will consist of 450,000 square feet of Grade A office space, as well as retail and food and beverage (F&B) offerings on the ground floor.
Other features of the new Shaw Tower include lifestyle amenities, indoor community services, an outdoor amphitheatre, sky gardens and terraces. End-of-trip cycling facilities, a common feature in new integrated commercial developments such as Paya Lebar Quarter, will also be part of the new Shaw Tower.
According to Lendlease, the multiple sky gardens and terraces complement the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s vision of a green city, with park-like environments integrated into the building design.
In light of Covid-19, the developer is also committed to “ensuring the highest quality indoor environment for its future occupants”. The new Shaw Tower will be designed to meet two leading sustainable building standards: the International Building Institute’s WELL rating and the local BCA Green Mark.
The owner has high hopes for the redevelopment. “The new Shaw Tower will set leading international design standards whilst respecting the heritage and local context of this key city location.” Taking the current Covid-19 situation into account, the development is slated to open by 2024.
Lendlease has indicated that the new Shaw Tower has received preliminary planning permission from the URA, and that further details of the development will be released in the coming months.
Fancy living near the new Shaw Tower and Ophir-Rochor corridor?
With successive mixed-use developments such as Duo Residences, Guoco Midtown and The South Beach coming up in the vicinity, the new Shaw Tower will be at the heart of an auxiliary business district right next to Singapore’s historic centre.
A slew of condominiums will join the list of new developments in the area. The M, a 552-unit condo along Middle Road, was launched in Q1 2020 and has already sold out its one-bedroom units.
Meanwhile, the more upscale Midtown Bay by Guocoland, located within Guoco Midtown, has also seen healthy demand since its launch last year. The second phase of Guoco Midtown will see the launch of another condominum, Midtown Modern, right above Bugis MRT station.
For homebuyers seeking luxury, South Beach Residences remains the highest tier of residential developments in the area. Connected to Esplanade MRT station, the condominium is perched atop Singapore’s outpost of the JW Marriott hotel, and residents get to enjoy exclusive services and perks from the hotel chain.
[Recommended article: The FULL list of 2020 New Launch Condos in Singapore (+ Analysis)]
Which version of Shaw Tower do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
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Remember going to Jade & Prince theatres in younger days. Hope these entertainment facilities will still exist among all new concrete jungle sprouting around the Arra. All work & no play will be bad for a balanced lifestyle to relax & release pressure.