May 16, 2010
Rise of mall in suburbs
More heartland shopping centres opening, others are revamped or expanded, thrilling residents
By Irene Tham & Ng Hui Ying

THE flashy facades carry the logos of hip brands like Topshop, Mango, Uniqlo and Bakerzin.

Inside, the warmly lit, swanky interiors and a diverse retail mix put you in a good mood to spend.

But you are not in an Orchard Road mall.

Welcome to the bright new world of heartland shopping centres, even while their downtown cousins - Ion Orchard, Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Central and 313@Somerset, which opened last year - may have hogged more limelight.

Suburban malls are gaining strength in numbers, with new ones slated for Serangoon, Bedok, Clementi and Jurong. Existing ones, from Parkway Parade to Jurong Point, have been expanded and spruced up.

Why the big rush to the heartland? Experts point to suburban malls' strong resistance to the effects of a recession.

Hi all,

Just wanted to suggest a new thread topic as I rarely see a general shopping developments thread on here? (Apart from Orchard Rd one)

I am visiting in early January for 4 days & have noticed developments on the net that (to my knowledge?) have never been featured/discussed.- Such as City Square Mall near Mustafa Centre:

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/shopping/shopping-malls/city-square-mall.html

Singapore’s First Eco-Mall
City Square Mall, located at the junction of Serangoon and Kitchener Roads, sits on the site of Singapore's historic New World Park. It is within close proximity to Little India, with a direct connection to Farrer Park MRT station.

With over 700,000 sq ft of gross retail space, spread over five retail levels, two basements and four levels of lifestyle services, it is home to about 200 tenants.

Offering a wide array of value-for-money merchandise and services, exciting promotional activities, street fare as well as international cuisine, City Square Mall is a miniature 'town-centre' which provides the perfect setting for the community to meet, play and shop while acquiring an eco-learning experience.

City Square Mall is the first mall in Singapore to be integrated with an urban park. Named City Green, the 49,000 square feet park is like a green carpet in front of the mall to welcome visitors. Filled with numerous wonderful surprises, City Green is designed to provide a learning experience about ecology and the natural environment.

Might as well add to my thread, as no-one else seems interested :lol:

Just noticed that Parco have opened a new Dept store in Singapore back in March at Milennia Walk mall at Marina Bay. http://www.parco.com.sg/
http://www.milleniawalk.com/about.php

PARCO Singapore is a fully-owned subsidiary of PARCO Co. LTD.

PARCO’s first foray into Singapore was in 1995 when Bugis Junction became the first shopping mall to have a glass-covered, air-conditioned shopping street amidst a nostalgic architectural setting. PARCO sold its stake at Bugis Junction in 2005. Between 2006 to 2009, PARCO was the appointed Retail Manager for The Central at Clark Quay.

^^ Sorry... It's very hard to keep up with news of shopping centres in Singapore especially once they're completed.

Parco Millenia Walk has been opened for a while already, about a few weeks before the Circle Line from Dhoby Ghaut to Tai Seng opened.

^^Visited PARCO once not many people visit Milennia Walk so not much customers. Anoter mall that opened recently is the Marina Bay Link Mall.

I visited the cinema on Saturday for Deathly Hallows. Nothing much has changed, at least in my opinion, but they've added very comfortable orange seats with unbelievable legroom.

Green day at Yishun

Golden Village Yishun reopens its doors as first eco-friendly cinema in Asia


IT WAS Singapore's first ever multiplex back in 1992, and now 18 years later, GV Yishun is adding another "first": The first eco-friendly multiplex in all of Asia. An intensive three-month renovation that started in August along with a $5-million refurbishment price tag, GV Yishun's efforts in going green incorporates a range of environmental sustainability initiatives.

From the installation of new energy-saving LED lights within the multiplex that will result in less heat emission and cooler cinema halls, to the energy-efficient "self-cooling" air-conditioning systems that allow temperatures in the cinema halls to be kept at temperate and comfortable levels, the cinema looks all set to live up to the "eco-friendly" tag.

There is also motion sensor lighting in the restrooms and a waterless flush system for male urinals for economical and ecologically-aware water usage, on top of the already implemented green measures available at other Golden Village locations such as the Mobile Ticketing Service and the use of electronic posters.

The popular GV Mobile Ticket allows movie-goers to gain direct entry into the cinema halls, beating the queues at the box office.

Managing director of Golden Village Multiplex David Glass sees GV Yishun paving the way in the green effort and hopes that all patrons will join.

"Given the high volume of traffic passing through our cinemas, it is important, that we, as cinema operators recognise the need to go green," he said.

"With sustainable technologies and green features that are available now, Golden Village wishes to take the lead in this aspect by aligning our operations to be environmentally-minded so as to reduce our carbon footprint."

To ensure that this is an ongoing endeavour, GV patrons will be encouraged to practice recycling so as to minimise the amount of waste sent for incineration.

At the cinema's pre-opening event two days ago, 800 patrons were all ready to kick off the green effort. They made an official written pledge to be more eco-friendly in their daily lives before becoming one of the first people to enjoy a movie in any one of the 10 newly renovated cinemas halls.

GV Yishun officially opened its doors to public yesterday. From now until Feb 3, 2011, patrons who buy four movie tickets at GV Yishun stand a chance to win an eco-friendly home appliance each month.

Another mall that will open by end November:http://www.nex.com.sg/

NEX SERANGOON
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-06.jpg
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-06.jpg

http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-07.jpg
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-07.jpg

http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-01.jpg
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-01.jpg

http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-img1.jpg
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-img1.jpg

http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-08.jpg
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-picture-08.jpg

http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-img2.jpg
http://www.nex.com.sg/assets/imgs/nex-img2.jpg

It is open today!

Have you visited yet? Looks quiet interesting.

Not yet. Only passed by and peek from outside...

Not yet. Only passed by and peek from outside...

Must be pretty massive from outside since its the size of ION Orchard...... Have'nt had the chance to see i yet but the renders i posted above looks nice. I saw the floor plan of Isetan in the newspaper yesterday looks like its a big store.:cheers:

Went there last last. Very spacious. Has a good feel about the place. Like the lighted ceiling there...

Went there last last. Very spacious. Has a good feel about the place. Like the lighted ceiling there...

Sounds nice!! Want to visit soon. Is it similar to the render?

Sounds nice!! Want to visit soon. Is it similar to the render?

Went there 2nites ago. The place is massive! Interior is very nice with a huge array of shops and dining outlets. But the huge Ntuc hypermarket is not open yet. Most of the dining outlets should be opened by now. The ceiling ligting is very cool...The whole place feels like a cross between 313@Sommerset and Orchard Central with a little Ion effect...:)

^^Sounds great!!

Is Freshness Burger opened yet?

Last time I went (Sunday), Freshness Burger still doing some touch up...

NTUC Xtra starts operation today, 24 hours.

^^Theres a Cold Storage also right??

Yes there is a Cold Storage too.

^^Sounds great!!

Nex will definitely be my new hangout place. :cheers:

^^Wow!! Sounds like its no ordinary mall.:lol: Would love to visit one of these days.

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1099152/1/.html

Amara Shopping Centre to get S$32m facelift
By Millet Emelita Enriquez | Posted: 14 December 2010 1833 hrs

SINGAPORE : Mainboard-listed Amara Holdings has announced that it plans to give a $32 million face lift to its shopping mall at 100 Tras Street and re-brand it as "100 AM".

Amara said the additions and alteration works to its existing four-storey Amara Shopping Centre is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2012.

The revamp will add another 22,000 square feet of supermarket space at Basement 1 to the existing lettable space at the mall, it added.

Albert Teo, chief executive of Amara, said that 100 AM will be the only full-fledged shopping centre in the Tanjong Pagar vicinity, strategically positioned to capitalise on the changing demographics and lifestyle of the residents and visitors to the Tanjong Pagar area.

He added: "The changing demographics of the area have created an opportunity for us to embark on the makeover of the shopping centre to cater to inner city living as well as leisure and business travellers.

"This area of the CBD (Central Business District) has displayed much promise and growth with a cluster of high-end residential developments like Icon, Pinnacle and the upcoming Altez, Sky Suites and Keppel Towers redevelopment as well as hotel developments shaping up the Tanjong Pagar precinct."

- CNA/al

Source:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_614516.html

Dec 16, 2010
NEW MALL OPENING
Bedok Point's soft impact
By Ng Kai Ling

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20101216/bedokpt-16.jpg
An artist's impression of the six-storey Bedok Point shopping centre. -- PHOTO: FRASERS CENTREPOINT MALLS

VISITORS to the new shopping mall Bedok Point, left empty-handed on Thursday as many of the shops were still not open.

The six-storey mall - the first in the 37-year-old estate - had its soft opening on Thursday and despite little publicity, drew many curious shoppers.

Many of them were residents in the area who had been anticipating the opening of the 81,000 sq ft mall. It was supposed to have opened in October.

They did not stay long though, as fewer than 20 out of its 75 tenants were ready for business. These included eatery Pastamania, traditional Chinese medicine store Eu Yan Sang and Pet Lovers Centre. Many of the units in the mall were still boarded up and even those which had opened, were still being touched up.

Mr Ghazali Ibrahim, 35, a hotel duty manager, said: 'We have been waiting for this mall to open but it?s a bit disappointing. It?s still a bit dusty and it reeks of the smell of paint.'

A Bedok Point spokesman said: 'While some tenants are still doing final touch-up works to their shops, at least 70 per cent of shops at Bedok Point will be ready for opening this weekend.'

Source:http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/news/story/0,4574,419803,00.html?

Published December 31, 2010
$75m face-lift for Chinatown Point
By UMA SHANKARI

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-12-31/BT_IMAGES_UMMALL31-5RR.jpg
Rising attraction: Mr Pua expects the revitalised Chinatown Point retail mall to become a landmark for locals and tourists in the bustling Chinatown precinct

THE 20-year old Chinatown Point retail and office complex is set to get a new lease of life after a planned $75 million major asset enhancement programme.

The consortium of investors that bought 283 strata-titled retail units and four office units in the property - which works out to over 65 per cent of the entire complex - in July 2010 will fork out the money in a bid to rejuvenate the mall and boost rental income.

The consortium, which was put together by former CapitaLand veteran Pua Seck Guan's Perennial Real Estate group, paid $250 million for City Developments' entire stake in Chinatown Point.

Members of the consortium include German fund manager SEB, NTUC FairPrice Co-operative and Singapore Press Holdings.

'The revitalised Chinatown Point retail mall, with its enlarged footprint, improved layout and extensive offerings, is expected become a landmark for locals and tourists in the bustling Chinatown precinct,' said Mr Pua, who is Perennial's chief executive.

One of Perennial's units, Perennial (Singapore) Retail Management, is the retail manager of the partners' 65 per cent stake.

Perennial's plan will allow owners of the other office units to benefit at no cost from upgrading works. The office tower's common amenities, car park facilities and building's facade will all be improved.

All owners will also get to reduce their annual contributions to the management corporation strata title (MCST) management fund by over 30 per cent and enjoy 'significant' savings to the MCST sinking fund, Perennial said.

Shoppers will also benefit from the asset enhancement as changes will be made to improve the overall layout of the retail mall. The flooring, ceiling, light fixtures and toilets will also be upgraded to provide shoppers with a modern Chinese-themed ambience to blend in with its unique location.

Basement 1 of the retail mall will also be direct linked to the Chinatown MRT station.

After the revamp, the average rent at the retail mall is expected to increase to around $15 per square foot per month (psf pm), from less than $10 psf pm now. The net lettable area will also climb from about 174,000 sq ft now to around 205,000 sq ft - an increase of 18 per cent.

The enhancement work is expected to start in the second quarter of 2011 and be completed by Q2 2013. As the proposed works will be carried out in phases, Chinatown Point's retail mall will remain operational throughout.

Mr Pua hopes that the asset enhancement programme at Chinatown Point will set the stage for many other strata-titled mixed-use developments in Singapore, where the value of the real estate can be increased through the execution of well-planned asset enhancement programmes.

Went there last last. Very spacious. Has a good feel about the place. Like the lighted ceiling there...


Hi, I also visited NEX on NY Eve - will post pics later (as I'm at Changi on way home :cripes:)

Yes, its rather confusing layout wise, but some nice stores and groovy lcd ceiling is cool.

Source:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_640687.html
Mar 2, 2011
New name for former Katong Mall
By Cheryl Lim
http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20110302/katongmall.jpg
The new look for the 20 year old landmark mall - to be called 112 Katong - will draw heavily on the neighbourhood's rich Peranakan heritage. -- PHOTO: PERENNIAL REAL ESTATE

KATONG Mall may be about to get a modern makeover but history will be an important theme in the $60 million facelift.

The new look for the 20 year old landmark mall - to be called 112 Katong - will draw heavily on the neighbourhood's rich Peranakan heritage.

The Peranakans, also known as the Straits Chinese, have lived in this part of the world since the 15th and 16th centuries after migrating from China. They maintain a distinctive culture.

The mall's three anchor tenants - Golden Village, Cold Storage and Breadtalk - have committed to unique design concepts to reflect this theme.

The interior of Golden Village's Multiplex will combine traditional Peranakan motifs with modern interpretations. The lobby of its Gold Class halls will be decorated like a shophouse.

Source:http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110303-266205.html
Upscale mall in Katong opens in Q3
my paper
Thu, Mar 03, 2011
http://news.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/03Mar11/others/20110303.085302_110303-mall.jpg

By Lei Jiahui

CORTINA Watch is one of the latest tenants to join the list of upmarket brands that will be found at a revamped mall in Katong.

It is the first time that Cortina, a retailer and distributor of luxury timepieces, is venturing out of the shopping belt of Orchard Road and the Marina Bay precinct into the heartland.

"Katong, with its culture, great food and diversity of residences, is what attracted us," said Mr Jeremy Lim, chief operating officer of Cortina Watch.

He was speaking at the launch of the name and logo of the mall, which was held at VivoCity yesterday. Owned by Perennial Katong Retail Trust, the former Katong Mall is being redeveloped and is slated to open in the third quarter of this year as 112 Katong.

The mall aims to bring Orchard Road to the east of Singapore. The whole mall, whose facelift will cost a reported $60 million, will have a Peranakan theme as developers aim to retain the rich culture of the area.

Anchor tenants will include Golden Village, which will have Gold Class halls and 3-D screens, as well as upscale supermarket Market Place. Food outlets will include BreadTalk, Din Tai Fung and T.G.I. Fridays.

Mr Stanley Tan, 28, who has been living in nearby Guillemard Road for 15 years, is excited about the upcoming mall.

"Our area does not have a luxury shopping mall," said the engineer, adding that he is most excited that the mall will have an upscale movie theatre.

jhlei@sph.com.sg

IIt all depends on what do we think of a luxury mall, Since Katong is for people with all pocket sizes, having an all only Luxury mall doe snot befits the area. A middle class to luxury mall that is better than parkway parade might be the solution since there is no more cinema in the vicinity area anymore, Katong 112 could pull in the crowds. Next we could find are Zara and Mango, Apple shops as well as Ralph Lauren and most of the luxury stores and lifestyles stores associated with beach and resort living...

So next time we'lll see more buildings with this naming format: (address number) (location name) :lol:


Agreed that going luxury doesn't necessarily mean more business for the mall. Perhaps a more neutral-class mall would be the best. A good mix of all "classes" of shops.

So next time we'lll see more buildings with this naming format: (address number) (location name) :lol:


Agreed that going luxury doesn't necessarily mean more business for the mall. Perhaps a more neutral-class mall would be the best. A good mix of all "classes" of shops.
With so many expats living in the Katong-East Coast area, going "luxury" will ensure these people have a mall that they can go to (I doubt this mall will attract "heartlanders"). At the same time, it's clearly meant for the upper class crowd living in condos, landed properties in the area too. For some, Parkway Parade can be a little intimidating with the sea of locals, so this will make it easier for them.

A parallel would be River Valley at Great World City.

i dont think one could categorise great world city as a luxury mall...

Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/clementi-mall-now-100-leased-20110324-090000-902.html
The Clementi Mall now 100% leased
PropertyGuru.com.sg – Fri, Mar 25, 2011 12:00 AM SGT

The Clementi Mall has been fully leased, ahead of its scheduled completion, with almost half its tenants already in operation. The rest are due to open shortly after.
All the shops on Level 1 and Basement 1, including main tenant FairPrice Finest, have been in operation since January, after the mall obtained its first temporary occupancy permit.
The bridge connecting the mall directly to the Clementi MRT station on Level 3 has been opened to the public, enabling shoppers to access the stores via the MRT station during business hours.
Major tenants BHG and Foodfare food court will begin operations today and tomorrow respectively.
The highly-anticipated Clementi Public Library is set for a 23 April launch. Other anchor tenants, including Popular Bookstore and Best Denki, will open in mid-April.
The mall features various well-loved brands. Fashion and accessories labels, including Cache Cache, Charles & Keith, Cotton On, Giordano, Denizen, Samuel & Kevin and Skechers, will be located on Level 3, while Level 4 will feature sports, electrical and lifestyle shops such as Challenger, Arena, Aussino and World of Sports.
Brands for families and children, including Kiddy Palace, Chateau de Sable and Mini Princess will be on Level 5, where shoppers can also find the Popular Bookstore and Clementi public library.
The development, which is owned by CM Domain, has approximately 190,000 sq ft of retail space, including a basement shopping level and a basement parking lot with around 160 parking spaces.

IIt all depends on what do we think of a luxury mall, Since Katong is for people with all pocket sizes, having an all only Luxury mall doe snot befits the area. A middle class to luxury mall that is better than parkway parade might be the solution since there is no more cinema in the vicinity area anymore, Katong 112 could pull in the crowds. Next we could find are Zara and Mango, Apple shops as well as Ralph Lauren and most of the luxury stores and lifestyles stores associated with beach and resort living...

Zara And Mango isn't luxury. I see them as being mass-market labels. I think Cortina may be the only luxury retailer in there. I cannot imagine Burberry or Prada opening in the area. It just don't feel right.

actually it's a mystery to me why luxury labels have not spread out beyond the central core. i'm sure many, if not most of their customers live in the suburbs and would quite welcome a suburban luxury luxury. the marine parade area especially, is now home to a big cluster of 2000psf condominiums - surely that's a significant potential market?

^^ Luxury brands have a reputation to keep. There's only a fine line between high-end and high-street, and high-street and mass-market.

Source:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_671122.html
May 21, 2011
A drum beat to officially open Clementi Mall
By Ng Huiwen

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20110521/cm.chewsengkim.jpg

AT 2.30pm on Saturday, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Tony Tan beat a drum to officially open The Clementi Mall.

The five-storey retail mall is a joint venture between Times Properties, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH); NTUC Fairprice Co-operative; and NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative.

Mr Lim - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office - is also NTUC secretary-general while Dr Tan is chairman of SPH.

Dr Tan struck a drum to officiate the opening of The Clementi Mall in the presence of mall visitors and more than 120 guests.

The 290,000 sq ft mall - with two basements - is the first full-fledged mall to open in the Clementi area and is part of the first mixed-use development built by the Housing Board.

Besides the retail podium, it also houses two residential blocks of 388 units and the West Coast Town Council (Clementi Office). The mall has 135 shops, including 16 restaurants and cafes, and boasts anchor tenants such as FairPrice Finest, Popular Bookstore and Clementi Public Library.

^^ Thanks for the update. I would uploading this to the Clementi Bus Interchange thread in the Public Housing sub-forum.

^^ ok:) your welcome:)

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1132473/1/.html
New shopping mall to be built in Jurong East
Posted: 01 June 2011 1034 hrs

SINGAPORE: A new shopping mall and office block will spring up next to the Jurong East MRT station.

Announcing the plans, CapitaMalls Asia, CapitaMall Trust and CapitaLand said the total development cost is expected to be about S$1.5 billion.

They had submitted the top bid of about S$969 million for the site.

Subject to planning approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the shopping mall is expected to have five levels including one basement level.

The one-stop family mall will both cater to residents' everyday needs and offer specialty shops.

Shoppers will enjoy seamless accessibility to transport options from the mall.

The shopping mall is expected to commence operations in time for the Christmas shopping season in 2013.

The office tower is expected to commence operations in 2014.

- CNA/fa

Here are pictures of a shopping centre right next to the Expo MRT station that is under construction, Changi City Point. :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268457_10150312855082040_671067039_9738941_3137587_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268457_10150312855082040_671067039_9738941_3137587_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261909_10150312855202040_671067039_9738942_6433366_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261909_10150312855202040_671067039_9738942_6433366_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267924_10150312855332040_671067039_9738943_7583504_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267924_10150312855332040_671067039_9738943_7583504_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270500_10150312855372040_671067039_9738944_2943617_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270500_10150312855372040_671067039_9738944_2943617_n.jpg

Some construction pics of Changi City

Cars pick-up area, opposite to Expo MRT. The building in the back will be a hotel managed by Frasers Hospitality
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010215.jpg

Same area towards the business park http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010213.jpg

F&B outlets have terraces in a pond
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010205.jpg

Inside an outlet
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010210.jpg

Row of F&B outlets facing the pond
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010203.jpg

The central atrium inside the mall
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010202.jpg

Inside the mall
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010201.jpg

"Glass lantern" shops
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010200.jpg

Office building being built next to the mall
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P7010214.jpg


TOP of the mall planned for October. The hotel should be ready beginning of 2012. The office building by year end 2012.

^^ Wow, nice pics!! Are you part of the project? It seems to be from the way you were able to take pictures in the building.

:cheers: Mith 252, thanks for your nice comment!

They have been taken by a friend who visits shopping malls to find an outlet for his restaurant :)

^^ Oh I see, thanks for the info. It is interesting to know that there is going to be a hotel there. I guess it makes sense with Singapore Expo right next to it. :)

^^ It also provides an option to airport travelers who don't want to stay at Crown Plaza.

Tenants of The Verge refuse to pay rent

12 Jul 11

SINGAPORE : Some tenants at The Verge shopping mall at Serangoon Road have refused to pay rent because of what they said are failed promises by the mall's management.

Tenants Channel NewsAsia spoke to say in 2009, they were told that 35 per cent of the mall would house IT and electronic stores which would draw in the crowds.

But tenants, like Josephine Chua who took up two units based on that premise in 2009, were greeted by furniture shops instead.

"When 1st October came, they opened up the third floor and I got a shock, because half of it they leased out to furniture (stores), that is on a temporary lease basis," said Ms Chua, who owns the Dragon's Place & Jumbo Dumbo Cafe.

Ms Chua said rental on one of her units was waived by the previous management, Knight Frank, till after an exhaust duct problem in her cafe was fixed.

A new management team, UGL Services, took over last July, and since then she has been getting legal letters chasing for the rent.

And on Saturday, she found herself locked out of her shops.

"We are all feeling very threatened. Because right now the landlord has locked me out, and also four other shops on the same level," said Ms Chua.

Another tenant, Crocodile, which has been with the mall for 10 years since it was Tekka Mall before the revamp, has also not paid rent for at least six months. It said business dropped by more than 30 per cent after the mall's revamp.

Lim Keng Boon, Assistant GM of Crocodile, said: "Ever since the mall was revamped - it was open in 2009 - our business has dropped more than 30 per cent. Despite the festivities like Hari Raya or Deepavali, the business never picked up. (It was) very bad.

"Therefore we appealed to them. We told them it cannot be that way, it has to be better than what it used to be, because it used to be very run down and after (the) revamp, it should be better. We keep telling them - do promotions, run marketing activities - they refuse to listen to us."

UGL Services told Channel NewsAsia it has been running marketing efforts since taking over the mall, to increase the mall's business.

However, it would not comment on allegations made by the tenants, as it said the matter has been referred to its lawyers.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1140474/1/.html

-deleted-

Pardon my ignorance I never knew that there's a new mall at Expo. :eek:

^^ It's called Changi City and opens end of this year :)

Pardon my ignorance I never knew that there's a new mall at Expo. :eek:

I didnt know also................Have they announced any of their tenants yet?

-deleted-

Wonder if it would be financially sustainable

^^ I think they are trying to target those working or living in the area as well as those who visits the Expo. That seems to be the case from the looks of it.

Jurong area to offer more retail options

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1143431/1/.html

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpC32sem.jpg

SINGAPORE : The retail scene in the Jurong Gateway area is set to become more vibrant with the addition of Jem, developed by Lend Lease.

Many expect its retail traffic to be supported by the heavy concentration of people living and working in the west.

Suburban malls have always been a bit dowdy compared to the fancier malls in the city. But with Singapore growing rapidly, the retail landscape is also changing.

The Jurong Gateway area will soon be transformed, as it rides on the development of the surrounding Jurong Lake District.

Paul Walker, project development director of the Jurong Gateway Project at Lend Lease, said: "With new shopping centres, the amount of new retail space means more competition for retail, and that means suburban malls are the next wave of growth in Singapore."

While analysts do not expect rents in suburban malls to grow at rates above city malls, competition for space has seen tenants in city malls venture into the suburban fringes.

And Singapore's third largest suburban shopping mall will be in Jurong Gateway.

Called Jem, the new mall will open in the second quarter of 2013, with 818,000 square feet of gross floor area, half of which is already leased out to anchor tenants including Cathay Cineplex, Robinsons and NTUC FairPrice.

The development will also have an office space tower with 345,000 square feet of gross floor area. The office space has been fully leased by three tenants - the Ministry of National Development, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and the Building and Construction Authority.

Lend Lease is targeting 20 million visits per year when Jem opens, tapping on the 20 per cent of Singapore's population residing in that area.

Ku Swee Yong, CEO of International Property Advisor, said: "Jurong Gateway is part of the overall redevelopment of the Jurong Lake District and the potential there is pretty good because it is a very comprehensively thought out plan to bring business and finance into Jurong district. Jem itself would have enough components within it; on its own, it can be a destination."

Also in the pipeline for Jurong Gateway is another mall jointly developed by CapitaLand and two of its subsidiaries, CapitaMalls Asia and CapitaMall Trust Management.

Other malls in the Jurong area include the upcoming Jcube, IMM and Jurong Point.

- CNA/ms

Lend Lease unveils third largest suburban mall
28 July 11 | The Business Times
by Nicholas Yeo (SINGAPORE)

Lend Lease unveiled its latest suburban mall, Jem, in Singapore yesterday. The property firm hopes that Jem will become the 'gem' at the heart of the new commercial hub of the west. Due for completion in second quarter of 2013, Jem is set to be the third largest suburban mall in Singapore, after Jurong Point and Nex. Jem will span a gross floor area (GFA) of 818,000 square feet and house over 280 retailers.

Jem will be located next to Jurong East MRT station and the junction of Jurong Gateway and Boon Lay Way. It will be a part of the Jurong Gateway regional centre, two-and-a-half times the size of Tampines regional centre.

Jem will consist of an office tower with 345,000 sq ft of GFA and a retail podium. The office tower has been 100 per cent leased to the Ministry of National Development (MND), Building & Construction Authority (BCA) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), with a lease term of 30 years.

Currently, 50 per cent of the retail area have been leased, the majority to six major anchor tenants: Robinsons which will take up 85,000 sq ft; Fairprice Xtra Hypermart with 70,000 sq ft; Courts with 20,000 sq ft; Koufu food court will take up 18,000 sq ft; UK retailer Marks and Spencer with 32,000 sq ft and lastly Cathay Cineplex with 47,000 sq ft.

The cineplex at Jem will be the largest cinema multiplex in the west with daily midnight movies. The 10-screen multiplex will be a 'new retro-chic themed multiplex' which will 'boast eight commercial halls and two platinum movie suites with a total seating capacity of 1,800', said Suhaimi Rafdi, chief executive officer of Cathay Organisation.

The majority of the anchor tenants have signed 15-year leases. Lend Lease refused to comment on its current rental rates but said that they have been priced competitively.

At the unveiling of Jem, Lend Lease affirmed its dedication towards green efforts and sustainability. An example of this would be energy-efficient interior light fittings, usage of recycled materials and an intelligent design that maximises sustainability while reducing the environmental footprint.
Jem was designed by SAA Architects, which also designed the larger Nex Mall in Serangoon Central. The design of Jem's mall consist of four atriums arranged parallel to one another to create a 'circuit' for simple circulation.

Aside from the anchor tenants, OCBC Bank, OSIM, Capitol Optical and McDonald's have signed leases with Jem. The new McDonald's will be an iconic, stand-alone glasshouse structure which will showcase the latest in McDonald's restaurant designs.

Lend Lease's unveiling comes more than a year after it won this Jurong Gateway site in a government public tender in June 2010. Lend Lease beat five other offers with its bid of $748.9 million. As part of the government regulation, a mandatory 30 per cent of GFA had to be set aside for office development, with the retail component filling the remaining 70 per cent of space. The bid was jointly made with one of its managed funds, the Asian Retail Investment Fund. The fund will own 75 per cent of the asset while Lend Lease will hold a 25 per cent direct interest.

Lend Lease is an Australian-listed leading international property and infrastructure group with a strong presence in Asia. Other retail assets that Lend Lease has developed include 313@somerset.

as a western resident, I am looking forward to the new retail offerings coming up by 2013. an alternative look at the design of the building. pity it isnt as bold as JCube, but at least it did not turn out as blocky as 313.

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20110727/Jem-Day-Shot.jpg http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20110727/Jem-Aerial-View_Night.jpg

^^ Thanks for the rendering. I think it is best to post it in the thread below as it is about this particular project.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1105531

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1146572/1/.html
CityLink to get S$10m makeover
Posted: 12 August 2011 0720 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpyGhykR.jpg

SINGAPORE: CityLink Mall, the subterranean mall linking One Raffles Link with City Hall and Esplanade MRT stations, will soon undergo a S$10 million makeover some 10 years after it opened.

The focal point of the refurbishment will be the mall entrances at City Hall and Esplanade MRT stations, as well as One Raffles Link.

The refurbished mall will see new ceilings and patterned marble flooring.

Way finders and mall directories will be redesigned, and new feature walls will be installed, to showcase the latest offerings and promotions by mall tenants.

CityLink Mall is the retail component of One Raffles Link, which is managed by Hongkong Land.

In a press release issued on Thursday, Hongkong Land said the refurbishment will take place for a year, starting from the third quarter of this year.

It assured business will continue as usual, with refurbishment works only carried out during the Mall's closing hours between midnight and 6am.

This will ensure the smooth flow of shoppers and commuters along the mall linking One Raffles Link with City Hall and Esplanade MRT stations, which has a footfall of 1.4 million people every month.

- TODAY/wk

Some pictures I took of Changi City Point. :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251587_10150343555482040_7977937_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228920_10150343555547040_3181477_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292220_10150343555612040_6935997_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292220_10150343555612040_6935997_n.jpg

Sad to see that Borders at Wheelock Place will be closing down so suddenly at the end of next week :down:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1147976/1/.html

The Borders Bookstore at Wheelock Place has entered its last chapter. It is closing its flagship store for good following disputes with its landlord.

The store has less than a week to clear out from its current premises.

For the past few days now, book lovers only saw a 'The Store is Closed' sign at the entrance of the bookstore at Wheelock Place.

Then, on Friday afternoon, staff of the bookstore at Wheelock Place were seen clearing the shelves.

Singapore's Borders Bookstore had stood strong even as its US and Australia branches closed one by one, struggling to keep up with digital media.

But it is not free of troubles either, as a dispute with its landlord Wheelock Properties seems to have shut its flagship store for good.

Tim Reid, interim judicial manager of Borders, said: "The rent cheque for August was not paid in the beginning of the month. And when the cheque was issued, initially there were some errors in the cheque - the amount and words did not reflect the amount and digits, and there was a need for a new cheque to be issued.

However, Wheelock Properties was not willing to alter its position that the Borders store remain closed, despite the store's attempt to negotiate.

Borders is one of the most iconic stores at Wheelock Place. Although the book chain has another store at Parkway Parade, many book lovers MediaCorp spoke to were surprised and concerned that the store at Wheelock Place remained closed.

Its judicial manager said the priority now is to remove Borders' stock from its premises by August 23.

Some of the books will be transferred to its Parkway Parade branch, while the rest will be sold at a discounted price at a book sale.

There are no plans yet to open a new outlet.

^^ I was also quite surprised by this news. I hope that they consider opening another store somewhere else. I would definitely miss the Wheelock flagship shop. :ohno:

You guys do know that Borders has had some troubling few months, right? It shouldn't come to a surprise that they are closing stores.

^^ Well, we know that the parent company went bust but the BORDERS here wasn't really affected.

^^ I was also quite surprised by this news. I hope that they consider opening another store somewhere else. I would definitely miss the Wheelock flagship shop. :ohno:

I will too.....:ohno: It was the best book store along Orchard Road:ohno:

I will too.....:ohno: It was the best book store along Orchard Road:ohno:
When they changed the carpet, and changed the lighting to fluoresent white lights, it was bad... They were dying.

Well, we still have kinokuniya, although its less accessible.

I actually find Kinokuniya is better than other bookstores, even in Malaysia.

When they changed the carpet, and changed the lighting to fluoresent white lights, it was bad... They were dying.

haha!!:lol: I wonder whats going to open there when borders is gone...........

Hopefully something with as much character as Borders had...

haha!!:lol: I wonder whats going to open there when borders is gone...........
LANE CRAWFORD!! Please return!

Nah, I doubt so. The location is pretty prime. I'd expect there are lots of retailers of any kind would be anxious to pay a premium to set up shop there.

^^Yeah Lane Crawford would be great. I love their store at IFC Hong Kong!!

Just because of one dispute over rent and out they go? Read from news seem that it's a miscommunication between the 2 parties

^^Yup. Actually is sound a bit childish:lol: Borders has been Wheelock's anchor tenant for 13 years.............

-deleted-

All quiet at Wheelock Place after Borders bookstore closure :ohno:

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_709906.html

Plunge in shopper traffic at mall after bookshop's closure.

By Ng Kai Ling

Things were all going to plan for Ms Kathleen Loi. Her stationery shop, Ri Stationers, had just opened in Wheelock Place and it seemed to go hand in hand with the paper-loving crowd that bookstore Borders was attracting.

The situation is less certain now for her four-month-old shop on the second floor, after the bookstore closed for good last month.

'Borders was one of the reasons that I chose this location,' the 28-year-old said. 'Business was just picking up. Now, without an anchor tenant, there are fewer people.'

Borders moved into Wheelock in 1997, a year after luxury department store Lane Crawford folded. In its heyday, it drew thousands of people to the mall each week, and upmarket shops such as EpiCentre, which sells Apple products, and bag shop Crumpler opened there.


What happened to The Heeren?

SHOPPING mall The Heeren is a shadow of its former self.

Once bustling with young people hungry for the latest in music and fashion, the 15-year-old mall is visibly less busy. At least half the building seems unoccupied. The mall slowly lost its buzz over the last five years as key tenants such as restaurant Marche and music store HMV started leaving.

For a while, the youth haven of a mall was left with a 25,000-sq-ft hole where HMV once stood, until fashion and accessories store ALT moved in last July.

But it called it quits in February.

The mall, managed by Swee Cheng Management, has yet to find another anchor tenant and its spokesman would say only that it is in the process of reviewing its position and tenant mix.

Mr Ong Kah Seng, senior manager of research at Cushman & Wakefield, said that besides tough competition from the other malls, The Heeren could be having problems attracting tenants that fit its identity. 'Another issue could be the big space. It could be hard to find a single anchor tenant to take over,' he added.

Meanwhile, the mall is holding 'tactical promotions' to attract people. Last month, it had an 'Eat Shop N Save' deal, where shoppers and diners received a $10 voucher with every $28 spent at any outlet.

The spokesman said: 'The response was overwhelming and we believe it helped to maintain steady traffic flow to the mall.'

NG KAI LING

Looks like Borders is closing up just about everywhere :(

Hope you get some good stores to replace them!!

more sad news for borders fans:ohno:

Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/parkway-parade-s-borders-to-close-on-26-september.html
Parkway Parade's Borders to close on 26 September
By Fann Sim | Yahoo! Newsroom – Fri, Sep 23, 2011

The Borders branch at Parkway Parade will close permanently come Monday 9 pm.

The book shop has started a final closing down sale with a 70 per cent discount on all stock in the store.

This closure of Borders' only remaining outlet here comes shortly after its flagship store at Wheelock Place shut down suddenly in August due to a rental dispute with the landlord.

In a statement, Tim Reid of Ferrier Hodgson, the judicial manager of Borders, said that Borders USA had terminated the brand license agreement with Borders Singapore on Wednesday. The latter has therefore to stop all activities authorised through the agreement.

Borders Singapore had secured rights to the use of the “Borders” brand and intellectual property rights through a brand license agreement that was secured when the Australian, New Zealand and Singaporean Borders operations were purchased from Borders USA.

Reid said he was offered an extension of the lease of Borders' Parkway Parade store, which was to expire at the end of October, but "the response from customers to the sale we have been running has been so pleasing that the economics of extending the lease were not persuading."

Reid added that he will soon advise creditors, including gift card holders, how he proposes to deal with their claims.

“Finally, I would like to thank the customers of Borders who have, over the last several weeks, continued to support the company. I know that the staff have appreciated the frequent kind and encouraging words many customers have expressed to them. It is certainly a sad time," he said.

Source:http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/latest/story/0,4574,462822,00.html
October 31, 2011, 7.19 pm (Singapore time)
ARA Trust unveils S$400m makeover of Suntec City
By ANGELA TAN

ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited, the manager of Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (Suntec REIT), announced on Monday a S$410 million remake of Suntec City.

'The remaking will transform Suntec City into a more exciting shopping and MICE destination,' the company said in a statement.

The remake, which is scheduled to start in mid-2012, will comprise a S$230 million capital expenditure in remaking Suntec City Mall and a further S$180 million on Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, which Suntec REIT holds an effective interest of 60.8%.

On completion in mid-2015, Suntec City will offer almost 1 million sq ft of retail lettable space.

Suntec City Mall's net property income is expected to increase by 33% or S$23 million.

'This would represent a 10.1% return on investment for unitholders and an 84% increase in capital value over capital expenditure,' the company said.

Some pics of the soon to open Scotts Square mall taken last week:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Hols%20Oct%202011%20%20LA%20NYC%20UK%20Lisbon%20SGP/HolsOct2011LANYCUKLisbonSGP393.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Hols%20Oct%202011%20%20LA%20NYC%20UK%20Lisbon%20SGP/HolsOct2011LANYCUKLisbonSGP394.jpg

Don't know if this is the right place to post these pics - but was amused to see massive queues to get the new iPhone 4S last week! - these pics are at NEX Serangoon:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Hols%20Oct%202011%20%20LA%20NYC%20UK%20Lisbon%20SGP/HolsOct2011LANYCUKLisbonSGP402.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Hols%20Oct%202011%20%20LA%20NYC%20UK%20Lisbon%20SGP/HolsOct2011LANYCUKLisbonSGP401.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Hols%20Oct%202011%20%20LA%20NYC%20UK%20Lisbon%20SGP/HolsOct2011LANYCUKLisbonSGP403.jpg

^^ Well, it is okay but I will re-post them in the correct threads. :)

Not sure where to put this but since it is some kind of shopping centre, I think it should be here.


Kitchener Complex gets makeover; Bras Basah Complex may follow
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 04 November 2011 1431 hrs

SINGAPORE: Kitchener Complex in Jalan Besar has been given the green light by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for improvement works to be carried out, while Bras Basah Complex in the city centre is close to receiving the full support of its merchants.

Bras Basah Complex has seen better days. Once the go-to place for books and stationery, it now faces fierce competition from newer shopping centres.

Some shop owners said business has declined by as much as half over the years. Five stores closed down this year alone.

Tenants there have been waiting two years for upgrading works to start. It would be the first major facelift for Bras Basah Complex, since it was built in 1980.

Shop owners said they look forward to a new facade and a fresher look for the whole building that would hopefully draw in a new generation of book lovers.

Sung Jee Tong, chairman of the Bras Basah Complex Merchants' Association, said: "After the upgrading, we hope that more people will know about Bras Basah Complex.

"If you go to China, in Beijing and Shanghai, they have these Book Cities. Hopefully in two years' time, Bras Basah Complex will be something on par as Shanghai Book City or Beijing Book City. When we have tourists in Singapore, they will think of Bras Basah as the place to get books."

In 2009, Bras Basah Complex was selected for upgrading under HDB's Revitalization of Shops Scheme, which provides co-funding.

Shop owners will pay 50 per cent of the cost while HDB will bear the remaining 50 per cent or up to $20,000 per shop. For rental shops, HDB will bear 100 per cent of the upgrading cost or up to $40,000 per shop.

But the project stalled because some shop owners then, were reluctant to join the scheme.

Despite that, the merchants' association said this time, it can convince the remaining 3 to 4 shops owners to sign up.

"We've had trouble contacting some owners as they are not local, but we understand there's no major objection. Another issue has been financial difficulties. One or two have requested for a longer payment period," explained Kwek Boon Watt, vice chairman of Bras Basah Complex Merchants' Association.

He's hoping that the S$8 million upgrading - which will include a new facade, lifts and staircases - can start after Chinese New Year.

The merchants' association said the upgrading work will be carried out in phases over a year to minimise disruption to business. Shops will stay open throughout the upgrading.

Kitchener Complex is also set to receive a fresh lease of life. HDB said it will give the 25-year-old building an extensive makeover to transform it into a lifestyle hub.

Kitchener Complex comprises two blocks, Block 808 and 809, and is located at the junction of Horne Road and French Road.

Residents from nearby HDB blocks and condominiums can look forward to a wider range of shops - including a new childcare centre and supermarket.

The makeover is expected to start in the second quarter of next year and be completed by 2013.

To date, HDB has upgraded four commercial buildings - Joo Chiat Complex, People's Park Complex, Yew Tee Shopping Centre and Gek Poh Shopping Centre.

- CNA/al/ls


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1163462/1/.html

I12 Katong (previously Katong Mall) along East Coast Road opened today.

I didnt have a camera to take photos but most of the shops are still being renovated. The mall is mainly occupied by food and beverage outlets such as Din Tai Fung, TGIF, Nando's, Da Paolo Gastronomia, Canton Paradise and many more. Stores such as Cortina Watch,World of Sports, Gloria Jeans, Gong Cha and a few boutiques are open while anchor tenants such as Jasons Marketplace will open on 23 Oct and Golden Village will open in December.

^^ Nice, thanks for the info. :) It is a little far for me though. :nuts:

Posted some photos of Christmas Deco around Singapore. ENJOY:D

Marina Bay Sands (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/christmas-at-marina-bay-sands-2/)
Jurong Point (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/christmas-at-jurong-point/)
VivoCity (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/christmas-at-vivocity-2/)
Harbourfront Centre (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/christmas-at-harbourfront-centre/)
IMM (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/christmas-at-imm-2/)
Clementi Mall (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/christmas-at-clementi-mall/)
Tampines Mall (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/christmas-at-tampines-mall/)
nex (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/christmas-at-nex-serangoon/)

I've uploaded VivoCity's 5th anniversary celebrations FIREWORKS display here (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/vivocity-5th-anniversary-celebrations/).. enjoy!! :D

Posted some photos of christmas in singapore

Anchorpoint (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/christmas-at-anchorpoint/)
Marina Bay Financial Centre (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/christmas-at-marina-bay-financial-centre-marina-bay-link-mall/)

ENJOY :D

some renders of Suntec City's new look:
http://i.haymarket.net.au/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=http%3A%2F%2Fi.haymarket.net.au%2FNews%2FEntrance.jpg&c=0
http://www.cei.asia/Article/278883,suntec-embarks-on-major-renovation.aspx
http://www.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/11Nov11/20111108.095234_suntectreit1.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111108-309176.html

OUE have plans to convert the old DBS building into a shopping mall.


OUE plans to invest in 2 retail malls in CBD: report
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 30 July 2012 2003 hrs

SINGAPORE: Developer Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE) is set to invest in excess of S$140 million on two retail mall projects in the central business district.

Among the plans, OUE will be developing a five-storey retail mall at the existing DBS Building at Shenton Way, according to a source close to the matter.

Built in 1975, DBS Building at Shenton Way will soon be home to a new shopping mall, spanning some 170,000 square feet.

According to a source familiar with the plans, OUE is expected to spend over S$100 million to build the new mall.

It is slated to open in mid-2014, and the mall will offer retail and F&B options as well as a supermarket.

Analysts said a retail development will support an increasing residential population in the downtown area.

Donald Han, special advisor, HSR, said: "On the size of 170,000 (square feet) you would probably expect rents on average of about S$13 - 16 per square foot. Because this is still a new market place, it certainly has more upturn, upside in the next two to three years especially when most of the residential and hotel components are fully in place."

OUE acquired DBS Building in 2010 for about S$871 million. The podium level will be converted to a shopping mall, but it appears that the developer is keeping the two office towers and it is currently looking for tenants.

Existing anchor tenant DBS Bank is expected to move out of both office towers by year-end.

And it is likely that OUE could see some rental upside when it leases the office space to new tenants.

Apart from the developments along Shenton Way, Channel NewsAsia understands that OUE will also refurbish the shopping mall at One Raffles Place.

Renovation work could start at the end of the year and it is expected to cost over S$40 million.

- CNA/cc


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1216664/1/.html

Some pics I took of Chinatown Point.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/392314_10151129893612040_292961512_n.jpg

It seems Carrefour is closing for good.


Carrefour to close Singapore outlets by year-end
By TODAY | Posted: 28 August 2012 1225 hrs

SINGAPORE: Hypermarket chain Carrefour has announced that it plans to close both its local outlets -- at Suntec City Mall and Plaza Singapura -- by the end of 2012.

In a press release dated Tuesday morning, the company said: "Carrefour Singapore announces the decision to close its Suntec and Plaza Singapura stores before end of 2012, since expansion and growth perspectives do not allow reaching a leadership position in the medium and long term."

The French company, which opened its first store in Singapore in 1997, had previously said in 2010 that it would leave Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai markets.

In November 2010, it sold its operations in Thailand - where it had 42 stores including 34 hypermarkets - to Thai chain Big C, for an enterprise value of 868 million euros (S$1.36 billion).

But in the same month, it put off plans of selling its stores in Singapore and Malaysia, saying it was confident of creating more value single-handedly in Malaysia and Singapore in the medium and long term, rather than by disposing of those properties.

Then-chief executive of the Carrefour group Lars Olofsson said at that point that the two countries would become more significant contributors to the company's overall business.

However, other reports claimed that Carrefour had cancelled plans to sell its Malaysia and Singapore assets after the designed sale did not attract expected bids.

In 2009, Asia accounted for 7.9 per cent of Carrefour's sales of 85.9 billion euros. Carrefour's two outlets in Singapore contributed 85 million euros in revenue that year, according to its annual report.

- TODAY


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1222532/1/.html

Here is TODAY's article on the closure of Carrefour. Giant is expected to take over the 2 sites.

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Suntec's response to Carrefour's withdrawal.


Suntec REIT "in no rush" to lease out Carrefour's space
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 30 August 2012 2128 hrs

SINGAPORE: Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust told Channel NewsAsia that it is in no rush to lease out space which will be vacated by Carrefour at Suntec City.

Suntec REIT which owns the shopping mall said that's because the area will be undergoing a major revamp in early 2013.

Carrefour hypermarket will be checking out of Suntec City by year-end.

It currently occupies about 140,000 square feet of net lettable space at the mall and Suntec REIT said there's no hurry to sign on new tenants when Carrefour leaves.

Suntec City is undergoing a S$410 million revamp.

The trust said areas occupied by Carrefour, the Rock Auditorium, Eng Wah cinemas and NUSS Clubhouse will also be vacated early next year to make way for new entertainment and lifestyle offerings, including a new cineplex.

Phase Two of the renovation works is expected to be completed by end-2013.

Analysts said Suntec City should play to its strengths in its efforts to remake itself.

Chua Yang Liang, head of Research, South East Asia, Jones Lang LaSalle, said: "Your working day population in the area, what are their needs? I think that is usually almost a forgotten catchment."

Experts added that the landlord could also divide the large premises into smaller units to enjoy higher rentals.

Nicholas Mak, executive director, SLP International Property Consultants, said: "However, the downside is that they now have many tenants to manage and there is also a vacancy risk.

"On the other hand, they could rent out the entire space to one or two anchor tenants. The rental that they are going to get on a per square foot basis will be lower, but they will not need to carve out the space and lose some space to corridors or circulation area."

Market watchers said nearly two million square feet of new retail space will come on stream in Singapore next year, with the majority of them located in suburban areas.

And they will put some pressure on older malls which may need a facelift in order to stay competitive.

Overall, analysts expect the retail sector to remain fairly stable this year, with rentals seeing a marginal decline of about 1 to 2 per cent on average.

As of the end of the second quarter, vacancy rate for retail properties island-wide stood at around 5 per cent.

- CNA/cc


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1223069/1/.html

It seems that IMM is going to have some renovation.


IMM mall undergoing $30m renovation
06 September 12 | The Straits Times
by Amanda Tan

THE IMM mall in Jurong is undergoing a $30 million year-long renovation that will turn it into Singapore's largest outlet centre, where brand-name items can be had at a discount.

The works, including reconfiguring units, started in May and are being carried out in phases so shoppers can still patronise it. It is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

It will eventually host 40 to 50 of what are termed outlet stores from the 15 now. These shops sell items from popular brands for less and typically carry past-season items at lower prices.

New brands coming on board include Billabong, adidas, Converse, ECCO, City Chain and Premier Football Outlet. These are in addition to the current ones such as Esprit, Timberland, Picket & Rail and Samsonite.

The 20-year-old mall's anchor tenants include Giant, Daiso and Best Denki, which have been there for several years. There will also be some non-outlet stores.

The upgraded mall will offer plenty of choice to Jurong East residents, what with the new JCube mall nearby and the upcoming Jem and Westgate centres. It is also across the road from the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, which is under construction.

IMM general manager Callie Yah told The Straits Times yesterday: The re-positioning of IMM complements the other CapitaMalls shopping malls in Jurong.

CapitaMalls Asia manages IMM, JCube, which focuses on entertainment and caters to the younger set with its ice-skating rink, and the upcoming family and lifestyle Westgate mall.

People looking for home and furnishing shops - these have been major tenants at the mall for years - will still find the 50 or so stores in the existing section called I'MM Home.

The mall earlier undertook a $92.5 million revamp that was completed in 2007. This involved adding a retail block and rooftop landscaped plaza, among other things.

Property experts said the refurbished IMM will add to the diverse mix of properties in the Jurong Lake District, which is envisioned to be the biggest commercial hub outside the city centre with homes, hotels, shops and offices.

Such a concept has potential to succeed, said SLP International head of research Nicholas Mak, but it must offer rents 20 to 25 per cent lower than those at nearby malls like Jem.

Mr Mak said this is because the stores will be selling off-season stock that is cheaper and may take a while to move, and such shops also often require a large space.

For it to work you need the space, the number of stores and the size of each. The mall must offer a variety of products and the tenant mix must be right, he added.

It will be a destination mall, where people visit for a specific reason, Mr Mak noted. Square Foot Research director Ooi Yi Tung said the mall's unique position can be a benefit.

CapitaMalls, which manages several malls in the area, has an advantage as they can use product differentiation to minimise cannibalisation and increase overall income.

tamanda@sph.com.sg


source: http://www.asiabuilders.com/asiabuilders2011/NewsSingle.aspx?rec_code=93655&ind_ctry_code=conSG

Here is some pictures I took of Bedok Mall.

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Rendering of the new canopy above the pedestrian street at China Square Central

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Some pics I took of Chinatown Point. It could be finished by the end of the year.

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Some pics I took of the site of the future Bedok Mall.

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Some pics I took of the future Bedok Mall.

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Some pics I took of Suntec City. It is undergoing some upgrading. Giant has taken over the first floor where Carrefour used to be.

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^^I wonder if Giant will be able to survive in Suntec. It didnt when it was in Marina Square....

^^I wonder if Giant will be able to survive in Suntec. It didnt when it was in Marina Square....

Hopefully, they will do well. If not, maybe someone new could come in like AEON or TESCO. :)

Some pics I took of Chinatown Point.

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http://www.suntecreit.com/admin/dir/2011103107102531Oct11%20Suntec%20REIT%20Announces%20Remaking%20of%20Suntec%20City-%20Presentation%20Slides.pdf
The plan for Suntec Renovation, the new cineplex...looks confusing whether it's expanding Eng Wah Cinema to a bigger one or replace the current cinema that still looks new...

^^ Nice!! At least we know what to expect for the redevelopment of Suntec City.

Rock Audi is leaving soon shops beside them are closed and the cinema will be closed too...if the current cinema is replaced by the new cineplex..wow Eng Wah is making a loss for the new cinema that renovated 1 year ago

^^ I guess things like this happens. Could be Filmgarde taking over. :)

Unlikely Filmgarde taking over.... they may be expanding the space for the cinema for EW because unlikely Suntec ask them to close down their still look new cinema and move to new space.

^^ You have a point. I think Eng Wah would just expand to the new cineplex.

As the plan stated 6 halls added.

^^ That would mean that together with the current 5 that they have, they would have 11 halls. Wow, that is a lot.

^^ But it still doesn't have a major draw card imo now that both Tower Records and Carrefour have gone? There's nothing there that cannot be found in other malls.

^^ Exactly. I was hoping Tesco or Jusco would try to enter the Singapore market with the departure of Carrefour but I guess it is not happening. Instead, it is being replaced by Giant and Cold Storage.

Not say a lot but a 11 halls cinema is already like Lido size but i think the cinema lobby will be separated into two or EW shift their counter and make the waiting space bigger to put more beanbags :) :)

I think GV Marina should close liao somehow i find Suntec is better than Marina Square's cinema in terms of the seats and sound system

Some pics I took of Chinatown Point.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561573_10151307990317040_1110289589_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/16196_10151307990647040_1836150284_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215906_10151307990697040_1617494835_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215906_10151307990697040_1617494835_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/1005_10151307990757040_130800380_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/534144_10151307991007040_566264562_n.jpg

the main problem is that the zone where Eng Wah is in is at the far end of the mall after most of the stores the shopper profile tend to visit, eg toys and electronics, and after a row of kiosk-like stores that are mostly unoccupied. it is not exactly accessible unless you are coming from Promenade, which is not really common. most will just end up going to GV at Marina Square which has a more concentrated retail mix without requiring long walks.

Recently been to IMM and the entire lvl1 is under renovation. Giant seems to have become smaller. Posted some photos of the under-renovation lvl 1 at http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/christmas-at-imm-2012/ (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/christmas-at-imm-2012/)

^^ yup there is major refurbishment going on in order to better position IMM among CapitaLand's stable of three malls in the area. their plan is to ramp up the number of outlet stores from 15 to 50 and make it a destination mall for off season merchandise. Giant is going to take a big hit in traffic anyway with JEM's FairPrice Xtra and Isetan's supermarket right next to the station.

That's why Suntec is renovating to mix up tenants to be more concentrated...

Recently been to IMM and the entire lvl1 is under renovation. Giant seems to have become smaller. Posted some photos of the under-renovation lvl 1 at http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/christmas-at-imm-2012/ (http://jieshun.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/christmas-at-imm-2012/)

And Popeye's will open an outlet at IMM, finally a Popeye's in the west!

And Popeye's will open an outlet at IMM, finally a Popeye's in the west!

I am hoping that Popeye's will open an outlet at Clementi too..

I am hoping that Popeye's will open an outlet at Clementi too..

More than likely, it could be at the new Empress Place. :)

Hope so....EW must plan well to put tenants that is not exist in Clementi....

Hopefully, they will do well. If not, maybe someone new could come in like AEON or TESCO. :)
Unlikely. Didn't the papers report that AEON and TESCO did look at the Carrefour Asia/Singapore purchase, but abandoned it due to grim growth prospects in the hypermarket sector?

2013 maybe EW's good and bad year....Suntec cinema will close for the phase 2 renovation and end 2013 Empress starts operation...Any updates for the Phase 1 in Suntec?

I am hoping that Popeye's will open an outlet at Clementi too..

Popeye's is opening at 313 Somerset i think...

Some pics I took of Marina Square, which is undergoing a redevelopment.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/63786_10151348671327040_1375169760_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/63786_10151348671327040_1375169760_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/15647_10151348671347040_330502596_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/15647_10151348671347040_330502596_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/547543_10151348671387040_975031680_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/547543_10151348671387040_975031680_n.jpg

Some pics I took of Suntec City today.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12563_10151348671732040_536814228_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12563_10151348671732040_536814228_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540343_10151348671682040_1368316696_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/16782_10151348671802040_1279411595_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/16782_10151348671802040_1279411595_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/602945_10151348671862040_1135366140_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/602945_10151348671862040_1135366140_n.jpg

Phase 2 starting soon.... 2013

News on the newly refurbished Chinatown Point.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/r270/537290_10151383105507040_1296961061_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/r270/537290_10151383105507040_1296961061_n.jpg

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1249504/1/.html
Suntec REIT reports 6.2% fall in Q4 DPU
Posted: 22 January 2013 2103 hrs

SINGAPORE : Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (Suntec REIT) has reported a 6.2 per cent on-year decline in distribution per unit at 2.326 cents for the fourth quarter of 2012.

In a statement, ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited, manager of Suntec REIT, said its income available for distribution fell 5.3 per cent on-year to S$52.39 million in the fourth quarter.

It added that fourth-quarter gross revenue and net property income also came in lower than the previous year.

ARA Trust Management attributes the decline to the closure of Suntec Singapore, and Suntec City Mall (Phase 1) for the asset enhancement works and the divestment of CHIJMES.

For the fourth quarter of 2012, Suntec REIT recorded a gross revenue of S$55 million, down 31.3 per cent from the previous year.

Net property income for the quarter was S$30.55 million, a fall of 41.3 per cent on-year.

For the full year, the income available for distribution for Suntec REIT was down 3.5 per cent to S$213 million, compared to FY2011.

Meanwhile, its distribution per unit for FY2012 was 9.490 cents, a 4.5 per cent drop from the previous year.

Looking ahead, ARA Trust Management said the works on Phase 1 of the asset enhancement initiative (AEI) for Suntec City is on track and due to be completed by the second quarter of 2013.

Yeo See Kiat, chief executive officer of ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited, said: "To date, we have achieved a pre-commitment of about 83 per cent in respect of Suntec REIT's Phase 1 NLA (net lettable area).

"We are also about to embark on Phase 2 of the AEI in March 2013 and we are pleased to report that 37 per cent of Phase 2 NLA has been pre-committed even before we commence works.

"Based on our leasing progress to date, our projected rental enhancement and return on investment of 10.1 per cent are on track."

Mr Yeo also shared that Golden Village will be setting up a 60,000 square feet, 11-screen multiplex in Phase 2 of the new Suntec City, which will include a three-screen Gold Class theatre.

Other brands that have signed up to lease space under Phase 1 of the new Suntec City include Lush, Smile Inc, Smoothie King, Popeyes, HABA and Yankee Candle.

- CNA/ms

Greats....GV.. gonna get sick of it....

News related to Chinatown Point.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398116_10151437819717040_215102534_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398116_10151437819717040_215102534_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

Source:http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130205-400252.html
16-year-old Eastpoint Mall to get makeover
Upgrading long overdue, say experts; some upset by 18-month closure. -ST
Melody Zaccheus

Thu, Feb 07, 2013
The Straits Times

SINGAPORE - Eastpoint Mall, the stalwart of Simei estate for the past 16 years, will be getting a major makeover to better serve the burgeoning community there.

The rundown six-storey mall will close for 18 months after Chinese New Year for extensive renovation works.

Property analysts told The Straits Times that the upgrading works have been a long time coming. Flanked by the new Double Bay Residences and upcoming My Manhattan projects, the mall, a relic of the 1990s, is in dire need of rejuvenation.

"A mall must be refreshed every five to 10 years," said Mr Nicholas Mak, head of research and consultancy at SLP International. He said he believes the new management is preparing for potential patrons from upcoming condominium projects in Tanah Merah and competition from Bedok Residences, a residential-retail centre that will be ready in 2015.

He said the soon-to-be refurbished mall, with its prime location next to Simei MRT station, has the potential to do well and breathe new life into the estate.

The mall, which is owned by NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative and has been managed since last year by Frasers Centrepoint, will retain its current structure of six storeys and a basement.

A Frasers Centrepoint spokesman said the aim is to modernise the mall's facade and improve its facilities. She said: "With the growing number of residential offerings in the area surrounding Eastpoint Mall, we are committed to providing the surrounding community with a mall that they will enjoy visiting, and that also caters to their needs and wants."

She added that the upgraded mall will offer "refreshing retail concepts, more F&B choices and improved amenities".

Tenants, meanwhile, were split on the need for an overhaul.

"I believe it would have been better if construction work was carried out in phases, without having us all leave simultaneously for an extended period of time," said Mr Andy Ang, 50, the owner of a watch shop.

But Madam Eileen Yeo, 56, a sales manager at a clothes shop, said she could see why there was an urgent need for a revamp. "Toilets have been flooding and the lifts have been malfunctioning for some time now," she said.

In April last year, 13 people, including seven children, were trapped in a lift at the mall for almost an hour.

The mall, which has had vacant shops for several years now, may also be a turn-off for new shoppers, as the numerous shuttered store fronts could be perceived as a sign of an ageing and irrelevant mall, said property analyst Mr Mak.

Mr Stephen See, 53, the owner of Christian bookstore True Vine, said he is taking the news in his stride, having made plans to move to Lucky Plaza.

"I'm sad to lose my regular customers from the Simei estate and hope to move back when the new mall is ready," he said.

It is the same for hair and beauty salon The Hair Secret, as well as language centres Morris Allen and Tien Hsia, whose staff said they would like to be a part of the refurbished mall.

"We've become a part of residents' lives as they are used to coming to us after work, for massages, pedicures and other beauty treatments, so we'd like to be here when the new mall opens," said Madam Dolly Goh, 57, a manager at The Hair Secret.

The Frasers Centrepoint spokesman said it is working with tenants on arrangements to help them through the upgrading period. She did not elaborate further.

But the efforts have come too late for at least three tenants, who told The Straits Times that they had signed one-year leases and pumped in tens of thousands of dollars into renovating their shops.

Said Ms Joy Seah, 56, the owner of Christian library Life Bookroom and a first-time entrepreneur, as she packed away the last few books on her shelves: "We're disappointed that we've been shut down just as we were beginning to build brand awareness. Our life savings were tied up with the bookstore and we've no money to go elsewhere. We were really banking on this to work."

Meanwhile, shoppers said they will head to nearby malls at Tampines to do their shopping.

They hope that prices at the refurbished mall will stay reasonable. Housewife Carol Tan, 48, said the mall should preferably cater to everyone in the family.

Said Mrs Tan: "Everything should be under one roof, from entertainment options such as a movie theatre for my kids, to enough shopping and F&B outlets for everyone in the family."

Source: http://stcommunities.straitstimes.com/movies/2013/02/06/eng-wahs-we-cinemas-move-out-west-mall-and-will-do-same-suntec-city

Source: http://stcommunities.straitstimes.com/movies/2013/02/06/eng-wahs-we-cinemas-move-out-west-mall-and-will-do-same-suntec-city

Eng Wah's WE Cinemas move out of West Mall and will do the same at Suntec City
By Rachael Boon

Cinema chain WE Cinemas, owned by The Eng Wah Group, is giving up two locations - in West Mall and Suntec City Mall - to Cathay Cineplexes and Golden Village, respectively.

Cathay Cineplex West Mall opens on Thursday. The six-screen, 1,100-seat multiplex, which cost $6.5 million, is Cathay's sixth outlet here.

Major operator Golden Village says that it will take over the space in Suntec City Mall, currently occupied by WE. Renovations will start in the middle of this year.

WE Cinemas sales and marketing director Vivien Ong says the move out of West Mall was a business decision. The chain is looking "at various opportunities and new locations", she adds.

With Cathay's takeover of the West Mall cineplex, Eng Wah has only one location at Suntec City Mall, with five screens and 1,072 seats. This is down from its 26 cinema screens and more than 5,300-seats in 2007.

In December 2010, Life! reported that Eng Wah planned to open at Empress Square in Clementi. That project was then touted as their biggest cineplex yet, with 10 halls and 1,300 seats. With a reported $10 million budget, it was slated to open this year (2013).

When asked about Empress Square and whether the group will still continue with its cinema business, Ms Ong's e-mailed response was only this: "We'll release details when the time arises."

^^ Well, let's hope that WE Cinemas decide to open a cinema in Bedok. :)

^^ Well, let's hope that WE Cinemas decide to open a cinema in Bedok. :)

Sengkang the next. I hope... Bedok, Hougang & Bukit Panjang , one north and Sentosa(I guess can)

Some pics I took of Suntec City today.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/6723_10151467062947040_585318438_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/404386_10151467063032040_1554780455_n.jpg

Taken today:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8560428445_92caec5e2d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8560428445/)
Suntec City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8560428445/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8561555374_72731a7c87_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8561555374/)
Suntec Convention Center (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8561555374/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

^^ Thanks for the update on the progress. The upgrading is going well from the looks of things. When is it due to be completed?

^^They still got a long way to go. It should be completed in 2015:)

wut another two years of tech shows at Expo? please kill me.

wut another two years of tech shows at Expo? please kill me.

Actually, it is Marina Bay Sands and Expo. :lol:

Judging by the lower crowd levels, I believe the various organisers will go back to expo

^^ That is more to do with the economy than anything else. Besides, I remember reading somewhere that The IT Show would be held in MBS for 2 years.

A pic I took of Suntec today:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8577381516_c34a66167b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8577381516/)
Makeover update - Suntec City(21/03/2013) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8577381516/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

^^ Thanks for the update. I guess Phase 1 of the upgrading will be done by this year.

^^Yup. The Galleria zone will open in May:)

^^ That is good to know. Thanks for the info. :)

Source:http://www.divaasia.com/article/20630

Sun, Mar 24, 2013
ST Urban
High-end brands set up outlet stores at IMM

by Leslie Kay Lim

A slew of popular brands is making its way into the outlet scene in Singapore. Agnes b., Banana Republic, Coach, Marella and Sacoor Brothers are among new labels that have set up shop in IMM in the last few months, either with stand-alone stores or as part of multi-label outlets.

This is the first time these brands, most of which occupy the segment between high street and high fashion, are selling their merchandise in Singapore via factory outlet stores.

The influx is part of IMM's strategy to rebrand itself as Singapore's biggest outlet mall. It is at the tail end of a year-long, $30 million revamp that began in May last year.

It currently houses 39 outlet stores and will have 50 in May, when the renovation is scheduled to be completed.

Mr Chew Hock Chye, IMM's general manager, says: "Outlet stores combine the two loves of Singaporeans - shopping and good value. They offer people the convenience of outlet shopping without them having to leave the country."

He declines to give figures but says the stores have helped to draw traffic. IMM's unique positioning as an outlet mall, he adds, complements the nearby JCube and upcoming Westgate mall - all three are operated by CapitaMalls Asia.

Before IMM, Anchorpoint and Changi City Point, both operated by Frasers Centrepoint Malls, were the main players in the outlet scene here, with eight and 14 outlet stores respectively.

However, they feature mostly mass retailers, such as Charles & Keith, Cotton On, Fox and Giordano, whose products already start at low prices. Frasers Centrepoint Malls declines to give details on its brand selection and how these stores have fared.

IMM, in comparison, offers more covetable brands such as Agnes b., Coach, DSquared2 and Max Mara.

The other nearest outlet mall offering similar labels is in Malaysia - the Johor Premium Outlets, which opened in December 2011.

Brands at IMM say they were offered the right opportunity at the right time to open their first outlet shops in Singapore.

French label Agnes b. opened its first outlet branch here two weeks ago. The 2,000 sq ft shop offers merchandise from two seasons ago, as well as clothing and accessories exclusive to its outlet stores. Discounts range from 30 to 70 per cent off retail prices.

Mr Felix Siow, brand manager of Agnes b. Singapore, says the label already had plans to open an outlet store here last year. "We felt that there was potential, judging from the good response to our bazaar sales."

IMM, he says, offers the ideal space, location and crowd.

He does not want to give figures but says sales in the past two weeks have been within expectations, with bags from the Voyage line and small leather goods being the bestsellers.

The factory outlet business, however, is a sensitive topic for some labels.

Coach, the popular American bag brand, opened a pop-up factory outlet store in IMM last October but declines to comment for this story. Bags and other leather goods for men and women that used to retail at about $200 to $1,000 are now going for 20 to 50 per cent off. The shop has a year-long lease on the space.

While regular leases at IMM run for three years, both Coach and IMM have declined to comment on their lease agreement. But Urban understands that the Coach store has reserved the space for one year.

The Kwang Sia group, which distributes Marella, Max & Co, Max Mara and DSquared2 in Singapore, opened a store in the mall in January.

Under the store name The Sale Shop, the group sells merchandise from up to three years ago at prices 60 to 80 per cent less.

Kwang Sia signed up for only two months when the space became available for a short time, so its store will close at the end of this month.

Another outlet store is slated to occupy the space when Kwang Sia leaves, but IMM cannot name the retailer as the deal has not been inked.

American brands Gap, Banana Republic and Guess are selling past-season stocks at up to 70 per cent off at the FJB Outlet, which opened in January. The FJ Benjamin Group distributes the labels here.

Mr Richard Gan, marketing executive of Gap and Banana Republic, says: "We have used other avenues, such as off-site sales, to clear inventory. While these have been effective, we wanted to offer our customers a better and more conventional format."

More brands, including British label French Connection and French fashion brands Naf Naf and Tila March, will come on board within the next two months.

The brands will be available at a multi-label outlet shop called La Boutique, which will be operated by local distributor Kai Yan.

Retail experts say the demand for outlet stores here will grow as more Singaporeans travel and become used to scooping up bargains at factory outlets overseas.

However, the lack of space in crowded Singapore may prove to be a problem, says Dr Lynda Wee, an adjunct associate professor in retailing at Nanyang Technological University's Nanyang Business School.

"Outlet malls require large spaces and relatively cheaper rentals. They operate on low margins and get together with other brands to offer families the option of a shopping destination," she says.

The alternative, therefore, is to find more remote locations for these malls. "They are excellent for drawing shoppers, thereby generating crowds for developing a township," she adds.

But Ms Sarah Lim, a senior retail lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, cautions that outlet malls have to be mindful of their overall presentation and offerings.

"Otherwise, they may just be perceived as a dumping ground for products. This will tarnish the image and goodwill of the retailers as well as the mall."

llim@sph.com.sg

Source:http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130322-410504/2.html
Bras Basah makeover: New look, same great contents
http://news.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/03Mar13/20130322.113102_brasbe.jpg
By Sue-Ann Tan & Cheng Jingjie
The Straits Times
Sunday, Mar 24, 2013

The Bras Basah Complex, Singapore's "City of Books", is getting a facelift, but the unique contents within will remain.

"Only the exterior will change. What we sell here is the same. It will still keep its essence as a cultural book city," explained Mr Kwek Boon Watt, chairman of the Bras Basah Complex Merchants' Association.

The complex's makeover, its first since opening in 1980, is to catch up with its modern neighbours such as Bugis Junction and the National Library Building - and hopefully draw a younger crowd.

Mr Kwek said business has fallen. "Bookstores have closed as this tech-savvy generation reads less. The facilities here are lacking and they would rather go to newer shopping malls," he said.

Chinese language bookstore Xinhua Cultural Enterprises has seen its business halve in the last three years, according to its managing director, Mr Yeo Shang Cai.

The renovation, which started two months ago and is expected to cost around $8 million, includes LED lights on the complex's facade and a central staircase linking all its five floors.

Toilets will be upgraded and corridor shelters added to keep floors dry when it rains.

The shops will operate as usual. The first of the renovation's two phases is expected to be completed early next year.

It is about time, say most shop owners, who are co-funding the work with the Housing Board.

"Our customers are young people looking for musical instruments," said Ms Yeo Lui Lui, store manager of Swee Lee Company, which has been in the complex since it opened. "The upgrading will attract the younger crowd, which is good for our business."

The owner of the popular optical shop Kwong Shin, Ms Annie Lam, agreed. She said: "This building is outdated to young people. Renovation will beautify this place."

But the owner of Bras Basah's newest tenant, indie books and crafts store Cat Socrates, has reservations.


Cat Socrates rents the space from a landlord.

"The rent may be higher after upgrading. Also, construction work within the building may drive customers away," said Ms Helen Jiang, Cat Socrates' owner.

Some prefer the complex to retain its nostalgic quality.

Said student Dion Bangun, 18, who goes there regularly to buy guitar strings and instruments: "It is good to renovate, but I'd rather it maintains its traditional look. There are few other places in Singapore like this now."

In the complex's heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, students from nearby schools often gathered there to hang out and buy books.

Crowds flocked to the complex for concerts by popular artistes such as Chinese singer Eric Moo.

The makeover will also close a chapter in the life of administrative officer Jennifer Lim, 40, whose parents owned a cassette store there in the 1990s.

"To view this place with a new facade makes me feel like I am of a past era, and the familiar feeling I get when I walk down the corridors that used to be my second home will be just a memory," she said. "The place will become a whole new one, with new memories for a new generation."

suetan@sph.com.sg

jingjie@sph.com.sg

News on new guidelines by URA regarding the minimum size for shops.


URA issues guidelines for shop sizes in new developments
Posted: 26 March 2013 1511 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has come out with a set of guidelines for shoebox shops in all new developments with retail floor area. A minimum average retail unit size and minimum corridor widths are required.

In a blog post, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the guidelines were done in consultation with industry players and said that the guidelines take a fair, balanced approach.

They give developers and architects the flexibility to propose a suitable mix of larger and smaller shops for their developments.

At the same time, they benefit shoppers and retailers, ensuring that all new developments have a good mix of shops and incorporate the latest Universal Design principles to accommodate all shoppers -- including families with strollers and wheelchair users.

Mr Khaw said there is concern that developers want to build mainly shoebox shops, some that are smaller than a car park lot.

Recently, a number of developers who have pushed for shoebox apartments and factories have turned their attention to push for shoebox shops.

The URA has received applications from them proposing to build malls featuring mainly shoebox shops, with sizes as small as nine square metres. At nine sqm, the shop will be even smaller than a car park lot.

Mr Khaw said in many cases, the number of proposed shops in their proposed redevelopments will end up more than 10 times the number of shops in the original malls.

He said small shops have a place in Singapore's retail landscape as these support entrepreneurs and cater to certain trades, such as stationery shops, florists and moneychangers.

But when these are the predominant shop type in a shopping mall, URA has to be concerned about the viability of these shops and the shopping experience of the customers.

He said industry stakeholders, including the Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Architects, shared the URA's concerns as well.

-CNA/ac


CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1262417/1/.html)

^^ More details of the guidelines in TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521306_10151536174227040_2067479054_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521306_10151536174227040_2067479054_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526897_10151536174237040_470592875_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526897_10151536174237040_470592875_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

Here is another article about the new regulations.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/883785_10151536396992040_589062277_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/883785_10151536396992040_589062277_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/553166_10151536397037040_1329348273_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/553166_10151536397037040_1329348273_n.jpg

source: MyPaper (mypaper.sg)

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore/marina-square-set-for-s-95m-makeover/641750.htmlMarina Square set for S$95m makeover
POSTED: 17 Apr 2013 10:08 PM

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/641782/1366207662000/large16x9/768/432/marina-square.png

SINGAPORE: Marina Square Shopping Mall will undergo a S$95 million makeover with a new gourmet wing due to open in June 2013.

The S$15 million "The Dining Edition", which spans 50,000 square feet, will feature 16 new food and beverage outlets. Its landlord Marina Centre Holdings says it has secured 14 tenants for its new dining wing.

The next phase of the redevelopment will feature a new 200,000 sq feet mall which is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The new retail wing will be constructed at a cost of S$80 million.

Chan Yiew Mei, general manager of Marina Centre Holdings, said: "We made a strategic decision to redevelop the Southern Plaza, where the fountain and the steps are. Basically it will yield us 200 metres of prime frontage on prime land that is going to embrace the bay.

"That is going to get us a bit more engagement with what is happening on the ground, with all the events like F1 and chingay parades."

- CNA/ac

A picture of the model from Straits Times website:
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/MarinaRevamp1704e.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/money/story/marina-square-get-face-lift-new-gourmet-plaza-and-more-retail-space-201304

^^ From the looks of the render, the open air steps will be removed and the mall will be extended to where the steps currently is.

News from mypaper regarding Marina Square.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/537072_10151570374462040_1407395011_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/537072_10151570374462040_1407395011_n.jpg

source: mypaper (www.mypaper.sg)

News from 90 cents.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/164653_10151570404102040_1723449076_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/164653_10151570404102040_1723449076_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/15089_10151570404037040_1668681406_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/15089_10151570404037040_1668681406_n.jpg

source: The Straits Times (www.straitstimes.com)

Thanks for the articles:) I always wondered why they didn't maximize the use of their frontage along the bay. I assume DP is the architect for this project?

Thanks for the articles:) I always wondered why they didn't maximize the use of their frontage along the bay. I assume DP is the architect for this project?
I would think it's because the original Esplanade Theatres project (which was supposed to be a lot grander and bolder) was supposed to obliterate Marina Square's waterfront advantage.

Thanks for the articles:) I always wondered why they didn't maximize the use of their frontage along the bay. I assume DP is the architect for this project?

Because John Portman is the concept architect behind the project, DP was only a local submission architect / SOR like many of their projects. John Portman being famous for "inventing" the atrium, internalising public areas, and design buildings that are amazing on the inside but has not relationship whatsoever with the streets and surrounding public space.

News from TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/644483_10151573384142040_1063540653_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/644483_10151573384142040_1063540653_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

The Seletar Mall slated to open on December 2014

Singapore Business Review – Thu, Apr 11, 2013 2:04 PM SGT


Find out what it has to offer shoppers.
According to a release, The Seletar Mall, the latest suburban lifestyle hub in the North-East, will welcome shoppers into its modern and chic premises by December 2014, in time for festive celebrations next year.
The mall is developed by The Seletar Mall Pte Ltd, a joint venture company between Singapore Press Holdings (70%) and United Engineers Limited (30%).
Strategic Location and Strong Catchment
The Seletar Mall is nestled at the junction of Sengkang West Avenue and Fernvale Road. It is also linked to the Sengkang North East Line (NEL) MRT/LRT station and Sengkang bus interchange.
For those who drive, the mall is accessible via two main expressways, namely Tampines Expressway (TPE) and Central Expressway (CTE). There are 390 car park lots available from basements three to five. The driveway, ramp, and car park lots are designed with widths wider than the norm.
The one stop shopping, dining and entertainment destination will serve existing and new residents living in HDB Built-To-Order flats, private condominiums and landed properties at the Seletar estate. It will also cater to 747,000 residents and a working population of 47,000 within 5 km, including Sengkang, Hougang, Punggol, Serangoon and Ang Mo Kio, the Seletar Aerospace Park and Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park.
With a net lettable area of 188,000 sq ft, The Seletar Mall comprises four shopping levels above ground plus two basement levels.
The attractive list of key anchor tenants includes a Cineplex at level four, a food court with a wide array of local delights at level three, exciting anchor retail shops at levels one to three and a good-sized supermarket at basement two.
With the eclectic mix of retail, dining and lifestyle options, shoppers and diners will be spoilt for choice.

Taken yesterday:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8680738918_114a43d212_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8680738918/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8680738918/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

Suntec City
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8113/8679629367_b900214011_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8679629367/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8679629367/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

News from TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/71401_10151582737412040_317952988_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/71401_10151582737412040_317952988_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

News from TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/551552_10151582737737040_1186790822_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/551552_10151582737737040_1186790822_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

H&M in Singapore expansion

Swedish fashion retailer H&M is to add three new stores in Singapore.

The first store will open on May 29 at Jem shopping mall in Jurong, to be followed with another on June 20 at VivoCity in Harbourfront Walk. H&M is also slated to open a store at Suntec City on Temasek Boulevard also in June.

The Jem store will span 17,000 sqft while the VivoCity and Suntec City stores will measure 15,000 sqft and 20,000 sqft, respectively.

The three new stores will carry the brand's ranges for men, women, teenagers and children.

H&M currently operates two stores in Orchard Rd. At 30,000 sqft, its flagship store at Orchard Building will remain its largest.

http://www.insideretail.asia/InsideRetailAsia/IRNews/HM-in-Singapore-expansion-8208.aspx

^^ I knew this for a while, but was under embargo.

Personally, I feel H&M is getting a little boring, to be honest. Outside of its designer collaborations in March and November, there's little that really appeals to me... which is unlike a Topman or UNIQLO store, where I feel like each time I walk in, there's something that really attracts my attention.

^^Where in Vivo? The space where National Geographic was?

No, I think its the Desigual store

News from 90 cents yesterday.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/945021_10151620179247040_1065987898_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/945021_10151620179247040_1065987898_n.jpg

source: The Straits Times (www.straitstimes.com)