The ageing Specialists' Shopping Centre along Orchard Road could finally make way for a new project under proposals to redevelop the site together with the former Glutton's Square plot next door, say sources.

Business Times - 05 Jun 2006

Specialists' Centre to finally go?

Clearer picture seen emerging after award of Somerset Central site

By RASHIWALA

KALPANA (SINGAPORE) The ageing Specialists' Shopping Centre along Orchard Road could finally make way for a new project under proposals to redevelop the site together with the former Glutton's Square plot next door, say sources.

BT understands that the proposals are still being discussed between OCBC Bank, which owns Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix behind it, and Far East Organization, which clinched the former Glutton's Square site at a state tender in January.

'One possibility is OCBC could just contribute its Specialists' site into a joint venture that could develop this site together with Glutton's Square without having to put any cash for the construction. In exchange, the bank gets to hold a stake in the enlarged redevelopment scheme equivalent to the value of its site,' said a market observer.

Originally, OCBC had been talking about a need to merely refurbish Specialists' Centre - which is more than 30 years old - in conjunction with new developments at adjacent plots. Such an approach is favoured by some quarters in the bank who have some sentimental attachment to Specialists' Centre, BT understands. As well, a redevelopment scheme would at best see retention rather than an enhancement of the building's existing gross floor area going by current guidelines - which somewhat reduces the incentive to redevelop.

However, sources say that given that Specialists' Centre is more than 30 years old, its layout and efficiency (ratio of net lettable area to gross floor area) are dated, so it would still make sense to redevelop.

Discussions between Far East and OCBC are likely to be finalised only after the award of another state site, dubbed Somerset Central, on the other side of Specialists' Centre. Part of this site, which is above Somerset MRT Station, is currently being used as a carpark. The tender for Somerset Central closes on Aug 16.

Far East is widely thought to have triggered the release of the Somerset Central plot, which was in the government's reserve list. However, it remains to be seen if it succeeds in clinching the 78,700 sq ft site when the state tender closes in about two months.

If it does, then the latest site will be included in a bigger redevelopment. If, however, another party clinches the plot, it remains to be seen how this affects an OCBC-Far East collaboration on their respective existing sites.

It also remains to be seen if OCBC and Far East agree on including Hotel Phoenix, which faces Somerset Road, in a redevelopment involving Specialists' Centre or if OCBC has to leave Hotel Phoenix standing and refurbish it separately.

Hotel Phoenix is safeguarded for hotel use by the authorities, which means that even if OCBC contributes the property for joint redevelopment with Specialists' Centre and the Glutton's Square site, it has to remain a hotel.

Some market watchers have also been speculating lately whether Far East will team up with Frasers Centrepoint to bid for the Somerest Central site given their recent successful partnership in clinching the Waterfront View residential site in Bedok.

OCBC holds an indirect interest of under 10 per cent in Frasers Centrepoint through the latter's listed parent, Fraser & Neave.

If Far East and Frasers Centrepoint team up again and win the Somerset Central site, it could make for an appropriate partnership involving OCBC, Frasers Centrepoint and Far East for the development of Glutton's Square, Somerset Central and Specialists' Centre - with or without Hotel Phoenix.

This will result in a sizeable retail project boasting prime linear frontage on Orchard Road and with an underground mall linked to Centrepoint Shopping Centre across the road.

A redevelopment of all three sites including Hotel Phoenix can yield a new project with a maximum gross floor area of about 1.3 million square feet based on current guidelines.

However, the developers may even be able to win rights for additional gross floor area from the Urban Redevelopment Authority under an incentive scheme to spur redevelopments on Orchard Road, say property analysts.

Retail market watchers say, however, that the completion of a new project may clash with the opening of Marina Bay Sands in 2009 which is expected to feature about one million sq ft of retail space and boast big new names like Saks Fifth Avenue.

Viewing things more positively, a retail market player says: 'While the jury is out on whether Marina Bay Sands integrated resort will overshadow Orchard Road as Singapore's prime tourist belt, it makes it all the more urgent for owners of ageing Orchard Road buildings like Specialists' Centre to wake up and do something - fast.'

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

The awful Orchard Shopping Centre (beside the new Somerset Central plot)should go as well

The awful Orchard Shopping Centre (beside the new Somerset Central plot)should go as well

Yeah they should combined into a megamall.....:yes:

Yeah they should combined into a megamall.....:yes:

and with skybridges flying above the roads? if URA approves that, IT WILL BE GREAT! =D a new shopping experience like Change alley? something different from ngee ann or paragon will be great :)

Anything is possible now......since they've not come up with the final design.....:D

I also don't like either Specialist and Orchard Shopping Centre... And they eat up all the pedestrian space which is quite narrow on both sides of the road at this place. I don't mind Hotel Phoenix (their logo is cool ^ ^ ). I think it's a good idea to redevelop the whole area ;-)

Orchard Shopping Centre is pathetic. And it carries 'Orchard' name. :(

20-storey block for Specialists' Centre site

28 Sep 06

Tange Associates' design exceeds URA height limit; special approval sought


(SINGAPORE) OCBC is poised to make a decision soon on redeveloping the ageing Specialists' Shopping Centre in Orchard Road, sources say - a move that will complete the rejuvenation of the area immediately around Somerset MRT Station.


Sources say retail tenants in the building - including Robinson group, which operates a John Little store - have been told to get ready to pack up by the middle of next year, as the bank prepares for various options, including complete redevelopment.

BT understands that OCBC has commissioned renowned architectural firm Tange Associates, which has come up with a design for a new project rising about 20 storeys on the Specialists' Centre site and Hotel Phoenix plot behind it.

The tower, which is said to front Orchard Road and which will house hotel rooms, will stand above a retail podium, sources say.

BT understands it will be business as usual for Specialists' Centre anchor tenant John Little, as operator Robinson group has made plans to move the outlet diagonally across the road to the former OG store's location. The retailer will lease the space from OG group's Tay family.

Some of the smaller tenants at Specialists' Centre are also scurrying to nearby locations. Some plan to move to Orchard Plaza, which is undergoing a $6 million refurbishment. The tired-looking building will get a new facade and an internal make-over including new escalators, lighting and fancy toilets

Far East Organization, the original developer, retains some shop units in Orchard Plaza's retail podium, giving it about 27 per cent of share value in the building.

Observers note that Tange Associates' proposed design for the freehold Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix site exceeds both the 16-storey height limit the Urban Redevelopment Authority has set for the area, as well as the maximum plot ratio - ratio of potential gross floor area to land area - allowed for the site.

However, the proposal stands a chance of being approved by URA if it receives a recommendation from the Orchard Road Development Commission (Ordec) - an inter-government agency group set up last year that has been empowered to allow new projects that deviate from current planning parameters.

But to be deemed worthy of Ordec's recommendation, proposals must create new, innovative buildings that will generate tourism and other economic spin-offs.

At 20 storeys, the proposed development will tower over neighbouring buildings planned on either side of the Specialists' Centre. Far East Organization is developing a 10-storey mall on the former Glutton's Square site, while Lend Lease is expected to build a mall up to six storeys high on the Somerset Central plot.

Industry observers reckon OCBC's proposed redevelopment scheme probably also involves a much higher plot ratio than the maximum 5.39 allowed for the site - inclusive of bonus plot ratio for proximity to MRT Station - under Master Plan 2003 or the estimated 6.62 already tapped based on Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix's existing GFA.

Property consultants say in such instances, URA would normally allow a new project to retain the existing GFA (based on 6.62 plot ratio in this case) even if it exceeds that allowed under the Master Plan. But BT understands Tange's scheme involves an even higher plot ratio - possibly of around 9.0.

The scheme assumes the bank will tear down both Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix and develop a new mall and hotel project on the site. The Hotel Phoenix site is safeguarded for hotel use by URA, which means any new project on the site must have a hotel component.

However, OCBC's plans are not cast in stone, sources suggest. 'If for instance, URA turns down Tange's scheme, the bank may decide to retain the hotel at the back and just do a massive refurbishment,' an industry observer said.

OCBC spokeswoman Koh Ching Ching said yesterday: 'We are certainly keen to consider all mutually beneficial possibilities which will help to strengthen Orchard Road's appeal as a major retail, commercial and entertainment belt.

'For our part, OCBC Bank intends to hold on to the Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix property for long-term investment. The property is in need of refurbishment and it may be appropriate to do so in conjunction with the new developments at the adjacent plots.'

By KALPANA RASHIWALA

OCBC probably needs to pay a some more for additional GFA.

20 floors is not that high. If the business proposal is good, URA will agree.

I think the height restriction could be the proximity of Istana, but I'm sure the building could be designed in a way to avoid facing directly at it.

The Scotts redevelopment initially had a height cap of 30-storeys, but its now proceeding at 43.

Seems like the plan to redevelop Specialist Centre will come true afterall...:yes:

Business Times - 06 Dec 2006

Robinson bags River Island's franchise for S'pore, M'sia

First outlets to open in VivoCity and Raffles City

ROBINSON has clinched the exclusive rights to market British fashion label River Island, as BT had reported earlier. The rights cover Singapore and Malaysia, the listed blue-chip retailer announced yesterday.

The first River Island outlet here, a more than 10,000-square-feet store, will open at VivoCity at the end of next month, with the second outlet of about 6,500 sq ft slated to open in Raffles City in May next year.

Robinson CEO John Cheston says the group plans to set up two or three River Island outlets in Malaysia by the end of next year. The target number of River Island stores in the next two to five years is about four or five stores in Singapore and probably four in Kuala Lumpur. Price points for the brand in both markets will be as close to parity with the UK as possible. 'Prices may be a little higher, but not significantly so,' he added.

BT's story in late September which reported the group clinching the River Island franchise had also said that Robinson is aiming to extend its Marks & Spencer (M&S) business and is expected to be awarded new franchise rights soon for Vietnam. 'But the icing on the cake could come later, if it succeeds in convincing UK-based Marks & Spencer plc to give it the franchise rights for at least part of the vast China market,' BT had reported then.

When asked yesterday about the M&S expansion plans in the two new markets, Mr Cheston said he had no update to give at this point.

In a news release issued yesterday, Mr Cheston said: 'The addition of River Island brings our portfolio of retail entities to six, which is double what we started with when we entered 2006.' The other five retail entities currently under Robinson's belt are Robinsons, John Little, Marks & Spencer, Principles and Trucco.

River Island, which is aimed at the 18-to-35-year-old market, will complement Robinson's existing retail businesses and further strengthen its foothold in the Singapore and Malaysia retail markets, Mr Cheston added.

River Island managing director Richard Bradbury said his company has found in Robinson a 'strong strategic partner that can support our expansion plans in Asia'. Founded 55 years ago, River Island currently has 210 stores in the UK and Ireland and 25 stores across the world. An 80-strong design team creates and designs all River Island products in-house, and the brand's success and popularity have been recognised in numerous high-profile consumer and industry awards.

Robinson will open a 100,000-sq-ft Robinsons store at Mid-Valley Gardens in Kuala Lumpur by September next year. It will also operate a Marks & Spencer outlet at the same mall.

In Singapore, the Robinsons flagship outlet at Centrepoint mall in Orchard Road will be expanded by an additional 30,000 sq ft that the retailer is taking up in the recently completed extension wing. And it will relocate its John Little operations from Specialists' Shopping Centre to the former OG store diagonally across the road around May/June next year. Specialists' Shopping Centre will be redeveloped by its owner OCBC.

Asked for an update on Robinson's boardroom, Mr Cheston said: 'We are making good progress on the recruitment of new directors and expect to make an announcement either at the end of December or in early January, in line with the three-month deadline we have.' He reiterated his plan is to have three or four independent directors.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

If Specialist was demolished, what will happen to the hotel?

If Specialist was demolished, what will happen to the hotel?

It'll be redeveloped together.....:yes:

hey u forgot about the emerald shopping centre and eye-sore OG store which struggles to pull in kiasu aunties and ah pek..
they have to go as well..they look so shabby besides glamorous STB Tourist centre ...

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
It'll be redeveloped together.....:yes:

hey u forgot about the emerald shopping centre and eye-sore OG store which struggles to pull in kiasu aunties and ah pek..
they have to go as well..they look so shabby besides glamorous STB Tourist centre ...

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

OG won't go so soon since John Little is using it when Specialist Centre redevelop.....perhaps OG and Emerald can combined into a megamall next time....:yes:

Hurdles for Specialists' Centre redevelopment?

28 Feb 07

Tange design yet to get official approval: sources

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2007-02-28/BT_5741081_28_02_2007.jpg

(SINGAPORE) Tenants at Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix are getting ready to move out around the middle of this year, but it remains to be seen how soon owner OCBC will start redeveloping the site, market watchers say.

For one thing, BT understands that Tange Associates' proposed 20-storey design for a new hotel and mall project on the existing Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix freehold site is still pending approval from the Orchard Road Development Commission (Ordec).

The inter-government agency group's nod is required as the proposed scheme exceeds both the 16-storey height limit and the maximum plot ratio allowed for the site.

In addition, amended banking regulations effectively bar OCBC from redeveloping Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix, say market watchers. The Banking (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which cover prescribed property-related businesses, allow property enhancement works in relation to a building which do not amount to demolition or reconstruction of the building, and which do not vary the gross floor area of the building by more than 20 per cent.

'Clearly, any proposal to redevelop Specialists' Centre involves tearing down the existing building and redeveloping the site, let alone the fact that the Tange Associates' design involves a plot ratio said to be more than 20 per cent higher than the 6.62 based on Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix's existing gross floor area,' said a market watcher.

'On the other hand, if OCBC were to merely refurbish or retrofit the property, that would be fine, going by the banking regulations. But this would not maximise efficiency given that the building is over 30 years old and its layout and efficiency (ratio of net lettable area to gross floor area) are dated,' he added. An industry player suggested that OCBC should consider teaming up with Far East Organization and Australia's Lend Lease group, which are developing separate mall projects on each side of Specialists' Centre.

OCBC has already taken a 10 per cent stake in the Far East project. Perhaps the bank could consider selling Far East a lease for the Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix site, and Far East could then plough money for its redevelopment and even give OCBC a cut of the yield from managing the asset later, some analysts speculate.

'That way, OCBC can still continue to own the freehold land on which the redevelopment takes place if there are quarters in the bank who feel the bank should not let go of such a prime property,' added the industry player.

Another observer said that it also makes sense for OCBC to invite Lend Lease to participate in the redevelopment project - after all, they are famous for both project management and retail management. 'It would be in the best interests of all three stakeholders - Far East, OCBC and Lend Lease - to work hand-in-glove, ensuring connectivity for the three projects and turning them into a strong enough magnet to rival CapitaLand and Sun Hung Kai's Orchard Turn mall one MRT stop away,' he added.

Lend Lease's mall could be about five to six storeys above ground and possibly include three to four basement levels with about 300,000 square feet of net lettable area in total. Far East's Orchard Central mall, slated to be ready in late 2008, will be 10 storeys high with two basement levels, adding up to about 390,000 sq ft of gross floor area.

When contacted yesterday, OCBC reiterated that it intends to hold on to the Specialists' Centre/Hotel Phoenix property for long-term investment, but declined to elaborate further.


By KALPANA RASHIWALA

I hope OCBC release the redevelopment details soon......:yes:

March 2, 2007
John Little leaves Specialists' Centre
It will open a branch across the road and relocate its flagship to an outlet in Marina Square

By May Yip

ORCHARD Road veteran John Little will move out of Specialists' Shopping Centre late next month after more than 20 years.

Set up by British owners in 1842 and bought over by the home-grown Robinson retail group in 1955, its 44,000 sq ft flagship has occupied four levels of the seven-floor building since the 1980s.

Tenants of Specialists' Centre, as well as the adjacent Hotel Phoenix, were told last year that they had to move as the building will be redeveloped by owner OCBC.

John Little will open a branch across the road in May in Orchard OG Building, where department store OG used to operate and which now houses bargain retailer Urban Warehouse.

John Little will lease the 30,000 sq ft space from the OG group.

The store will relocate its flagship to a 40,000 sq ft outlet, formerly occupied by Giant supermarket, in Marina Square in June. Giant moved out in January this year.

On the move from Specialists' Centre, a spokesman for John Little told Life! yesterday: 'It feels almost like the end of an era, so the decision (to move) is tinged with some sadness.

'However, Specialists' Centre is an old building and we are looking forward to an exciting future in our new stores in Orchard Road and Marina Square.'

Besides John Little, the Robinson group also owns Robinsons department store, Spanish boutique Trucco and British brands Marks & Spencer, River Island and Principles.

Last year, John Little closed its stores in Compass Point and Whitesands.

The store synonymous with bargain buys also plans to close its Plaza Singapura outlet in the second half of this financial year, The Business Times reported last month.

It now has branches in Causeway Point, Jurong Point and Northpoint malls.

Property consultants are upbeat about John Little's new locations. 'It will be able to increase its visibility at street level along a busy stretch and it's a stone's throw away from where it is now,' says Mr Nicholas Mak of the Orchard OG Building location.

The director of research and consultancy at property consultancy Knight Frank adds that the area surrounding Marina Square will have 'great potential' once the integrated resorts are open.

Additional reporting by Shaan Seth

mayyip@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Is the hotel owned and operated by OCBC? :?

^^ yes and yes.

Most of the shops have already started to move out. Wonder if they are going to refurbish or redevelop.

Most of the shops have already started to move out. Wonder if they are going to refurbish or redevelop.

I prefer redevelop.....maybe they can combined somerset central development together.....create a bigger mall....:yes:

I prefer redevelop.....maybe they can combined somerset central development together.....create a bigger mall....:yes:
Could be the reason why Somerset Central hasn't released any renderings?

definitely no.

Could be the reason why Somerset Central hasn't released any renderings?

Strange why no renderings?

Maybe the design has not obtained planning approval yet?

Maybe the design has not obtained planning approval yet?

I thought construction had started?

I thought construction had started?
They have just stacked some blocks there.

Hotel Phoenix to close from Aug
Owner OCBC yet to submit application for redevelopment works

Christie Loh
christie@mediacorp.com.sg

ROOM rates in the Orchard area could soon hit new highs as a landmark hotel in the prime belt prepares to shut its doors.
.
From August, Hotel Phoenix (picture) will temporarily cease operations for a major refurbishment that will take some 390 rooms off the market for possibly more than a year.
.
While this will worsen the shortage of hotel rooms in the shopping enclave in the short term, the move also promises to usher in a trendier Somerset area dominated by a mega mall.
.
Already, some of the 160 staff of the 35-year-old Hotel Phoenix are preparing for change. "I will look for another job," said a lobby employee. He expects to be let go when it closes for redevelopment works that, he says, will include adding a swimming pool.
.
Meanwhile, the four-star hotel is accepting bookings only for stays until the end of July. After that, it is unclear when the hotel will re-open, said the reservations staff, who were also mum about whether business would re-start in time for the Formula One street race late next year.
.
Average room rates have been creeping up to hit an all-time high of $194 in March, thanks to a booming economy and an increase in business conventions here.
.
Should economic conditions stay robust, prices and occupancy rates — already hovering at about 91 per cent in March — are expected by analysts to rise further, especially since no new rooms in the Orchard area will be added until the posh St Regis Hotels opens around year's end. With the closure of the 20-storey Hotel Phoenix, supply will only get worse.
.
"The property is in need of refurbishment," said a spokeswoman for OCBC, the owner of the hotel, which is gearing up to give the drab-looking area that includes the adjoining Specialists Shopping Centre a facelift.
.
Already, most of the mall's tenants have moved out. The big plan is to build on both freehold sites a 20-storey retail cum hotel complex designed by renowned Tange Associates, the Japanese architects behind Cathay Cineplex, according to media reports. The prime site is next to the Somerset MRT station.
.
When contacted, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it had given OCBC "some preliminary advice" on its redevelopment proposal.
.
However, Today understands that a formal application to make major changes — including the possibility of exceeding the building's existing height limit — has not been filed yet.
.
This may be because OCBC's blueprint may change, depending on the outcome of its discussions with developers of nearby sites to create one of the biggest shopping complexes in Singapore.
.
One possible tie-up is with the owner of Somerset Central, a site with a maximum gross floor area (GFA) of 39,410 square metres that will become a purely retail complex of shops, restaurants and entertainment by around end-2009. Its developer is Australia's Lend Lease Retail Investments 1 Pte Ltd, which paid the Government $617 million for the land last year.
.
According to sources, the Australian firm and OCBC are in talks to "coordinate good connections between the buildings".
.
A second linkage could be with Orchard Central, the former Glutton's Square site to be transformed into an all-retail development by Far East Organization late next year. OCBC has revealed that it took a 10-per-cent stake in the 6,000-sqm Orchard Central, which will be integrated with the upgraded Specialists Shopping Centre.
.
If the three-way partnership does materialise, the Somerset shopping stretch of 116,675 square metres GFA will join other Orchard Road mega-malls Ngee Ann City — boasting a GFA of 162,580 sqm — and the up-and-coming Orchard Turn — which will open with 125,420 sqm of retail and residential space by the end of 2008.

The megamall plan sounds good.....:yes:

Hotel Phoenix to close on Aug 1

27 Jul 07

HOTEL Phoenix - famed for the roti prata and other local delicacies at its Phoenix Garden Cafe - will close on Wednesday after a 35-year run.
It is unclear if or when a new Phoenix will arise, but all 150 staff of the Orchard Road landmark, including general manager and veteran hotelier Noel Hawkes, were given their retrenchment notices last week.

OCBC Bank, which owns the hotel and the adjoining Specialist Shopping Centre, declined to comment on the terms of the package, but The Straits Times understands that it is a generous one.

All staff will get a month's pay for each year of service, on top of two months' pay in lieu of notice. For management staff, the payout is capped at 25 months.

There could be more good news for staff: Other hotels are already looking to hire some of them.

Some senior staff have already been snapped up by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Resorts World at Sentosa.

Meanwhile, others, such as Orchard Hotel, are interviewing staff to fill positions in their housekeeping and kitchen departments.

Ms Amy Ang, Orchard Hotel's director of marketing communications, told The Straits Times that her hotel is looking to take on some of the more mature and senior staff.

She said: 'Some of the staff have been with Hotel Phoenix for a long time, so they are very experienced, which will be a bonus for us.'

Hotel Phoenix has also organised job fairs and invited human resource officers from other hotels to interview employees.

The hotel, a stone's throw from Somerset MRT, was started in 1972 by Mr Tan Chin Tuan, then the chairman of OCBC bank.

In recent years, the 392-room establishment has been achieving occupancy rates of above 90 per cent.

Up to 40 per cent of its clientele are repeat guests. The majority come from Australia, Europe and Indonesia.

OCBC Bank remains mum about redevelopment plans for the hotel and Specialists' Shopping Centre. Its spokesman simply said the bank will hold on to both properties for 'long-term investment' and that a 'major refurbishment' is in the pipeline.

Speculation on the properties - which have a gross floor area of 443,689 sq ft, has been rife recently.

Redevelopment in the area promises to reshape Orchard Road - the buildings will be flanked by Far East Organization's $650-million Orchard Central and Land Lease's $900-million Somerset Central development.

Market watchers note that amended banking rules effectively bar OCBC from tearing down the buildings for redevelopment. However, it can refurbish or retrofit them.

Meanwhile, the hotel's closure will have some immediate impact on the industry: It will tighten the squeeze on hotel rooms here.

Supply is already tight because of a surge in tourist arrivals, which has pushed average room rates past the $200 mark for the first time, and the loss of Hotel Phoenix's 392 rooms will be felt.

However, the STB said it has been working with other authorities on adapting unoccupied state buildings into hotels to address the overall room shortage issue.


By Lim Wei Chean

I wonder what's the redevelopment plan for this site?? :?

Is this going to be the new ION Orchard?

Is this going to be the new ION Orchard?

Nope.....this is at somerset MRT station.....:yes:

From what was reported, it seems that the building will be refurbished rather than torn down and rebuilt, but that is still to be confirmed...

From what was reported, it seems that the building will be refurbished rather than torn down and rebuilt, but that is still to be confirmed...

I prefer a totally new building......:yes:

From what was reported, it seems that the building will be refurbished rather than torn down and rebuilt, but that is still to be confirmed...

As long as OCBC continue to hold on to the phoenix hotel, they cannot demolish and rebuild new. The banking regulation required them to give up non-core asset up to a threshold, but I think OCBC will not give up such an excellent property beside the prime Somerset MRT site.

This is similar to the property behind Somerset MRT that is now rebuilt into SOHO service residence. Wee CY is more clever, moving the asset to his property subsidiary UOL, so it's not regulated by the banking law.

Those property beside the Somerset MRT are golden goose that will continue to lay golden eggs. They will not sell them.

I saw some machineries used for demolition next to the building ytd . It comprises of a concrete pulverizer equipped excavator (reduces concrete chunks into smaller ones.) and another with a hydraulic hammer i think .

Is this going to be the new ION Orchard?

u have a cute avatar....:lol:

u have a cute avatar....:lol:

Haha thanks :nuts:

Nope.....this is at somerset MRT station.....:yes:

I can't find any information on ION Orchard anywhere? Or have they decided to rename it now...:ohno:

I can't find any information on ION Orchard anywhere? Or have they decided to rename it now...:ohno:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=196483

Hotel Phoenix says goodbye for the last time

1 Aug 07

HOTEL Phoenix closed its doors for the last time on Wednesday after 35 years of service along Orchard Road.
To mark its final day, 150 staff of the Orchard Road landmark gathered once last time to say farewell to one another and their second home.

But many were already mentally prepared, after they were given notification of the closure six months ago.

The hotel management said at least 80 per cent of the staff had already found employment, with many of them taking up similar lines of work at St Regis, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Ritz Carlton and the new integrated resorts.

Workers also received retrenchment packages from OCBC and Phoenix Hotel.

Mr Noel Hawkes, managing director of the Phoenix, was all praise for the team who had worked with him for the past 20 years, saying: 'Brilliant working team. We have got the best people, we've had them for years, we treasure them, we love them. And in return, they deliver.'

To also reward the loyalty of one of its regular guests, the hotel gave Mr Christian Ion a free night's stay - ironically, for Tuesday, the last night of the hotel's existence.

Mr Ion, a French national based in New Zealand and Chiang Mai, was already a familiar face at the hotel since the 1990s. He was shocked to learn that his favorite hotel was no longer available after August 1.

Mr Ion, who was officially the last guest to check out of the Phoenix on Wednesday said: 'We've become one big happy family. That's one thing I'll miss very much - coming in and meeting people I know.'

The hotel has received accolades over its 35 years, like the ISO, People Developer, Singapore Quality Class and Singapore Service Class awards.

Despite its impending closure, the four-star hotel also boasted an occupancy rate of 95.5 per cent just last month, at an average room rate of $192 a night.

The hotel, which has played host to over 6 million guests, will be repossessed by its owner OCBC Bank for long-term investment and refurbished as part of plans to rejuvenate the Orchard Road shopping district.

To date, no specific plans have been submitted for the property, but two new shopping malls will be built on adjacent plots on both sides of the hotel.

A confident Mr Hawkes declared: 'I will be back.'

Unfortunate that OCBC still wants to hold on to the hotel. It's a sore thumb to the rejuvenation at the Somerset MRT prime site.

The staff of Phoenix has been lucky to get a windfall package and at the same time hired by more prestigious hotel chain like St. Regis, Ritz Calton and the Integrated Resorts.

anybody got any news on Somerset Central? Im referring to the one right above somerset mrt in case u guys are confused.

This is one BIG MYSTERY...construction is already in its advanced phase, and it is supposed to be even bigger than the high-profile Orchard Central...yet we've heard nothing...seen no renders. Im perturbed.

They sure have started, although no renderings I've seen.

Well, the old canal is being decked over and will become a 'Discovery Walk'.

There is another thread for Somerset Central.

been procrastinating for too long for registering...ive seen some renderings as per posted by other sites...same as ion orchard, it will feature a 11 storey high video wall! here's my first post::banana:

from youth.sg:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1126/844029420_65c1d69760_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1410/844027702_d5bd669b43_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/843153305_2fafb136f2_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/844026270_83b8c99307_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/844025520_72c5d077d9_o.jpg

and from singapore sights:

excerpts:

Factsheet


Developer: Far East Organization
Architecture: DP Architects
GFA: 387, 988 sq ft
NLA: 250, 000 sq ft
No. of levels: 13 (11 + 2 basement levels)
Car park: Levels 9 & 10 (entire levels) Levels 5 & 8 (partial levels)
Shops spaces: 400
Development cost: S$650m
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm


UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Singapore’s 1st ‘Vertical Mall’

Tallest pure-retail destination in Singapore
Vertical design overcomes land area limitations
Extended Orchard Road Frontage

160m stretch along Orchard Road for maximum visibility
Street level; no conventional foyer
Pedestrians can step from street into shop
Urban Verandahs

3 open air balconies overlooking Orchard Road
Slated for outdoor seating for F&B outlets
Exchange Levels (L1, L4, L7)

Exceptionally high 7m ceilings (floor to floor) replicate street level
Designed as a common area for gathering and social activity
Faceted Membrane

11-storey-high media wall including a giant screen
Forms outer shell of Orchard Central, facing Orchard Road
Situated at the junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road
Super Escalators

3 sets of super escalators and 6 express lifts (12 in total) will bring shoppers
from street to higher floors in seconds
Discovery Walk

Part of a 400m walkway situated above the existing Somerset canal
Links Orchard Central to Specialists’ Centre and Somerset MRT station
14m wide promenade with an enchanting and romantic theme

The cluster concept aims to address these results by grouping shops into eight different clusters with distinct identities (see factsheet):

EXCLUSIVE cluster (Levels 2 to 4)
FLAGSHIP cluster (Basement 2 to level 3)
YOUTH cluster (Levels 5 and 6)
HIGH LIFE cluster (Levels 7 and 8)
MAIN cluster (Levels 1 to 4)
DISCOVERY Walk (Level 1)
MASSTIGE cluster (Basements 1 and 2)
FOOD HAVEN (Rooftop)

http://www.singaporesights.com/images/fullsize/events.2007/07/Orchard-Central/2-08_b28f7e8fab86390c2b5a48a1f7dca428.JPG
http://www.singaporesights.com/images/fullsize/events.2007/07/Orchard-Central/3-01_b28f7e8fab86390c2b5a48a1f7dca428.JPG
http://www.singaporesights.com/images/fullsize/events.2007/07/Orchard-Central/3-07_b28f7e8fab86390c2b5a48a1f7dca428.JPG
http://www.singaporesights.com/images/fullsize/events.2007/07/Orchard-Central/3-08_b28f7e8fab86390c2b5a48a1f7dca428.JPG

Looks nice and exciting !
Far East this time better do a good one.

Orchard Central is still undergoing construction - which does not include Specialists Shopping Centre.

I have no idea what has happened to OCBC's Specialists Shopping Centre and Phoenix Hotel - which already closed...

What I was puzzled - all 3 sites are owned by different developers but there is none of news from them that they are developing together.

Orchard Central is under the management of Far East.

Specialist Shopping Centre and Phoenix Hotel owned by OCBC. By banking law, OCBC has to include the hotel in its redevelopment and there is some restriction on its redevelopment...

The other site which already started digging - under Bovis Lend Lease (known as Somerset Central).

Looks like they are planning on demolishing the carpark first. Its all covered with the scaffolding now.

hope the 3 diff management can do a marvellous job in integrating the 3 projects as one mega art piece!:bash:

ah well. i think lucky plaza, far east plaza and orchard shopping centre should be redeveloped.
others like lucky plaza and orchard emerald can be refurbished, as filipinoes patronise lucky plaza and orchard emerald has this nice green facade to it; quite unique.

Some findings when I passed by Specialists' Shopping Centre today:-


all the shops are being closed down and signboards taken down as usual
the sliding ad screen at the front of the building had been taken down
demolition scaffoldings and nets are being built up at the carpark section of the building


Nevertheless I am yet to see white barrier fences to be put up to seal up the area.

As on 22 Aug 2007, demolition works has started on the carpark section of the building. Saw the bulldozers in action. Demolition scaffoldings are in the progress of building up on the hotel building.

Update on Orchard Central site:

Currently, they are working on 2nd floor above ground...you can actually now see how high ceiling it is per level..:banana:

So now they are done with 4 levels (B1, B2, L1 and L2). I guess hopefully by this year end, we can see the massive height of it and perhaps so cladding?:cheers:

Just to clarify those pics are of Orchard Central...we hav still yet to see those of Specialist Shopping Centre/Hotel Phoenix redevelopment...so we shall wait patiently for the works of Kenzo Tange/AWP architects..

This project seems to be plague with so many problems..

Fire on rooftop of former Specialist Centre
By Tracy Sua


SCDF fire fighters quickly put out the fire, which broke out at about 11.50am. -- PHOTO: KUMAR ASHOK PERIASAMY

A FIRE broke out on Wednesday morning on the rooftop of the former Specialist Centre/Phoenix Hotel in Orchard Road, which is being demolished.
A construction project manager spotted the fire coming from a cooling tower on the rooftop of the six-storey building, next to the Orchard Central building which is under construction.

Thick smoke billowed from the fire site, forcing the evacuation of over 50 workers on the rooftop and in other parts of the building. Over at the adjacent Orchard Central building site, another 100 workers were also evacuated to across the road. No one was hurt.

The fire attracted more than 100 curious onlookers and shoppers who lined the opposite side of the road where Centre Point shopping centre is.

SCDF fire fighters quickly put out the fire, which broke out at about 11.50am.

A building manager said the fire could have started from the infill of the rooftop cooling tower.


http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20071122/Johnson034.jpg

I gather 2 facts from the above post which left me abit confused.

1) It stated that "Specialist and Phoenix was being demolished". So it is now confirmed that the site is going under full redevelopment? I thought I read somewhere that govt restrictions does not allow the developer to fully demolish the building, and that they will simply be doing a refurbishment instead.

2) Kenzo Tange is confirmed as the architect?

yup..they are going full redevelopment..tats y..specialist centre is being torn down now..hotel phoenix is already down..both developments belong to the same owner ..i.e OCBC..so i guessed they have managed to convince the authorities...tats y the delay.

kenzo tange in collaboration with Alfred Wong Partnership is the architect..until now they are quite secretive about the design..they have to go through many rounds of design development with the authorities..before it can be revealed to the public..so lets just wait patiently

Just to clarify those pics are of Orchard Central...we hav still yet to see those of Specialist Shopping Centre/Hotel Phoenix redevelopment...so we shall wait patiently for the works of Kenzo Tange/AWP architects..

This project seems to be plague with so many problems..

Fire on rooftop of former Specialist Centre
By Tracy Sua


SCDF fire fighters quickly put out the fire, which broke out at about 11.50am. -- PHOTO: KUMAR ASHOK PERIASAMY

A FIRE broke out on Wednesday morning on the rooftop of the former Specialist Centre/Phoenix Hotel in Orchard Road, which is being demolished.
A construction project manager spotted the fire coming from a cooling tower on the rooftop of the six-storey building, next to the Orchard Central building which is under construction.

Thick smoke billowed from the fire site, forcing the evacuation of over 50 workers on the rooftop and in other parts of the building. Over at the adjacent Orchard Central building site, another 100 workers were also evacuated to across the road. No one was hurt.

The fire attracted more than 100 curious onlookers and shoppers who lined the opposite side of the road where Centre Point shopping centre is.

SCDF fire fighters quickly put out the fire, which broke out at about 11.50am.

A building manager said the fire could have started from the infill of the rooftop cooling tower.


http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20071122/Johnson034.jpg

NIce article. The fire was quite bad. Luckily, no one was injured :cool:

you were there also?

you were there also?

I watch the news :D

Now still waiting to see which is the company in charge to lift the excavators used for demolition up the building...
It might be just one of the usual bunch: AsiaGroup, Bok Seng, Hiap Tong, Tong Soon...
And their usual equipment: LTM1500-1, LTM1500-8.1, LTM1800 (not so common eh?!), TG3600M.
And the demolition ppl are the usual, Loh Brothers...
Nice combo...

Now still waiting to see which is the company in charge to lift the excavators used for demolition up the building...
It might be just one of the usual bunch: AsiaGroup, Bok Seng, Hiap Tong, Tong Soon...
And their usual equipment: LTM1500-1, LTM1500-8.1, LTM1800 (not so common eh?!), TG3600M.
And the demolition ppl are the usual, Loh Brothers...
Nice combo...

Ww. You're like ScaniaLuver which is also VERY knowlegeable about cranes :D

Ww. You're like ScaniaLuver which is also VERY knowlegeable about cranes :D

LOL . :lol::lol:

Bi ci Bi ci . :lol:

LOL . :lol::lol:

Bi ci Bi ci . :lol:

:lol:

I don't know much about cranes :lol:

Finally someone came up with the job!
On 30th November night AsiaGroup's LTM1500 with luffing jib (possibly around 50 plus metres) lifted the excavators up Specialist Center, therefore starting the high rise demolition process.
Goodbye to Hotel Phoenix and Specialist Center!

Finally someone came up with the job!
On 30th November night AsiaGroup's LTM1500 with luffing jib (possibly around 50 plus metres) lifted the excavators up Specialist Center, therefore starting the high rise demolition process.
Goodbye to Hotel Phoenix and Specialist Center!

woah.....the building can take the load of the excavator?

They should be able to... Normally such demolition excavators are lighter at around 10-15 tons, and would not post too high load on the floors...

Finally someone came up with the job!
On 30th November night AsiaGroup's LTM1500 with luffing jib (possibly around 50 plus metres) lifted the excavators up Specialist Center, therefore starting the high rise demolition process.
Goodbye to Hotel Phoenix and Specialist Center!

Ok, bad news is, we have to depart with this relic that has stood with us on Orchard since 30 (?) plus years ago.

Good news is, as Raffles City said in the Pinnacle 16 thread, we can watch the new building rise from scratch.

Business Times - 11 Jan 2008

Phoenix site to rise again as hotel-retail complex

Straits Trading in talks to redevelop site; new complex to roll out in 2011

By UMA SHANKARI

(SINGAPORE) A new 580-room hotel and a retail complex with a net lettable area of about 150,800 square feet is slated to come up on the Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix site in 2011.

OCBC Bank, which owns the land parcel, told BT yesterday that work on the site is likely to start in the second half of 2008 and will take about three years to complete.

The upcoming hotel will occupy about 60 per cent of the complex's gross floor area and the remaining 40 per cent will be taken up by retail shops. The complex will have about 262 parking lots, OCBC said. Right now, the complex has a gross floor area of about 539,000 sq ft.

OCBC was responding to queries from BT after Straits Trading Company said in a filing to the Singapore Exchange that it is in 'advanced negotiations' with the bank to be appointed to develop a hotel and retail complex at the Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix site.

Under the deal, a wholly owned special-purpose vehicle (SPV) of Straits Trading will fund and build the complex based on a maximum development cost, which will be agreed on between Straits Trading and OCBC.

Once the complex is completed, Straits Trading will then sell the SPV to OCBC and at the same time lease the complex for a period of three years - with an option to renew for a further three years at an agreed fixed annual rent. The terms of the arrangement are currently being discussed and negotiated, Straits Trading said.

Structuring the deal this way minimises development risk for OCBC. 'As a bank, we believe that it is inappropriate for us to assume development risk,' said Koh Ching Ching, head of group corporate communications for OCBC Bank.

OCBC appears to be going ahead with its plans to develop its Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix complex - rather than working with its insurance subsidiary Great Eastern Holdings, which owns shopping mall Orchard Emerald just across the road.

OCBC and Great Eastern seemed poised to redevelop the Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix complex together with Orchard Emerald just a few months ago, judging by the two companies' submissions to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Data released by URA last October showed that provisional permission for the development of the two properties was given in August 2007.

But yesterday, OCBC said: 'Orchard Emerald is held by the Great Eastern Group and we believe that Great Eastern is at a very preliminary stage with regard to this potential redevelopment.'

Straits Trading, one of Singapore's oldest companies, is now seeing a buyout offer from Tecity Group, an investment firm owned by several members of the family that have stakes in OCBC.

Tecity offered on Sunday to buy all Straits Trading shares it did not already own for $5.70 a share - valuing the company at some $1.86 billion.

OCBC, which has direct and indirect interests totalling 26 per cent of the shares in Straits Trading, said on Monday that it has not decided whether to accept the buyout offer. About 20 per cent of the shares are held by Great Eastern.

Analysts said that OCBC's plan to launch a new hotel in place of the ageing Hotel Phoenix is timely as Singapore will continue to see a shortage of hotel rooms over the next few years due to increasing visitor numbers.

OCBC's shares shed 14 cents to close at $8.10 yesterday, while shares of Straits Trading rose one cent to close at a one-year high of $5.67.

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Straits Trading, OCBC to name vehicle to oversee Orchard Rd project
By Loh Kim Chin, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 January 2008 2339 hrs

SINGAPORE : The Straits Trading Company said it is in advanced talks with OCBC with regards to the redevelopment project at Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix.

In a statement to the SGX on Thursday, Straits Trading said the two parties are working out arrangements for a Straits Trading special purpose vehicle to undertake the project.

On completion of the project, Straits Trading will sell the special purpose vehicle to OCBC. It will then lease the new hotel-cum-retail complex on the site from OCBC for three years with an option to renew for a further three years.

The statement followed the announcement from Straits Trading earlier this month that The Cairns plans to make a general offer for Straits Trading.

The Cairns is controlled by the family of the late Tan Chin Tuan. - CNA /ls

Orchard Emerald is going to be redeveloped too? Good to see that building go.

Hopefully, soon they will extend towards Singapore Post area converting the drains to what they did for Orchard Central..

Wonder, which hotel management group or company will be fitting into ex-hotel phoenix. A Sofitel luxury hotel or a TAJ would be placed nice into that area.

I'm sure top hotel brands will vie to manage that site ie. Starwood brands like W Hotel, Westin, Four Points etc. especially since it has Le Meridien, St Regis along that stretch already. It is 1 of the best strategic locations in the Orchard area.

There is a lack of hotel in that stretch of Orchard. Why does home grown brand like Banyan Tree resorts or Aman resort do not want to perch on the growing hotel industry here? Wonders me.

Maybe because they are more into resorts and spas in islands like Bahamas, Maldives, etc?

yeah tts true..they have a total diff scope of business, unless they wana diversify what they are doing nw..

But look at the Banyan Tree Hotel In Bangkok, right smack in the middle of the city in a VERY TALL TOWER

Hopefully, soon they will extend towards Singapore Post area converting the drains to what they did for Orchard Central..

Actually that area is now a nice pleasant and quite shady area with lots of trees. Would be a shame if it too had to go, as it offers a good escape from all the Orchard Rd crowd nearby.:cheers:

25th January

The Phoenix returning to ashes
http://ssc.singapenguin.net/08/080125_hotel_phoenix01.jpg

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/08/080125_hotel_phoenix02.jpg

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/08/080125_hotel_phoenix03.jpg

Shouldn't they take the logo down at least and donate it to the museums or something like that....

The shopping mall section facing Orchard Road is totally gone as on Feb 2008, seems like an empty land besides the construction site next door.

25th January

The Phoenix returning to ashes
http://ssc.singapenguin.net/08/080125_hotel_phoenix01.jpg


Looks like the building at the background is all ready..looks pretty good..nice black color looks..:cheers:

Looks like the building at the background is all ready..looks pretty good..nice black color looks..:cheers:

When I took this pic they were completing the entrance lobby. Maybe it's opened now :-)

What's with the empty portion beside Specialists?

What's with the empty portion beside Specialists?

It used to be the Specialists' Shopping Centre carpark.

http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_images/travel/simg_show/11048448100042/1/specialists_shopping_centre/

* Picture taken from streetdirectory.com

It used to be the Specialists' Shopping Centre carpark.

http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_images/travel/simg_show/11048448100042/1/specialists_shopping_centre/

* Picture taken from streetdirectory.com
Sad. All buildings seen in this pic are gone now.

btw at the URA Gallery's first floor model, they showed that this future project will be linked by a bridge spanning diagonally across to where Orchard Emerald is, so I guess they will be redeveloped in conjunction.

Any new pics / renders?

Yes,let's redevelop Far East Plaza,Tanglin Mall and the Thai Embassy.We should also extend Orchard road to Botanic Gardens,and redevelop all the buildings along the way.Population/Economic growth comes hand in hand with redevelopment.Everything should go.

Wonuraimo; to build building one should have the sense of astetics to an area , the environment should notbe changed suddenly not have it a great impact on the surrounding environment. Tanglin area should be left untouched as they are homed to Various embassies and it is a delicate matter. They way that we should expand orchard road is to go towards the river and marina area. BUildings all the way near to forum and mohd sultan as well as Scotts road.

^^
Well my point was that since we live and breathe the garden city concept,as well depicted by the upcoming Gardens by the Bay.Why not market Botanic Gardens as the "Garden by Orchard Road"?Wouldn't you like to see Botanic Gardens be more accessible to our premier shopping district?

Agree on both points about accessibility versus keeping a sense of tranquility. In fact to protect the sense of peace and calm of the Botanic Gardens (and nearby embassies), there is a height restriction in place around it. Anyway, the Botanic Gardens will be served by the CCL and DTL in future.

Here is an interesting article posted previously:

The 149-year-old gardens was picked by the magazine as the Best Urban Jungle

By Ian Lim

SINGAPORE'S Botanic Gardens has made it to the Time Magazine's annual guide to The Best of Asia, which features 15 unforgettable places and cultural quirks for those seeking diversions for mind, body or soul in the region.

The 149-year-old gardens was picked by Time as the best urban jungle, and an escape from the bustling cityscape for the three million visitors who enter its gates.

'For the roughly three million visitors who stream through the gardens annually, slipping through one of its gates is like slipping into a wilder past,' said Time in the Best of Asia 2008 cover story in its May 5 issue.

The magazine picked various Asian locations and attractions - under the three catergories of Best for Mind, Body and Soul - which celebrate the region's 'rich experiences, unforgettable places and cultural quirks'.

The Botanic Gardens was showcased in the Best for Body category. Time said the 63ha gardens is one of the best places in Singapore for a relaxing walk.

It also praised the modern amenities like the clean and eco-friendly open-air toilets and that there are detailed signs and labels for key plants and trees.

The article also highlighted the Gardens' role in local history - that rubber was first tapped there, leading to the start of the rubber industry and transforming Singapore's economy.

Among the other picks in Time's list is Japan's Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium which was the Best Fish Tank under the Best for the Mind category.

The aquarium boasts a gigantic 35m-wide, 27m-long and 10n-deep sea tank, in which it hopes to start a captive whale shark breeding programme.

Time also said Thailand's famous Chatuchak market was the Best Flower Market under the Best for Soul Category, and picked India's Makaibari Tea Estate in West Bengal as the Best Cup of Tea.

Orchard library to return

22 May 09

LIKE a fairytale wish, Orchard Road's beloved library is set to return a few hundred metres from its original home.

Book lovers bemoaned the closure of the library@orchard when it put up the shutters at the Ngee Ann City site in November 2007.

But in late 2012 or early 2013, the Orchard Library will move into the Specialists' Centre hotel-retail development, or better known as the old Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix opposite Centrepoint.

Announcing this in his addendum to the President's speech, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew said his ministry would 'continue to invest in the creative minds and skills of our people' despite the downturn. 'We will upgrade our libraries to provide Singaporeans with lifelong access to learning resources and opportunities,' Rear-Admiral (NS) Lui said.

Similar to the old library@orchard, the new one will 'incorporate aspects to appeal to those aged between 18 and 40 years old', though the concept is still being refined, a Mica spokesman said.

The old library was one of the first 'lifestyle libraries' that the National Library Board (NLB) opened. It stocked books, magazines and DVDs which appealed to youth, and organised live musical performances and exhibitions in its in-built performing space. The formula worked, with 1.4 million visitors using the library annually.

In 2007, it had to close because its lease was not renewed. It had been paying rent below prevailing market rates for its space, a spokesman for the property said then. But NLB chief executive officer N. Varaprasad said the library would not be gone forever.

Piling works are ongoing on the site next to Somerset MRT station, said a spokesman for OCBC Bank, which owns the parcel of land where the new library will stand.

Recent graduate Stephanie Song, 22, said she had missed the old library for its convenient location. 'I go to Orchard quite often, so it'll be a nice hangout.'

Separately, RADM Lui announced that Clementi would get its own library too, which is expected to open in 2011 in Clementi Central, pending negotiations.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_380156.html

Should the library at orchard be moved to scape@orchard or somthing like that for the youth behind of ngee ann city??

The library's not actually for the youth, since it's targeted demographic is 18 to 40.

might be a good idea but I guess the Library caters to a broader group, plus it would be much closer to the Somerset MRT if it was sited here, I reckon this place will be popular with 3 new developments side by side in future. Of course the Youth Park will be just a stone's throw away too.

Massing model seen at URA, showing a linkbridge across Orchard Road.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/specialist.jpg

I think this will be a brilliant addition to this section of Orchard - something a bit different, with all those new malls in place. A place to be quiet in the shopping madness. Hopefully, they can twist the library concept a bit, perhaps into cafe/library - something that blends with Discovery Walk.

Massing model seen at URA, showing a linkbridge across Orchard Road.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/specialist.jpg

Specialist centre Hotel phoenix connecting to site where orchard emerald used to be, design should be by Kenzo Tenge...

Any renderings?

any updates on this? the space between oc & 313....
The bridge seen which link to Orchard emberald might be due to fact that OCBC own the Land of Phoneix Hoel while GE own OE....

found thus article from 2008

OCBC and Great Eastern seemed poised to redevelop the Specialists' Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix complex together with Orchard Emerald just a few months ago, judging by the two companies' submissions to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Data released by URA last October showed that provisional permission for the development of the two properties was given in August 2007.

But yesterday, OCBC said: "Orchard Emerald is held by the Great Eastern Group and we believe that Great Eastern is at a very preliminary stage with regard to this potential redevelopment."

Straits Trading, one of Singapore's oldest companies, is now seeing a buyout offer from Tecity Group, an investment firm owned by several members of the family that have stakes in OCBC.

Tecity offered on Sunday to buy all Straits Trading shares it did not already own for $5.70 a share - valuing the company at some $1.86 billion.

OCBC, which has direct and indirect interests totalling 26 per cent of the shares in Straits Trading, said on Monday that it has not decided whether to accept the buyout offer. About 20 per cent of the shares are held by Great Eastern.

Analysts said that OCBC's plan to launch a new hotel in place of the ageing Hotel Phoenix is timely as Singapore will continue to see a shortage of hotel rooms over the next few years due to increasing visitor numbers.

^^
OCBC in negotiations to develop former Specialists' Centre site

SINGAPORE : OCBC Bank has said it is in negotiations with construction firm United Engineers on the redevelopment of a hotel-cum-retail mall at the former Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix site.

This site is a long-term investment holding of OCBC Bank, and it said the proposed arrangements will enable the bank to rely on UEL's financial resources and expertise to complete the proposed redevelopment and construction project.

The terms of the arrangements are currently being discussed and negotiated.

An announcement will be made in the event that a definitive agreement is entered into between OCBC Bank and UEL. - CNA/ms

This was on Channel News Asia website a week ago.

Some news from CNA. It seems that construction may start from July.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1061598/1/.html

United Engineers gets deal to redevelop former Specialist Centre site
By Millet Enriquez | Posted: 07 June 2010 1857 hrs

SINGAPORE : United Engineers said it has been awarded a turnkey contract by OCBC Bank to redevelop the former Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix site.

The cost of the project is worth around S$550 million.

The project will be carried out in two phases.

Phase 1 will consist of the development and construction of a hotel-cum-retail mall and a pedestrian bridge, and Phase 2 will be the construction of an underpass.

The pedestrian bridge and underpass will link the new development to the former Orchard Emerald site, which is owned by the Great Eastern Life group.

Construction is expected to start in July this year with the Temporary Occupation Permits (TOPs) for both phases expected to be obtained by the second half of 2013.

United Engineers said it will use internal resources and bank borrowings for the project.

The development fees from the project are expected to contribute positively to United Engineers' earnings in the future.

United Engineers has incorporated two wholly-owned special purpose vehicles (SPV) to undertake the two phases of the project.

When the project is completed, the SPVs will be sold to OCBC Bank and cease to be subsidiaries of United Engineers. - CNA /ls

Wah finally!!! :)

I hope the pedestrian overpass will be designed as an icon, Orchard seriously needs a strong focal point. Its a quite tough area to photograph.

Wah finally!!! :)

Yeah. Finally man. Quite an eyesore to see its current condition.

But why an underpass?

The Somerset area's not as basement-focused as Orchard...

But why an underpass?

The Somerset area's not as basement-focused as Orchard...

Speaking about the underpass, does anybody what they are going to build at the former Orchard Emerald site? This has been bothering me as they are going to an underpass to that site.....:)

Any renderings? A lot of development lately... hope the dead zone in front of Le Meridien would be developed next!

Where is the URA model of Singapore - is that the "Singapore City Gallery"? Or maybe at the headquarters in Maxwell road?

I am going to SG next month and would love to have a look.

Where is the URA model of Singapore - is that the "Singapore City Gallery"? Or maybe at the headquarters in Maxwell road?

I am going to SG next month and would love to have a look.

I am sure it is located at the HQ in Maxwell Road. Here is a video of the Gallery.:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYUCXZ2d33Y

Its at URA center at Maxwell Road. Yes its the same thing as Singapore City Gallery. Have a nice stay =)

New retail, hotel & office project on Orchard Road
By Georgina Joseph | Posted: 16 July 2010 2106 hrs


Photos 1 of 1






SINGAPORE : Singapore's Orchard Road will be adding another new face to its shopping belt.

A retail, hotel and office development will soon come up at the sites of the former Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix, as well as Orchard Emerald mall.

The project, costing some S$700 million, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2013.

A groundbreaking ceremony on Friday marked the start of the redevelopment of three neighbouring sites on Orchard Road.

Where the former Specialists' Centre and Hotel Phoenix used to be, a new 4-star hotel with about 500 rooms will come up, along with nearly 21,000 square metres of retail space.

United Engineers (UEL) is the developer of the site, which is wholly owned by OCBC.

Across the road, the former Orchard Emerald site will contain around 3,500 square metres of office space and 2,700 square metres of retail space. The site is wholly-owned and developed by Great Eastern Holdings.

The two sites will be connected by a glass overhead bridge across Orchard Road, which developer UEL said is the first in Singapore.

UEL is not concerned that its new development is a relatively latecomer in the saturated Orchard Road shopping strip.

Jackson Yap, CEO, United Engineers Limited, said: "We are the last of the jigsaw that would make this into a significant shopping area. The key to this is connectivity.

"You can go seamlessly in bad weather and so on, into the three shopping malls. You can cross the street, and also shop on the other side of the road."

The new development will also be connected by passageways to its neighbours 313@Somerset and Orchard Central. Its Basement 1 will also be connected to the Somerset MRT station.

UEL said it is confident it can generate decent foot traffic.

Mr Yap said: "Phoenix Hotel has always been well-occupied, partly because of its location and also its proximity to many shopping malls. So we expect the hotel to be full and the hotel is full because we have good shopping tenants!"

A key tenant will be a new Singapore Visitors Centre, but the developers are keeping mum on the retail mix for now.

Observers say the new development may also feature some high-end brands, given Orchard Road's reputation as a premier shopping belt

http://www.uel.com.sg/news/downloads/160710.pdf

^^Thanks, Autobot. I have to say the rendering on the pdf file looks quite interesting. We'll just have to wait and see how it goes.:)

Wow more retail space in the somerset area...another 260000 sq ft (est) added :yes:

Here's how it will look like:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phprMpmR8.jpg

^^ I love the fact that it provides a gradual transformation in architecture from 313 to Orchard Central.

^^ I love the fact that it provides a gradual transformation in architecture from 313 to Orchard Central.

Agree!! Tis facade is really eye catching and the glass bridge compliments it.

Its totally great. Somerset area will really shine.

By the way, is this the Paul Tange design?

Judging by the 'similarities' to One Raffles Place 2, I suppose so?

Hi ddes,

The original design sketch for this project was designed by Paul Noritaka Tange of Tange Associates. You can see his signature lines in Orchard Road along the redeveloped Cathay's glass facade, which curved around the entire site.
The Somerset project comes under United Engineers' (UEL) wholly owned UE Orchard, appointed to develop the retail mall, hotel and a pedestrian bridge that will connect the new development to the previous Orchard Emerald site, which is owned by the insurance unit of OCBC Bank – Great Eastern.

Another unit - UE Somerset will be in charge of the construction of an underpass that will connect the former Orchard Emerald site to the new development, which will link the two buildings seamlessly.
The design of this site shares a similar design philosophy to The Rochester at One North; a mixed development of 1 block of 334 residential apartments from 9th storey to 38th storey, 1 block of 32 “SOHO-style” apartments from 8th storey to 11th storey, retail podium from 1st storey to 3rd storey and a Business Hotel from 2nd storey to 26th storey. Earmaked as a white site, the project by UEL is currently under construction along North Buona Vista Road.

Why is it that many people view the Hotel Phoenix site as the - ".....last of the jigsaw that would make this into a significant shopping area?" There are still pockets of undeveloped land such as the plot next to the Faber House, the thin strip of land opposite Hotel Concorde, the car park behind Far East Shopping Centre and possibly the redevelopment of the Thai Embassy. On a separate issue, I notice that there will be a "slit" on the 12th floor of the proposed Hotel Phoenix redevelopment - facing the Orchard Central building. This is great news as this would mean that the roof top garden of Orchard Central will not have its CBD views blocked.

Hmm, was in the area yesterday. I have to say. So far, work have started at the Orchard Emerald site but nothing so far on the Specialists Centre site so far. Makes me wonder how long before construction goes into full swing......

There will never be stone left unturned in orchard road to make it into a destination lifestyle venue as its own. We are still missing lots of bars and clubs in the orchard road area... It use to be bustling at night with studebakers at Ngee Ann City, Venom/ Chinablack at Pacific Plaza, Fire at Orchard Plaza, Dungeons at the Hotel Cockpit, Brix at Hyatt Hotel, Hard Rock Cafe and the club at hotel Phoenix.

Orchard area are designed not just a strip of road but all the hidden corners as well. Lets include those in cairnhill, near istana park, river valley, nassim rd, somerset area, oxley rise and scotts rd area...

Well, went past the area today. I could only peek into the construction site and was unable to take any pics. From what I see, they have begun digging the area and the piling. Saw some I-beams in place already.:)

Well, went past the area today. I could only peek into the construction site and was unable to take any pics. From what I see, they have begun digging the area and the piling. Saw some I-beams in place already.:)

Weird. There are no piling done at all, but from what i understand the previous contractor had done piling and diaphram wall works before the site stalled. Saw it today they simply dug up the dirt and exposed the previous pilings and build from there. Wow this may mean the site's progress would be fast since the foundation have been done previously.

^^ Oh, thanks for the clarification. That is some interesting information. I guess that is why they are confident of finishing the project by 2013. :)

^^ Oh, thanks for the clarification. That is some interesting information. I guess that is why they are confident of finishing the project by 2013. :)

no prob. hahaha yeah. should rise quite fast.

Took some pics today. They are still doing the foundation. :)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1nFbcRqI/AAAAAAAAB8U/SbDDGPA5cfs/s640/DSC01527.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1nFbcRqI/AAAAAAAAB8U/SbDDGPA5cfs/s640/DSC01527.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1nFbcRqI/AAAAAAAAB8U/SbDDGPA5cfs/s640/DSC01527.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1nFbcRqI/AAAAAAAAB8U/SbDDGPA5cfs/s640/DSC01527.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1pz3a7_I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/m5x4dGVMJhU/s640/DSC01528.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1pz3a7_I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/m5x4dGVMJhU/s640/DSC01528.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1szFZ9NI/AAAAAAAAB8g/HyPcr2lOsWc/s640/DSC01529.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1szFZ9NI/AAAAAAAAB8g/HyPcr2lOsWc/s640/DSC01529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1wqft16I/AAAAAAAAB8w/0UefIS1kKls/s640/DSC01530.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1wqft16I/AAAAAAAAB8w/0UefIS1kKls/s640/DSC01530.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1z_tZbkI/AAAAAAAAB80/nczBbPNrWl4/s640/DSC01531.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe1z_tZbkI/AAAAAAAAB80/nczBbPNrWl4/s640/DSC01531.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe120_Fj4I/AAAAAAAAB88/SoEz5LtFZLw/s640/DSC01532.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe120_Fj4I/AAAAAAAAB88/SoEz5LtFZLw/s640/DSC01532.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe15wEIAKI/AAAAAAAAB-A/14ftTu8XQ4k/s640/DSC01533.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe15wEIAKI/AAAAAAAAB-A/14ftTu8XQ4k/s640/DSC01533.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe18zFzLcI/AAAAAAAAB-E/EzdarGtR3IA/s640/DSC01534.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe18zFzLcI/AAAAAAAAB-E/EzdarGtR3IA/s640/DSC01534.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe2ARvvI0I/AAAAAAAAB-I/Cnem3Vu5dyQ/s640/DSC01535.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe2ARvvI0I/AAAAAAAAB-I/Cnem3Vu5dyQ/s640/DSC01535.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe2DXeXIOI/AAAAAAAAB-k/MOPKJWLVcdw/s640/DSC01536.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TVe2DXeXIOI/AAAAAAAAB-k/MOPKJWLVcdw/s640/DSC01536.JPG

Here are some pics I took of the site. It is slowly gaining momentum. :)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8DxMkq81I/AAAAAAAAC5E/QW7P_yfphm4/s640/DSC02121.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8DxMkq81I/AAAAAAAAC5E/QW7P_yfphm4/s640/DSC02121.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D0N9pJ_I/AAAAAAAAC5I/G-OjMeUdTvc/s640/DSC02122.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D0N9pJ_I/AAAAAAAAC5I/G-OjMeUdTvc/s640/DSC02122.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D3G6mbcI/AAAAAAAAC5M/8VJAr82ASJM/s640/DSC02124.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D3G6mbcI/AAAAAAAAC5M/8VJAr82ASJM/s640/DSC02124.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D5PHOJtI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/-q8dRO5KMK4/s640/DSC02125.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D5PHOJtI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/-q8dRO5KMK4/s640/DSC02125.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D8CZWaiI/AAAAAAAAC5U/6RXdMaX0nlk/s640/DSC02127.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D8CZWaiI/AAAAAAAAC5U/6RXdMaX0nlk/s640/DSC02127.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D_GZ5jJI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/4gw6B_nmYak/s640/DSC02128.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D_GZ5jJI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/4gw6B_nmYak/s640/DSC02128.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D_GZ5jJI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/4gw6B_nmYak/s640/DSC02128.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8D_GZ5jJI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/4gw6B_nmYak/s640/DSC02128.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8EE-RI9bI/AAAAAAAAC5k/RFDuceXl2pM/s640/DSC02131.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8EE-RI9bI/AAAAAAAAC5k/RFDuceXl2pM/s640/DSC02131.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8EH6ykFmI/AAAAAAAAC5o/jSphHaDibT8/s640/DSC02132.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8EH6ykFmI/AAAAAAAAC5o/jSphHaDibT8/s640/DSC02132.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8ELAZCfQI/AAAAAAAAC5s/ZDUmW6L9CWw/s640/DSC02133.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TY8ELAZCfQI/AAAAAAAAC5s/ZDUmW6L9CWw/s640/DSC02133.JPG

^^ thanks for all the updates!! Yeah the project is finally gaining momentum.

Took some pics of the project today. It seems to be progressing well. :)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZha6uTrr5I/AAAAAAAAC-c/x1NMC3igBUg/s640/DSC02283.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZha6uTrr5I/AAAAAAAAC-c/x1NMC3igBUg/s640/DSC02283.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZha9ARursI/AAAAAAAAC-g/y8oI-alRINM/s640/DSC02284.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZha9ARursI/AAAAAAAAC-g/y8oI-alRINM/s640/DSC02284.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbAvmsHFI/AAAAAAAAC-k/7qwCqho4S_s/s640/DSC02285.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbAvmsHFI/AAAAAAAAC-k/7qwCqho4S_s/s640/DSC02285.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbEWiNsNI/AAAAAAAAC-o/fgoDM_0_PiE/s640/DSC02286.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbEWiNsNI/AAAAAAAAC-o/fgoDM_0_PiE/s640/DSC02286.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbH1WPlBI/AAAAAAAAC-s/3Ne_saquq6M/s640/DSC02287.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbH1WPlBI/AAAAAAAAC-s/3Ne_saquq6M/s640/DSC02287.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbLVvLEDI/AAAAAAAAC-w/kgURfEH47lo/s640/DSC02288.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbLVvLEDI/AAAAAAAAC-w/kgURfEH47lo/s640/DSC02288.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbO3HhNqI/AAAAAAAAC-0/lP8y9XNepLo/s640/DSC02289.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZhbO3HhNqI/AAAAAAAAC-0/lP8y9XNepLo/s640/DSC02289.JPG

With this development, now it's left to be seen whether the youth park across the street above Somerset MRT station will be re-developed to intensify the dynamism that this area will have. After all, the youth now have a new playground at Scape, so this park now becomes superfluous. I can also envisage that with the ongoing prolific development of numerous condo projects in the Kiliney-Devonshire Rd area, this area is going to be abuzz with activity in the years to come.

With this development, now it's left to be seen whether the youth park across the street above Somerset MRT station will be re-developed to intensify the dynamism that this area will have. After all, the youth now have a new playground at Scape, so this park now becomes superfluous. I can also envisage that with the ongoing prolific development of numerous condo projects in the Kiliney-Devonshire Rd area, this area is going to be abuzz with activity in the years to come.
I don't want the youth park to be developed - it has given the place character and identity, and I don't want that to be lost.

I however, think that the Centrepoint through Concorde Hotel stretch needs to be redeveloped.

I however, think that the Centrepoint through Concorde Hotel stretch needs to be redeveloped.

I agree. especially Orchard plaza.

Here are some pics I took yesterday. :) Woohoo, my 1600th post!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xa7tnpDI/AAAAAAAADFA/dTYUf4M9KgA/s640/DSC02609.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xa7tnpDI/AAAAAAAADFA/dTYUf4M9KgA/s640/DSC02609.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xeTZjMTI/AAAAAAAADFE/K45qai4AT5c/s640/DSC02611.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xeTZjMTI/AAAAAAAADFE/K45qai4AT5c/s640/DSC02611.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xgyoBz7I/AAAAAAAADFI/T-sHeWexB9w/s640/DSC02612.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xgyoBz7I/AAAAAAAADFI/T-sHeWexB9w/s640/DSC02612.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xkFi6p8I/AAAAAAAADFQ/Sb7iLHm_x1M/s512/DSC02614.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xkFi6p8I/AAAAAAAADFQ/Sb7iLHm_x1M/s512/DSC02614.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xnKAOcoI/AAAAAAAADFU/DRW3hik9Ii8/s640/DSC02615.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xnKAOcoI/AAAAAAAADFU/DRW3hik9Ii8/s640/DSC02615.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xqN3WStI/AAAAAAAADFY/NlSn7xwqLyE/s640/DSC02616.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tb3xqN3WStI/AAAAAAAADFY/NlSn7xwqLyE/s640/DSC02616.JPG

Thanks for the photos! The rendering for Emerald looks disappointing. We need such small plots like this for more vibrancy, variety in the city, versus having one huge mall

Here are some pics I took today. :)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-mXLUhmfI/AAAAAAAADJY/pVxl-LGK2GU/s640/DSC02771.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-mXLUhmfI/AAAAAAAADJY/pVxl-LGK2GU/s640/DSC02771.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-maFHsU8I/AAAAAAAADJc/BPPWiZnDlh0/s640/DSC02773.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-maFHsU8I/AAAAAAAADJc/BPPWiZnDlh0/s640/DSC02773.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-mdbC8S6I/AAAAAAAADJg/3QNI5ahDldg/s640/DSC02774.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-mdbC8S6I/AAAAAAAADJg/3QNI5ahDldg/s640/DSC02774.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-mgMWk6PI/AAAAAAAADJk/BKUsCFAZ87Y/s640/DSC02775.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/Tc-mgMWk6PI/AAAAAAAADJk/BKUsCFAZ87Y/s640/DSC02775.JPG

I heard the hotel will be run by Traders. Anybody have info this?

Another Traders in Singapore?, They are from the Shangri-la group..

If you check Shangri-La website, you'll notice they announce their future hotels up till 2014. However, they don't announce anything in Singapore...

Would the hotel be renamed Phoenix?

http://sgstb.msn.com/i/74/A0321D1E0438290D018F9297B82BD.jpg

Hope the facade looks nice

Wow! Really curvy...

Here are some pics I took of the project today. :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QY_W_2UTJWE/Tf1qFbYMNXI/AAAAAAAADTM/73sunzmNLfM/s720/DSC_0066.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QY_W_2UTJWE/Tf1qFbYMNXI/AAAAAAAADTM/73sunzmNLfM/s720/DSC_0066.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FYnu328OcOE/Tf1qILfRtzI/AAAAAAAADTQ/zZMxs8UsF8Y/s720/DSC_0067.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FYnu328OcOE/Tf1qILfRtzI/AAAAAAAADTQ/zZMxs8UsF8Y/s720/DSC_0067.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t8jA5UCWv2E/Tf1qKmdC8MI/AAAAAAAADTU/muX2I8hBWnY/s720/DSC_0068.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t8jA5UCWv2E/Tf1qKmdC8MI/AAAAAAAADTU/muX2I8hBWnY/s720/DSC_0068.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BZvME1OPwTA/Tf1qOe7FWuI/AAAAAAAADTY/onaHtvPVPKc/s720/DSC_0069.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BZvME1OPwTA/Tf1qOe7FWuI/AAAAAAAADTY/onaHtvPVPKc/s720/DSC_0069.JPG

Here are some pics I took today of the project. :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N2Jj7Owxj34/ThMQdZDaMLI/AAAAAAAADYs/tTYVtUU3EaY/s912/DSC_0002.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N2Jj7Owxj34/ThMQdZDaMLI/AAAAAAAADYs/tTYVtUU3EaY/s912/DSC_0002.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xYEUOlsIw5U/ThMQgpq8V-I/AAAAAAAADYw/Ys63QK4NQtY/s720/DSC_0003.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xYEUOlsIw5U/ThMQgpq8V-I/AAAAAAAADYw/Ys63QK4NQtY/s720/DSC_0003.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PSzFZQaua48/ThMQkpSCE7I/AAAAAAAADY0/ZeJV1GSiOAg/s800/DSC_0005.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PSzFZQaua48/ThMQkpSCE7I/AAAAAAAADY0/ZeJV1GSiOAg/s800/DSC_0005.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lc9N8Set0Kg/ThMQoel_IlI/AAAAAAAADY4/2G6C0atHWAA/s720/DSC_0006.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lc9N8Set0Kg/ThMQoel_IlI/AAAAAAAADY4/2G6C0atHWAA/s720/DSC_0006.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XwPSmhdHZXQ/ThMQrv-qgrI/AAAAAAAADY8/b4f3NzW1mzc/s720/DSC_0007.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XwPSmhdHZXQ/ThMQrv-qgrI/AAAAAAAADY8/b4f3NzW1mzc/s720/DSC_0007.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d1rwy6VU7UE/ThMQu7sYXlI/AAAAAAAADZA/th-ftLHWEuo/s720/DSC_0008.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d1rwy6VU7UE/ThMQu7sYXlI/AAAAAAAADZA/th-ftLHWEuo/s720/DSC_0008.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MFDqXsfn-L4/ThMQyuLhpNI/AAAAAAAADZE/8tLeyBIHmTc/s720/DSC_0009.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MFDqXsfn-L4/ThMQyuLhpNI/AAAAAAAADZE/8tLeyBIHmTc/s720/DSC_0009.JPG

where the photo is taken?

Which ones? The first few are from the bus stop across the road. The last 2 was taken from 313. :)

(16/7/2011)
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN9168.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN9169.jpg

^^ Great updates as usual. Thanks, man!! I'll take pics of the site on the other side of Orchard Road. :)

Here are some pics I took of the site opposite 313@Somerset. :)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UJHnGsKw870/Tie0nXvw-rI/AAAAAAAADa8/KsoeDPUaVUw/s720/DSC_0042.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UJHnGsKw870/Tie0nXvw-rI/AAAAAAAADa8/KsoeDPUaVUw/s720/DSC_0042.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jqbuJLW-jAI/Tie0qxi7EEI/AAAAAAAADbA/Fi0kLH12Do0/s720/DSC_0043.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jqbuJLW-jAI/Tie0qxi7EEI/AAAAAAAADbA/Fi0kLH12Do0/s720/DSC_0043.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jqbuJLW-jAI/Tie0qxi7EEI/AAAAAAAADbA/Fi0kLH12Do0/s720/DSC_0043.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jqbuJLW-jAI/Tie0qxi7EEI/AAAAAAAADbA/Fi0kLH12Do0/s720/DSC_0043.JPG

Here are some pics I took today.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hDGqrou0UZ4/Ti1Gc89T74I/AAAAAAAADcw/xtCsHmNc_ZU/s720/DSC_0019.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hDGqrou0UZ4/Ti1Gc89T74I/AAAAAAAADcw/xtCsHmNc_ZU/s720/DSC_0019.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lBzGVF8JGq4/Ti1Gf1iRSTI/AAAAAAAADdA/0mMhC1z2CsU/s720/DSC_0021.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lBzGVF8JGq4/Ti1Gf1iRSTI/AAAAAAAADdA/0mMhC1z2CsU/s720/DSC_0021.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Eysbqo8Uxzk/Ti1GjCine7I/AAAAAAAADdE/pKhXocRSh8Y/s720/DSC_0022.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Eysbqo8Uxzk/Ti1GjCine7I/AAAAAAAADdE/pKhXocRSh8Y/s720/DSC_0022.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z3hvpnhhNdI/Ti1GmCfXwLI/AAAAAAAADdI/oe5Zv3Sano0/s720/DSC_0023.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z3hvpnhhNdI/Ti1GmCfXwLI/AAAAAAAADdI/oe5Zv3Sano0/s720/DSC_0023.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OEZWlj26eVw/Ti1GpaaxJKI/AAAAAAAADdM/WQZ4kK5KpTY/s720/DSC_0024.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OEZWlj26eVw/Ti1GpaaxJKI/AAAAAAAADdM/WQZ4kK5KpTY/s720/DSC_0024.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G188duWjjaI/Ti1Gsv492jI/AAAAAAAADdQ/U6hAHIPIPwk/s720/DSC_0025.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G188duWjjaI/Ti1Gsv492jI/AAAAAAAADdQ/U6hAHIPIPwk/s720/DSC_0025.JPG

I wonder if this will be a full party wall development with Orchard Central...noted some facade design at the rear of the latter a few storeys up...

^^ I think it should just be the first few floors that is directly connected to Orchard Central.

I wonder if this will be a full party wall development with Orchard Central...noted some facade design at the rear of the latter a few storeys up...

There's some "bridges" across the atrium which dead ends at the wall. These would be connected to the new Specialists'.

Has this render been posted?
http://www.savills.com.sg/_images/Orchard-Gateway-Nite-2.jpg

http://www.savills.com.sg/property-showcase/retail-leasing/orchard-gateway.aspx
Some info about floor spaces in the PDF document in that page

^^ Nice,thanks for the info. :) I think we can rename this thread the Orchard Gateway |11 + 20 floors|U/C (due 2013) .

Oh come on, "orchard getaway" talk about a bad name...

^^ Hehe, I mean Gateway. Typo error. :nuts:

^^ I think it should just be the first few floors that is directly connected to Orchard Central.

I think OC,313 anf this development will only be conected by the discovery walk which OC and 313 already have on the first level:)

^^ Well, in Orchard Central there a few floors with some bridges that are seems to connect with the development in the future.

^^ Oh i forgot those..............Yeah they will probably connect there as well:) Like ION's basement one and Orchard Xchange:)

found some renders

http://www.greenmark.com.sg/property-detail.php?id=359

http://www.greenmark.com.sg/uploads/buildings/images/359/GM154_Orchard_Emerald.png

http://www.awp.com.sg/web/hotels_or.html



ORCHARD ROAD
REDEVELOPMENT TO SPECIALISTS’ CENTRE / HOTEL PHOENIX & ORCHARD EMERALD AT 202/218
SINGAPORE


The proposed redevelopment of the existing Specialist’s Centre / Hotel Phoenix & Orchard Emerald on Orchard Road will be linked directly to the existing Somerset MRT Station. The two buildings on opposite sides of Orchard Road will also be linked underground below Orchard Road as well as overhead by a Sky Media Ring Bridge.

The redevelopment proposal will have retail / hotel / offices and 5-storey carparks.

This redevelopment proposal is envisaged will bring greater vibrancy to this part of Orchard Road, as part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s objective to make Orchard Road one of the famous shopping streets in the World.

http://www.awp.com.sg/web/images/project%20images/img_or_main.jpg

http://www.awp.com.sg/web/images/img_commercial_or_02.jpg

http://www.awp.com.sg/web/images/img_commercial_or_03.jpg

Looks like there would be a hemispherical structure suspended over the road

^^ Thanks for the renders, redstone. It is quite an intersting design, especially the hemispherical portion of the overhead bridge.

^^Nice renders!!!

new focal point for Orchard. Far more so than the Scotts Rd junction.

Looks impressive! Definitely has the potential to create a new identity marker for Somerset and Orchard. The Scotts Rd junction at Wheelock Place seems to have been diminished by killing off the streel-level pedestrian crossing leading to Ion.

One thing though the increase of built-up urban area along both sides of the street makes it feel warmer.

I was hoping they recreate the giant ad panel that used to front Specialist, and make it into one giant media wall.

^^ Thanks for the renders, redstone. It is quite an intersting design, especially the hemispherical portion of the overhead bridge.

The lowest 2 bids for glass wall contract was a whopping $10M difference! I 'd like to see how they manage this project with that kinda budget in a busy street like this.

The lowest 2 bids for glass wall contract was a whopping $10M difference! I 'd like to see how they manage this project with that kinda budget in a busy street like this.

Hope it's not low quality like the ION's Orchard MRT entrance

What's there on the Ion mrt entrance? What's low quality about it?

What's there on the Ion mrt entrance? What's low quality about it?

The glass cup-shaped structure. Notice that they use 2 square pieces of metal to hold the glass panels...

Here are some pics I took of the site today. :)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316498_10150380370707040_671067039_10368280_636931894_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316498_10150380370707040_671067039_10368280_636931894_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293319_10150380370762040_671067039_10368281_1626956553_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293319_10150380370762040_671067039_10368281_1626956553_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296632_10150380370882040_671067039_10368283_1334389191_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296632_10150380370882040_671067039_10368283_1334389191_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304906_10150380370952040_671067039_10368286_1944844585_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304906_10150380370952040_671067039_10368286_1944844585_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310948_10150380371112040_671067039_10368288_1807358106_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310948_10150380371112040_671067039_10368288_1807358106_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316144_10150380371237040_671067039_10368290_1992095859_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316144_10150380371237040_671067039_10368290_1992095859_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299952_10150380371392040_671067039_10368293_608389076_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299952_10150380371392040_671067039_10368293_608389076_n.jpg

they are so fast.

^^ Yeah, it was pretty fast. I guess it is because the foundation for that site has been done before. :)

Some pictures I took of the site today.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299536_10150394660702040_671067039_10456998_1437534940_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299536_10150394660702040_671067039_10456998_1437534940_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297940_10150394660967040_671067039_10457001_363611071_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297940_10150394660967040_671067039_10457001_363611071_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308890_10150394661132040_671067039_10457003_141929869_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308890_10150394661132040_671067039_10457003_141929869_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308468_10150394661387040_671067039_10457006_997734421_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308468_10150394661387040_671067039_10457006_997734421_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307418_10150394661587040_671067039_10457009_665985296_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307418_10150394661587040_671067039_10457009_665985296_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302516_10150394661707040_671067039_10457013_643923491_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302516_10150394661707040_671067039_10457013_643923491_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308783_10150394661877040_671067039_10457014_694111295_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308783_10150394661877040_671067039_10457014_694111295_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/297838_10150394662072040_671067039_10457015_2025114287_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/297838_10150394662072040_671067039_10457015_2025114287_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300778_10150394662227040_671067039_10457016_1392088513_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300778_10150394662227040_671067039_10457016_1392088513_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/305187_10150394662367040_671067039_10457017_1427431973_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/305187_10150394662367040_671067039_10457017_1427431973_n.jpg

Here are some pics I took of the project. :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/314325_10150446124797040_671067039_10779194_1211902259_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/314325_10150446124797040_671067039_10779194_1211902259_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/384216_10150446124847040_671067039_10779195_1581669836_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/384216_10150446124847040_671067039_10779195_1581669836_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312203_10150446124907040_671067039_10779197_656149770_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312203_10150446124907040_671067039_10779197_656149770_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/392086_10150446124952040_671067039_10779198_1823888053_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/392086_10150446124952040_671067039_10779198_1823888053_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/387251_10150446125022040_671067039_10779199_653179347_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/387251_10150446125022040_671067039_10779199_653179347_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376277_10150446125067040_671067039_10779200_869453419_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376277_10150446125067040_671067039_10779200_869453419_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374859_10150446125107040_671067039_10779201_1111804699_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374859_10150446125107040_671067039_10779201_1111804699_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312738_10150446125152040_671067039_10779202_1156539270_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312738_10150446125152040_671067039_10779202_1156539270_n.jpg

It seems that library@orchard would be in the building. :)


Library@orchard gets new home
By Lip Kwok Wai and Wayne Chan | Posted: 12 November 2011 2042 hrs

SINGAPORE: The library@orchard will be getting a new home in the first quarter of 2014.

It will be located on the third and fourth levels of the new Specialist Shopping Centre, which will be situated between the Orchard Central and 313@Somerset shopping malls.

The proposed area of the library is 1,700 square metres.

Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Yaacob Ibrahim announced this during a visit to the Clementi library on Saturday.

He said that there was a demand for a library in Orchard, and it was good place for people to go after work.

Dr Yaacob said while there were suggestions for a second library in the Orchard area at the *scape Youth Park, he felt one library was enough.

The new library will serve the Orchard Road shopping belt, as well as the Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall areas.

- CNA /ls


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1165017/1/.html

Here are some pics I took today. :)

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379994_10150503873187040_671067039_10988398_1282621244_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379994_10150503873187040_671067039_10988398_1282621244_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379994_10150503873187040_671067039_10988398_1282621244_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379994_10150503873187040_671067039_10988398_1282621244_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/380426_10150503873437040_671067039_10988401_1310556417_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/380426_10150503873437040_671067039_10988401_1310556417_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/393622_10150503873602040_671067039_10988402_724842804_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/393622_10150503873602040_671067039_10988402_724842804_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390849_10150503873752040_671067039_10988404_267862383_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390849_10150503873752040_671067039_10988404_267862383_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/381093_10150503873897040_671067039_10988405_1196121443_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/381093_10150503873897040_671067039_10988405_1196121443_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/383746_10150503874097040_671067039_10988407_1377368245_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/383746_10150503874097040_671067039_10988407_1377368245_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/389795_10150503874262040_671067039_10988408_2007837831_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/389795_10150503874262040_671067039_10988408_2007837831_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391057_10150503874377040_671067039_10988409_363521222_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391057_10150503874377040_671067039_10988409_363521222_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378444_10150503874552040_671067039_10988410_815060621_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378444_10150503874552040_671067039_10988410_815060621_n.jpg

There's some newly erected hoarding along Orchard Rd just outside 313 near the pedestrian crossing... I wonder if this is to facilitate the construction on the iconic pedestrian bridge across Orchard Rd.

^^ It seems to be likely to be the case. Anyway, thanks for the info. :)

-deleted-

Some pics I took of the site.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426151_10150690573757040_671067039_11636979_1173166408_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426151_10150690573757040_671067039_11636979_1173166408_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/421735_10150690573822040_671067039_11636980_1734472429_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/421735_10150690573822040_671067039_11636980_1734472429_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422292_10150690573952040_671067039_11636981_1395196780_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422292_10150690573952040_671067039_11636981_1395196780_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/421801_10150690574012040_671067039_11636983_528164758_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/421801_10150690574012040_671067039_11636983_528164758_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425949_10150690574062040_671067039_11636984_213305407_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425949_10150690574062040_671067039_11636984_213305407_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432157_10150690574157040_671067039_11636985_502121110_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432157_10150690574157040_671067039_11636985_502121110_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/429942_10150690574237040_671067039_11636986_434190407_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/429942_10150690574237040_671067039_11636986_434190407_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/428147_10150690574332040_671067039_11636987_1746503835_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/428147_10150690574332040_671067039_11636987_1746503835_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425939_10150690574422040_671067039_11636988_343725673_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425939_10150690574422040_671067039_11636988_343725673_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401400_10150690574527040_671067039_11636989_1999251355_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401400_10150690574527040_671067039_11636989_1999251355_n.jpg

Hope they stabilise the party walls of the shophouses...

Some news on CNA regarding the project. Originally posted by Autobots.


New mall orchardgateway stretches over Orchard Road
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 21 March 2012 1344 hrs

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/components/display_image.php?id=487534
The twin towers of orchardgateway linked by the glass tubular overhead bridge viewed from Orchard Road/Grange Road junction. (Courtesy illustration photo)

SINGAPORE: A new 500-room hotel with six floors of retail space as well as office space will open in Orchard Road in the second half of 2013.

Called orchardgateway, the development will straddle the sites formerly occupied by Hotel Phoenix, Specialists Centre and Orchard Emerald.

The two towers will be linked by a glass tubular overhead bridge as well as an underpass across Orchard Road.

These plans were unveiled by OCBC Bank, Great Eastern Holdings and United Engineers Limited who are jointly working on the project.

The mall will offer 180,000 square feet of leasable space over six floors including two basement floors while the 11-story office building will yield about 3,500 square metres of gross floor area.

United Engineers Limited (UEL) said a 18,000-square feet public library will also open at orchardgateway in 2014.

The project has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum award for sustainable developments.

UEL said some green features include the harnessing of bio-gas from composting food waste for electricity production, implementing a carpark guiding system that leads motorists to the nearest parking lots to reduce exhaust gas emission, as well as installing ultraviolet emitters in air-handling units to improve air quality in the F&B areas.

These features will help to conserve 10,111,662 kilowatt-hour per year (kWh/yr) of energy which is equivalent to Singapore's electricity consumption for 2.2 hours and water savings of 579,211 m³/yr, or about 231 Olympic-size swimming pools.

- CNA/ck


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1190332/1/.html

This bridge looks much much better

Some pics I took of the site.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/556097_10150747370752040_140850046_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/556097_10150747370752040_140850046_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/559348_10150747371027040_671067039_11834954_1014069162_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/559348_10150747371027040_671067039_11834954_1014069162_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/557940_10150747371322040_671067039_11834958_964446739_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/557940_10150747371322040_671067039_11834958_964446739_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/404134_10150747371622040_671067039_11834962_1525857081_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/404134_10150747371622040_671067039_11834962_1525857081_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/547508_10150747371867040_671067039_11834965_825077000_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/547508_10150747371867040_671067039_11834965_825077000_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/374999_10150747372162040_671067039_11834969_1371735483_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/374999_10150747372162040_671067039_11834969_1371735483_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/538401_10150747372337040_671067039_11834971_1216735342_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/538401_10150747372337040_671067039_11834971_1216735342_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/529121_10150747372677040_671067039_11834974_1105756713_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/529121_10150747372677040_671067039_11834974_1105756713_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/563944_10150747372882040_671067039_11834975_641962201_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/563944_10150747372882040_671067039_11834975_641962201_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/552822_10150747373117040_671067039_11834978_431326735_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/552822_10150747373117040_671067039_11834978_431326735_n.jpg

Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/buona-vista-orchard-welcome-two-090415820.html
Buona Vista and Orchard to welcome two new malls

Buona Vista and Orchard Road will each see a new mall, in September this year and the second half of 2013 respectively.

CapitalMalls Asia's The Star Vista mall at Buona Vista is scheduled to open in September, featuring a variety of retail and restaurant options.

The new lifestyle destination will offer 163,000 sq ft of net lettable area (NLA) and over a hundred shops across three levels. Cold Storage will be housed in a 7,000 sq ft space in the complex's basement, aside from F&B brands and a 5,000-seat theatre.

More than half the units have already been leased out at rental rates of between S$14 and S$18 psf.

Meanwhile, the Orchardgateway (pictured) integrated development will soon include a new mall, which will integrate the library@orchard and the Singapore Visitors Centre@Orchard.

Stretching from 218 Orchard Road to 288 Orchard Road, the mall will comprise 180,000 sq ft of leasable space across six floors, including two basement levels.

Orchardgateway also includes an 11-storey office-retail development, to be called the orchardgateway@emerald, and a 20-storey hotel-retail development next to Somerset MRT station.

The fashion mall is set to house fashion and lifestyle brands, along with F&B establishments. The segment which sits on the old Orchard Emerald site will be home to the 18,000 sq ft, lifestyle-oriented library@orchard by 2012. Its 500-room hotel will be managed by Shangri-La group as its second Traders hotel in Singapore.

Orchardgateway will also have direct access to Somerset MRT station and cover the remaining part of Discovery Walk.

Savills Singapore was appointed as the marketing consultant for both the mall and office building.

Some pics I took of the site. They have shifted the pedestrian crossing to fron of the UOB.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561279_10150934451097040_671067039_12221244_970802406_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561279_10150934451097040_671067039_12221244_970802406_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558642_10150934451632040_671067039_12221247_1916019167_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558642_10150934451632040_671067039_12221247_1916019167_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540253_10150934452217040_671067039_12221248_1417359562_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540253_10150934452217040_671067039_12221248_1417359562_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554772_10150934452652040_671067039_12221249_125064797_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554772_10150934452652040_671067039_12221249_125064797_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544240_10150934453182040_671067039_12221250_1703388914_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544240_10150934453182040_671067039_12221250_1703388914_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556745_10150934453627040_671067039_12221252_1439359926_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556745_10150934453627040_671067039_12221252_1439359926_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/575104_10150934454097040_671067039_12221255_506203520_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/575104_10150934454097040_671067039_12221255_506203520_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/538291_10150934454632040_671067039_12221257_1518545610_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/538291_10150934454632040_671067039_12221257_1518545610_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/577358_10150934455052040_671067039_12221259_345510719_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/577358_10150934455052040_671067039_12221259_345510719_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/542174_10150934455547040_671067039_12221261_1599325546_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/542174_10150934455547040_671067039_12221261_1599325546_n.jpg

If not for the junction at H&M less than 100 m before, I think the new location of this pedestrian crossing is better.

Shophouses look precarious..

Other than the overhead bridge, will there be a tunnel connection, I wonder.

^^ I think there is. an underground connection. I think it was mentioned somewhere in this thread. :)

Some pics I took of the construction site.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303305_10151006277482040_1496343381_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303305_10151006277482040_1496343381_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550547_10151006277822040_1971569690_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550547_10151006277822040_1971569690_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/182540_10151006278137040_971058887_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/182540_10151006278137040_971058887_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560104_10151006278457040_1208129794_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560104_10151006278457040_1208129794_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522620_10151006279147040_1714982091_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522620_10151006279147040_1714982091_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/600950_10151006279382040_1298650984_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/600950_10151006279382040_1298650984_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/600880_10151006279597040_453134455_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/600880_10151006279597040_453134455_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/554673_10151006280022040_967852782_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/554673_10151006280022040_967852782_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301799_10151006280632040_1648370662_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301799_10151006280632040_1648370662_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253395_10151006281207040_943825537_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253395_10151006281207040_943825537_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600507_10151006281747040_835685447_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600507_10151006281747040_835685447_n.jpg

A quick pic i took from 313 today:)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7561737876_9a382c3146_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/7561737876/in/photostream

^^ Thanks for the update!! They are still doing the basement from the looks of things.

Some pics I took of the site. A lot of piling going on for the underpass.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309392_10151082318417040_1939641866_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309392_10151082318417040_1939641866_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/255210_10151082318912040_153201_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/255210_10151082318912040_153201_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555845_10151082319382040_508053341_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555845_10151082319382040_508053341_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/557219_10151082319717040_1249811043_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/557219_10151082319717040_1249811043_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559318_10151082320282040_1410226005_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559318_10151082320282040_1410226005_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/564126_10151082320732040_1434503307_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/564126_10151082320732040_1434503307_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599623_10151082321127040_933133787_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599623_10151082321127040_933133787_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/561418_10151082321517040_1890707947_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/561418_10151082321517040_1890707947_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/548193_10151082321877040_1362206922_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/548193_10151082321877040_1362206922_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/396797_10151082322187040_915977983_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/396797_10151082322187040_915977983_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/396787_10151082322542040_891118099_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/396787_10151082322542040_891118099_n.jpg

Quick picture i took today:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7621377648_1ca9c2e184_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/7621377648/in/photostream

Some pics I took of the development.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224761_10151163203442040_1439991234_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224761_10151163203442040_1439991234_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255418_10151163204092040_1534152597_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255418_10151163204092040_1534152597_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/488282_10151163204942040_673580169_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/488282_10151163204942040_673580169_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405283_10151163205802040_166892017_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405283_10151163205802040_166892017_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196014_10151163206582040_123171354_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196014_10151163206582040_123171354_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562787_10151163207277040_324452196_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562787_10151163207277040_324452196_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578760_10151163207832040_1406923864_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578760_10151163207832040_1406923864_n.jpg

Some pics I took of the site.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552001_10151208255337040_727943315_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552001_10151208255337040_727943315_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/10543_10151208255587040_1101615761_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/10543_10151208255587040_1101615761_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282268_10151208255842040_1502876181_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282268_10151208255842040_1502876181_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545612_10151208256037040_1622508965_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545612_10151208256037040_1622508965_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393756_10151208256207040_1255778157_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393756_10151208256207040_1255778157_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/579807_10151208256492040_622393525_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/579807_10151208256492040_622393525_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227814_10151208256747040_846007327_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227814_10151208256747040_846007327_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399612_10151208257027040_914808888_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399612_10151208257027040_914808888_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560449_10151208257272040_989911265_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560449_10151208257272040_989911265_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/420797_10151208257472040_694152387_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/420797_10151208257472040_694152387_n.jpg

Some pics I took of the site.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545491_10151243879677040_1485932982_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545491_10151243879677040_1485932982_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523956_10151243880272040_753965061_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523956_10151243880272040_753965061_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/430550_10151243880592040_729271759_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/430550_10151243880592040_729271759_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/67179_10151243880832040_1623853873_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/67179_10151243880832040_1623853873_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525651_10151243881097040_1973590490_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525651_10151243881097040_1973590490_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431600_10151243881257040_1753034931_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431600_10151243881257040_1753034931_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315510_10151243881487040_1200071182_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315510_10151243881487040_1200071182_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400961_10151243881687040_1231863599_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400961_10151243881687040_1231863599_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/150132_10151243881882040_1698666771_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/150132_10151243881882040_1698666771_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299305_10151243882137040_1609799441_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299305_10151243882137040_1609799441_n.jpg

Is the closing of one lane of the road related to the underpass?

Is the closing of one lane of the road related to the underpass?

I believe it is. At first it was the middle lane. Recently, they opened that lane and closed the current lane. :)

Some pics I took of the site.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/155537_10151275519847040_1383015932_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/155537_10151275519847040_1383015932_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/403450_10151275520092040_107827811_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/403450_10151275520092040_107827811_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406897_10151275520322040_1810120100_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406897_10151275520322040_1810120100_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557780_10151275520587040_493716890_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557780_10151275520587040_493716890_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/149864_10151275520877040_870110459_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/149864_10151275520877040_870110459_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/32308_10151275521092040_2017262901_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/32308_10151275521092040_2017262901_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12693_10151275521342040_15664418_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12693_10151275521342040_15664418_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404992_10151275521617040_1659814708_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404992_10151275521617040_1659814708_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/643907_10151275521877040_1786609565_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/643907_10151275521877040_1786609565_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196118_10151275522262040_524746771_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196118_10151275522262040_524746771_n.jpg

it is still a long way to go...

it is still a long way to go...

Well, it is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year so it is still on time from the looks of it. :)

Some pics I took of the site yesterday.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382151_10151315920462040_1252934301_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382151_10151315920462040_1252934301_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487062_10151315920817040_990811409_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487062_10151315920817040_990811409_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/59638_10151315920932040_1605138860_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/59638_10151315920932040_1605138860_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/481763_10151315921047040_1119463436_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/481763_10151315921047040_1119463436_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/483441_10151315921202040_1408543382_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/483441_10151315921202040_1408543382_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/23897_10151315921442040_1526674828_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/23897_10151315921442040_1526674828_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261501_10151315921682040_1280280029_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261501_10151315921682040_1280280029_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/12080_10151315921947040_1785820785_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/12080_10151315921947040_1785820785_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309253_10151315922227040_1814691443_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309253_10151315922227040_1814691443_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429566_10151315922327040_1571464441_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429566_10151315922327040_1571464441_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/32302_10151315922517040_1692132239_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/32302_10151315922517040_1692132239_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12604_10151315922677040_1956063081_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12604_10151315922677040_1956063081_n.jpg

Orchardgateway is targeted to open in second half of 2013.

I wonder when will they start building the glass tubular overhead bridge?

Orchardgateway is targeted to open in second half of 2013.

I wonder when will they start building the glass tubular overhead bridge?

I guess it is going to be soon as they have started to erect temporary struts in the middle of the road to hold the bridge when it is under construction.

News on the new library@orchard that will open in the shopping centre.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/156179_10151341311427040_49397056_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/156179_10151341311427040_49397056_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

Walked past yesterday and saw part of the bridge up already. Will try and take some pics soon:)

Yes the bridge framework is up...

Does anyone know what are the mall tenants expected here?

Some pics I took of the site today.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9642_10151348677562040_1342307227_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9642_10151348677562040_1342307227_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230281_10151348677607040_309945283_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230281_10151348677607040_309945283_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199784_10151348677557040_1184325134_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199784_10151348677557040_1184325134_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262740_10151348677742040_447619406_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262740_10151348677742040_447619406_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188712_10151348677777040_1402718472_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188712_10151348677777040_1402718472_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/15364_10151348677922040_1580033540_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/15364_10151348677922040_1580033540_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/382926_10151348677987040_969606557_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/382926_10151348677987040_969606557_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182335_10151348678117040_39483137_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182335_10151348678117040_39483137_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382791_10151348678172040_1122770127_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382791_10151348678172040_1122770127_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/479735_10151348678217040_859337391_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/479735_10151348678217040_859337391_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/532368_10151348678277040_225391384_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/532368_10151348678277040_225391384_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/46407_10151348678312040_1523115534_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/46407_10151348678312040_1523115534_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312514_10151348678332040_109774318_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312514_10151348678332040_109774318_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576252_10151348678397040_224606325_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576252_10151348678397040_224606325_n.jpg

was expecting the bridge to be a lot wider. it is probably a nice sheltered alternative to reach the Centrepoint side to the surface crossing.

was expecting the bridge to be a lot wider. it is probably a nice sheltered alternative to reach the Centrepoint side to the surface crossing.

Well, there is an underground link between Orchard Central and Centrepoint. There is also going to be an underground link between the 2 parts of the project.

Some photos to share of the four proof of concept designs by NLB and Singapore Polytechnic (SP), that are being showcased at the National Library Building.

2012 DEC Library@Orchard, The Sneak Preview, National Library Building, Singapore (http://xtemujin.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/2012-dec-libraryorchard-the-sneak-preview-national-library-building-singapore/)

Some pics I took last week of the Orchard Gateway development:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Singapore%20Xmas%202012/P1010100-1.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Singapore%20Xmas%202012/P1010098-1.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Singapore%20Xmas%202012/P1010099.jpg

And a sneaky look through the screen to see:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc143/GaryinSydney/Singapore%20Xmas%202012/P1010101.jpg

^^ Thanks for the pictures. Hope you had a great time here. :)

Looks like they had built the bridge inside the building and pushed it out across the road?

^^ Nah, it is more likely that they had it built elsewhere and transport it in parts before using the crane to lift it into position.

more detailed renders from awparchitects..
http://awparchitects.com/projects/category/commercial/orchard-gateway/

^^nice:)

My dream for Orchard Rd is close to what is being depicted in this rendering of the new Orchard Gateway: a full, side-to-side pedestrian mall. Take away that road & traffic, you see what I mean. Shoppers can walk from Gateway to Centerpoint, from Taka to Paragon, from Ion to Lucky, without having to go to crowded underground tunnels, or wait for traffic light green. One way is to divert the traffic underground (like the CTE tunnel). It will be a massive complicated project, it will not be approved, and one can only dream.

http://i49.************/2s0n4o6.png

It is not for everyone's taste but you will have to admit it is unique and quite majestic.

http://i49.************/2wdubgn.png

http://i47.************/2my1zyu.png

^^ Wow! It looks fantastic -almost the Suzhou Gate of the Orient?! I had no idea it would look so great, given its limited frontage to Orchard Rd.

Tbh, I think this section of Orchard Rd will now almost match the Ion/Wisma/Tangs/Shaw Bldg intersection & the Marina Bay (Raffles City/CityLink/Marina Square/Suntec/Millenia Walk) shopping hub in terms of its offerings and connectivity.

There is already that sneaky B1 link beneath Orchard road between Orchard Central and Centrepoint malls, and now this link too, as well as connectivity to 313@Somerset no doubt? Quite a developing hub methinks :banana:

Nice!!

Are we still looking at completion this year?

^^ Hopefully. It definitely looks like that it is on schedule. :)

Some pics I took of the site. The bridge is now wholly supported by the huge columns from either side of the road.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558192_10151407347257040_1325078061_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558192_10151407347257040_1325078061_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/62376_10151407347377040_386472676_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/62376_10151407347377040_386472676_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558308_10151407347247040_1120078185_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558308_10151407347247040_1120078185_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251939_10151407347422040_873980622_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251939_10151407347422040_873980622_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/533810_10151407347482040_2011212425_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/533810_10151407347482040_2011212425_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/62326_10151407347507040_243858604_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/62326_10151407347507040_243858604_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/397441_10151407347552040_1158965732_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/397441_10151407347552040_1158965732_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550263_10151407347647040_1927865046_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550263_10151407347647040_1927865046_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/555302_10151407347682040_1546417835_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/555302_10151407347682040_1546417835_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/397519_10151407347717040_1194100037_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/397519_10151407347717040_1194100037_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/150597_10151407347787040_1116513613_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/150597_10151407347787040_1116513613_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552716_10151407347852040_1530032164_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552716_10151407347852040_1530032164_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601288_10151407347917040_1960402330_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601288_10151407347917040_1960402330_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196318_10151407348012040_976282922_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196318_10151407348012040_976282922_n.jpg

Some pic i took a few hours ago:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8471951505_b00ebee745_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8471951505/)
Orchard Gateway - 14 Feb 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8471951505/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8471950851_002b15ccf9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8471950851/)
Orchard Gateway - 14 Feb 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8471950851/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8473040764_d6a8f8d9b4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8473040764/)
Orchard Gateway - 14 Feb 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8473040764/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8471948845_405ea878ff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8471948845/)
Orchard Gateway - 14 Feb 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8471948845/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1261080/1/.html
Orchard Rd set to welcome new mall
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 19 March 2013 2349 hrs

SINGAPORE : Singapore's prime shopping belt Orchard Road is set to welcome a new mall, Orchard Gateway, around November this year.

Its marketing agent Savills said 80 per cent of the retail space has already been pre-committed.

And there will be a few new-to-market brands that will appeal to fashion-forward shoppers.

The mixed-development straddles both sides of Orchard Road and has 172,000 square feet of net lettable retail space.

Savills said the mall has managed to snag some big international names.

They include American chain Crate & Barrel, which will open its five-storey flagship store there, spanning over 20,000 square feet.

There is also multi-label fashion company I.T Hong Kong and Swatch - which will open its third mega store in Asia at Orchard Gateway.

Sulian Claire Tan-Wijaya, senior director at Savills, added: "Some of the other brand names will include J.Lindeberg, which is a fashion brand from Sweden. They will be introducing their ladies range for the first time in Singapore. There is also the US shoe brand Red Wings shoes - they will be opening their first concept store in Singapore.

"Also coming in to Orchard Gateway is Nike - they are introducing a new concept called Amplify women. We have also dedicated the entire fourth floor just for men, so it's...very much skewed towards men's fashion. There is also UK brand Religion, which has never been to Singapore.

To cater to younger shoppers, Savills said the mall also has up-and-coming fashion blogshops.

Aside from the retail offerings, Orchard Gateway also has 37,000 square feet of office space and a 500-room hotel.

Some analysts said nearly 2 million square feet of retail space will come on stream in Singapore this year - about 18 per cent of the space will be located along Orchard Road, with the rest to be built in the suburban areas.

In recent years, retail rents between malls in the regional centres and Orchard Road have narrowed.

CBRE said prime Orchard Road rents were around S$31.60 per square foot per month, compared to S$29.75 in suburban malls in the fourth quarter of last year.

Desmond Sim, associate director at CBRE Research, said: "The past two years, the rental premiums for Orchard Road and suburban malls, they have probably compressed from 20 over per cent to close to 10 per cent. Although the rents have been compressed quite a fair bit, at the end of the day, Orchard Road with the tourists influx still commands a premium."

Barring any unforeseen events, analysts expect retail sales to remain healthy this year, supported by tourism and domestic demand.

Ku Swee Yong, CEO of International Property Advisor, said: "Retailers should not have problems with getting the revenue part of the business in place, the issue in the past two years has been the curb on employment of foreigners, the foreign worker levy has gone up, foreign worker ratio has gone down, and so for the retail players, it is more of an issue of manpower and manpower cost."

Market watchers added that the labour shortage and increasing resistance against further rental increase from tenants will also affect retail rents going forward.

- CNA/ms

Taken today:)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8578851681_b0a0ffb566_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8578851681/)
Construction Progress - Orchard Gateway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8578851681/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

Taken about an hour ago:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8596469139_6f176b9300_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596469139/)
Construction Progress - Orchard Gateway(28/3/2013) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596469139/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8597574978_ddb2402a0a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8597574978/)
Construction Progress - Orchard Gateway(28/3/2013) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8597574978/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8596474105_ee1034a575_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596474105/)
Construction Progress - Orchard Gateway(28/03/2013) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596474105/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8596517901_8a81d4040f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596517901/)
Construction Progress - Orchard Gateway(28/3/2013) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596517901/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8596518517_4fdd023a04_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596518517/)
Construction Progress - Orchard Gateway(28/3/2013) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8596518517/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

^^ Thanks for the update. Wow, the building on the other side of the road is fast!! To imagine that it took a long time before any construction can be seen above ground. :)

^^ I wonder if they can meet their November dateline. It still looks like they have lots of work to do. Unless the open the mall portion first:)

^^ I think you can expect a slight delay. I think the part next to 313 could be completed first. The bridge would then be opened on a later date. :)

News on the opening of new hotels along Orchard Road.


New hotels coming up on Orchard Rd
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 29 March 2013 0012 hrs

SINGAPORE : Singapore's prime shopping belt Orchard Road is set to see its first new hotel in two years.

The new Holiday Inn Express is slated to open in the second quarter this year.

Another new 500-room hotel located at the upcoming new mall Orchard Gateway is expected to receive its first guests in the second quarter of next year.

After a number of new shopping malls have set up shop along Orchard Road in the last few years, new hotels are now coming up along the prime shopping belt.

Slated to open in the second quarter of next year is the hotel in Orchard Gateway to be managed by Traders Hotel.

Analysts said the global financial crisis and the manpower constraints in the construction industry have contributed to the lack of new hotels coming up on Orchard Road in the past few years.

However, patience does pay off.

Robert McIntosh, executive director for Asia Pacific at CBRE Hotels, said: "The same quality of hotel, they would have marked it up 10 to 20 per cent premium on the room rates in Orchard Road.They are definitely more attractive than some other location.

"There is a lot of extra supply, about 6 per cent annually in the next couple of years. But the demand is coming through pretty strongly as well. We think it is going to balance out.'

Last year, Singapore attracted a record 14.4 million visitors who spent S$23 billion in tourism receipts. Despite a slowing global economy, officials are still confident of tourist arrivals growing by up to 7.6 per cent to 15.5 million.

With the increased supply of hotels in Singapore, analysts expect the occupancy rate or the number of rooms that will be taken up to come down.

Alan Cheong, research head at Savills Singapore, said: "The occupancy (rate) will hit towards the 80 to 82 per cent levels in the next three to four years. But the average room rate would be S$230 to S$240 per night for some hotels, which is the current level.

"Anything above 80 per cent is good for hoteliers. If your room rates hit about 60 per cent or 70 per cent like in Bangkok, Beijing, you will charge about US$100 per night."

A slight dip in occupancy rate may not be all bad for hoteliers.

Analysts said this will help maintain room rates and help the hotels to continuously generate revenue.

Revenue Per Available Room should continue to hold at a steady pace.

- CNA/ms


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1262917/1/.html)

Here is an article from MyPaper regarding the library@orchard.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/734357_10151550474662040_1673289344_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/734357_10151550474662040_1673289344_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/164630_10151550476062040_1005320694_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/164630_10151550476062040_1005320694_n.jpg

source: MyPaper (mypaper.sg)

Cladding starting to appear on the Somerset Road side

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_2999_zpsd44b2cb8.jpg (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/don_diego_2000/media/IMG_2999_zpsd44b2cb8.jpg.html)

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_3001_zps3f95861e.jpg (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/don_diego_2000/media/IMG_3001_zps3f95861e.jpg.html)

^^ Thanks for the update ! :)

Some pics I took of the site today.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189538_10151609182417040_703748672_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189538_10151609182417040_703748672_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/936582_10151609182407040_1170281624_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/936582_10151609182407040_1170281624_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252554_10151609182412040_261392895_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252554_10151609182412040_261392895_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575309_10151609182537040_1546786482_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575309_10151609182537040_1546786482_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/946597_10151609182592040_918701978_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/946597_10151609182592040_918701978_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/481014_10151609182622040_1753453204_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/481014_10151609182622040_1753453204_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/253358_10151609182687040_1200953566_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/253358_10151609182687040_1200953566_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/945375_10151609182737040_697887370_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/945375_10151609182737040_697887370_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941144_10151609182797040_2122922773_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941144_10151609182797040_2122922773_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/943528_10151609182887040_1406947408_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/943528_10151609182887040_1406947408_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182838_10151609182927040_1195723229_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182838_10151609182927040_1195723229_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/934707_10151609182977040_841827459_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/934707_10151609182977040_841827459_n.jpg

Some pics of Orchard Gateway on the Orchard Boulevard side.

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_3292_zpsf60530be.jpg (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/don_diego_2000/media/IMG_3292_zpsf60530be.jpg.html)

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_3291_zps293e7116.jpg (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/don_diego_2000/media/IMG_3291_zps293e7116.jpg.html)

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_3290_zpsa302f8b9.jpg (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/don_diego_2000/media/IMG_3290_zpsa302f8b9.jpg.html)

^^ The cladding looks great!! Thanks for the update. :)

Looking forward to its completion! This part of orchard is going to be the epicenter of Orchard I think, especially once Heeren's reno and the former Yen San are completed.