After 50 memorable years, it's farewell Caldecott for MediaCorp
By Loh Chee Kong, TODAY | Posted: 15 August 2006 0949 hrs

SINGAPORE: After more than half a century, MediaCorp will bid farewell to the site on which a single radio station eventually blossomed into a major broadcasting and publishing entity.

Over the years, the media company has undergone several name changes to reflect its evolving business focus, but the 70,000-sq-m landmark on the crown of Caldecott Hill has stood the test of time. However, by 2011, MediaCorp will relocate to a $300-million media complex that will house all its business units - including its TV and radio broadcasting, magazine publishing and TODAY newspaper arms.

In addition to the Bukit Batok site, MediaCorp is also looking to acquire space at One North's Fusionpolis, which will be developed into the national media hub.

The company's new home, which sits on leasehold land in MediaCorp's possession, is located near the intersection of the Pan Island Expressway and Bukit Batok Road.

The decision to relocate was taken by MediaCorp's board and management after much deliberation - given the attachment that many of the company's staff have with the iconic broadcast centre, said chief executive officer Lucas Chow.

While the size of the new site is comparable to the one at Caldecott Hill, moving to new premises would be more viable and would prevent any disruption to its operations, as compared to upgrading current facilities in phases, said Mr Chow.

He added: "Starting afresh is preferred as it allows us to specify our needs and tailor-make our requirements to the latest state of the art technology and standards.

"With state-of-the-art equipment, centralised facilities and improved workflow at Bukit Batok, MediaCorp will enjoy business synergies and efficiencies which will help improve our services to deliver valued content to the world."

The current site became home to Singapore's first radio broadcasting centre in the 1950s. The relocation would signal a new frontier in tandem with MediaCorp's forays into the region and the new media, but it would mean leaving behind a place that has become synonymous with broadcasting.

It is a location steeped in personal memories as well as broadcasting history. It was also here that Singapore started developing its own drama productions.

Said Madam Chua Foo Yong - the executive adviser to the CEO's office and managing director of the Singapore Media Academy, who has been at Caldecott Hill for almost three decades: "I'm sure everyone is very excited about the move, as it is fantastic to start on a fresh slate in terms of new state-of-the-art facilities as we venture forward ... But I wish that we could keep a little corner here, maybe a pavilion, to showcase Singapore's colourful broadcasting history."

Describing the move as "timely", MediaCorp's chief technology officer Tay Joo Thong said: "With a new place, there's less disruption and we can plan and shape what we want for the next stage, which is the transition to digital media."

Added the 60-year-old: "I've been here for nearly 40 years. We started with black-and-white broadcasting, then moved to colour broadcasting, to stereo and now, to digital television. A lot of exciting things took place here, especially when we had to develop some infrastructure on our own, like the transition to colour television around 1974.

"We have some ideas to preserve the history - like having a time capsule in a meaningful place on Caldecott Hill." - TODAY

Hopefully it's as sophisticated looking as fusionpolis.....:)

Just wondering the progress on the construction/design of the new complex.....

Are there any renderings? I hope the new building will be exciting like the new LaSalle College of the Arts @ Rochor.

Its near to Princess Elizabeth Primary and Bukit Batok Secondary, somemore now got Millennia Institute, wonder if the students will get more 'busy' from then on...?

The complex is there ^^

Aw, they changed to a less "prime" area..

What happened to this project???????

What happened to this project???????

The project are halted because of finance crisis.

There is finance crisis within Singapore Mediacorp..?????
They are suppose to be very powerful and money making companies... They are basically in monopoly of everything that we see and read....

The project are halted because of finance crisis.

Financial crisis is over when are they planning to start?

There is finance crisis within Singapore Mediacorp..?????
They are suppose to be very powerful and money making companies... They are basically in monopoly of everything that we see and read....
I think it's more of an audience crisis that's leading to "second thoughts" within the government.

In recent years, the government's been focusing more on setting up a condusive environment for 2 pay-TV operators; trying to get both to offer cross-content, single set-top box, break exclusivity deals. And the market IS small, so if SingTel and Starhub say they're seeing higher take-up, guess where's suffering?

Is the site still a glassland or something has been done on the site?

Nothing happening around. Still an empty field.

Last update is that they are making high profits, so shouldn't be any cashflow problem. actually i'm not excited about having the new MediaCorp Complex. unless it's going to be like Hollywood, or the original complex is to be developed into something interesting. it's been 4 years? and so far there is no rendering and only one report in 2006?

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1097926/1/.html

MediaCorp to move to Buona Vista
By Hoe Yeen Nie | Posted: 08 December 2010 1102 hrs

SINGAPORE: Media group MediaCorp will be moving out of its premises at Caldecott Hill.

By 2015, it will be located at the new Mediapolis@one-north Buona Vista.

MediaCorp will be the anchor tenant at Mediapolis, and occupy 1.5 hectares of land and a built-up area of 79,500 square metres.

The 19-hectare Mediapolis is touted as Singapore's first digital media hub and is expected to be completed by 2020.

Speaking at the opening of the Asia Television Forum, Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Lui Tuck Yew said the move would attract other local and overseas industry players involved across the value chain -- such as creation, production and post-production -- to Mediapolis, and to participate in collaborative projects with MediaCorp.

The broadcaster could also extend its facilities and services to other production houses "for greater synergies and possible cost benefits".

He said this would contribute further to the growth of the media landscape.

Mr Lui also said he hoped the infocomm infrastructure at Mediapolis, which includes a high-speed network and high density storage systems, would be a lure for digital content companies.

MediaCorp CEO Lucas Chow welcomes the decision.

He said the group looks forward to playing a catalytic role in attracting new and foreign media players to Mediapolis.

In 2006, MediaCorp had announced its decision to relocate to a site at Bukit Batok, but the plan was shelved due to high construction costs and the onset of the economic crisis.

But it said in a statement that the move to a new campus gained traction as the economy improved and new options presented themselves.

The design of MediaCorp's new complex is yet to be decided, but the company said it would be high-rise in nature, with television studios and theatres occupying the lower floors.

The move to one-north will be carried out in phases, and is expected to be completed by mid-2015.

Separately, MediaCorp and the Media Development Authority are working together to support independent production houses in creating made-in-Singapore content exclusively for online viewing.

The regulator will co-invest up to half of the production budget, and the finished products will be distributed on MediaCorp's xinmsn online video platform.

Selected projects will also be promoted through MediaCorp's media network.

-CNA/wk

Source:http://www.todayonline.com/Business/EDC101209-0000254/Broadcast-centre-to-make-way-for-houses?

Broadcast centre to make way for houses?
Updated 04:32 PM Dec 09, 2010

SINGAPORE - Analysts say MediaCorp's move to new premises at Mediapolis @ one-north in 2015 will probably see the existing Caldecott Broadcast Centre campus turned into high-class detached houses.

MediaCorp's move was announced yesterday by Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Lui Tuck Yew at the Asia Television Forum. And already, analysts have begun speculating about the attractive land plot in a prime residential location that MediaCorp will leave behind in five years' time.

They say it is likely that the 7-hectare property at the corner of Andrew Road and Olive Road will be used for high-end housing - with as many as 40 to 42 detached houses being carved out.

Alternatively, the site could be used for a three- or four-storey residential development.

For existing owners, analysts say the entry of new developers and new concepts of good-class bungalows can result in a positive re-rating of their assets.

But a key risk would be the loss of the neighbourhood's quiet charm if the property were to be used for a high-density development.

"If it were to be turned into, let's say, landed development, and parcels of land are cut up and sold gradually, I think the impact is going to be positive because we are going to see more of high-end landed properties that might be developed in the area," said Mr Nicholas Mak, executive director of research at SLP International.

At today's prices, analysts say the property could be worth $420 million.

"I think it would easily be the largest landed supply of plots in the marketplace to the best of my memory," said Mr Donald Han, vice-chairman of Cushman & Wakefield Singapore.

Using a "conservative" price of about $600 per sq ft, Mr Han estimated the total price package at "almost $420 million, or thereabouts".

A MediaCorp spokesperson said that the land at Caldecott Hill will be sold to finance the construction of the new campus at Mediapolis.

Redevelopment of the site, which is zoned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority for use as "a civic and community institution", will be subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

Well it's good for both areas. Caldecott area is considered the "last frontier" on the fringe of the good class residential area. So with the moving our of Mediacorp along with redevelopment, there will be a lot more options available for the medium to high end housing market.

The black and white bungalows at Portodwn will get to be kept, and hopefully the ambiance will get preserved with new residents wanting a home away from the hustle and bustle of public life start moving in. Real estate at the fringes of the area will also get an added boost, such as the Jalan Hang Jebat and old Alexandra Hospital area.

So what will happen to the piece of land in Bukit Batok?

So what will happen to the piece of land in Bukit Batok?
Anything can happen, since it's just flat unused land.

Frankly, I hope they don't turn ALL of the unused land into residential; it'd make Bukit Batok only slightly smaller than Jurong West.

^^ I hope they don't touch this as long as I'm still at MI. Construction noise would kill me..

Any News about the project?

Any News about the project?

3 months already, any progress?

Some news regarding the project. :)


MediaCorp unveils design for its new campus
Posted: 13 August 2011 1303 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Republic's leading media company MediaCorp announced on Friday that it has selected DP Architects and Maki and Associates as the architects of its new campus, which will be located at Mediapolis@one-north.

MediaCorp first announced its relocation to a 1.5ha site in Mediapolis@one-north in December last year.

Following a selection process, the design presented by Singapore-based DP Architects and Tokyo-based Maki and Associates was chosen "for their ability to meet operational needs, the seamless public engagement connectivity and their experience in designing media facilities around the world", MediaCorp said in a press release.

Collectively, the team has built iconic structures including Resorts World Sentosa, Republic Polytechnic, Japan's TV Asahi Headquarters, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Arts and Sciences Building (MIT Media Lab), as well as the upcoming New York World Trade Center Tower 4.

MediaCorp CEO Shaun Seow said: "Beyond building an efficient and functional working environment, our vision for the new campus is to incorporate fun, collaborative and exciting spaces for staff and members of the public to enjoy. We want the new complex to act as a catalyst to the cultural and media development of Mediapolis."

MediaCorp said the design presented is in its initial stage and will undergo further improvements. The move is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2015.

- TODAY

The article on TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576529_10151246428367040_1446826371_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576529_10151246428367040_1446826371_n.jpg

Some news on the Mediapolis in Buona Vista. :)


MediaCorp takes first step in move to Buona Vista
Posted: 11 November 2011 0924 hrs

SINGAPORE: Friday marks a significant occasion for MediaCorp.

At 11am, the broadcaster will break ground for its new broadcast centre at Mediapolis in Buona Vista.

For decades, home for MediaCorp has been Caldecott Hill.

But by 2015, it will move to Mediapolis, to be the anchor tenant of Singapore's first digital media hub.

The company is expected to attract new and foreign players, and generate a constant pipeline of project to fuel the industry's growth.

The ceremony will be attended by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts.

The company will also unveil the design of Mediapolis.

- CNA/ck


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1164736/1/.html

Would there be enough space for all those filming studios?

^^ No idea, but I am sure they did think of something. Anyway, the ground-breaking ceremony on TODAY. :)

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/378489_10150453786687040_671067039_10811488_1600571804_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/378489_10150453786687040_671067039_10811488_1600571804_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/295945_10150453786807040_671067039_10811489_415494537_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/295945_10150453786807040_671067039_10811489_415494537_n.jpg

What do you think about the design?

Somehow, it looks different from the renderings in august.. What will be the outer facade be with? Anyway, the oval form is welcoming...

btw where is "at the corner of Ayer Rajah extension and Wessex Link"?!

^^ Well, the road is not build yet but judging from the current map, this could be the location, the old Ayer Rajah Camp. :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/373882_10150458364857040_671067039_10833689_1454794342_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/373882_10150458364857040_671067039_10833689_1454794342_n.jpg

http://staticc04.insing.com/images/98/53/0f/00/pc_600x450.jpg

This is the official location map

http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/Documents/067/Tender%20Notices/Pre-Qualification9Jan_0182011_.pdf

The proposed 1.5 Ha site is located w¡thin Mediapolis, Buona Vista one-north at the
junction of Ayer Rajah Extension and Portsdown Ave. Please see Append¡x A for the
site plan.
The project is a new media complex to accommodate a 1600 seats theatre, the
corporate offices, broadcasting studios and associated back-up services of
MediaCorp. The overall gross floor area is approximately 79,500 m2. The proposed
design comprises a 4-storey basement, a multi-level theatre building, broadcasting
studio complex and a 12-storey office.
The basemenl slructure will be formed using secant p¡le wall with reinforced flat slab
construction lt is anticipated that the site is underlain with Jurong Formation soìls
over the bedrock. High ground water level is anticipated.
The superstructure will be a composite of reinforced concrete flat slab construction
with partial structural steelwork trusses/girders for large span areas such as theater
and broadcast¡ng studios.

What about the Bukit Batok site?

^^ I think that site was scrapped. Also, can we change the name of the thread? It should be New MediaCorp Complex (Due 2015).

There will be an operation centre at Bukit Batok.

http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/Documents/067/Tender%20Notices/Pre-Qualification30Mar_0522012.pdf

Some pics I took of the construction site. It is actually Infinite Studios, which is in Mediapolis@one-north. For the Mediacorp site, nothing much have been done.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251800_10151010447607040_1286577812_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251800_10151010447607040_1286577812_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/539981_10151010447972040_40463742_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/539981_10151010447972040_40463742_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601800_10151010448187040_445665973_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601800_10151010448187040_445665973_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/600509_10151010448542040_2144637716_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/600509_10151010448542040_2144637716_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545025_10151010448932040_1062198986_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545025_10151010448932040_1062198986_n.jpg

From the tender questionnaire I think the main construction work will only start at the end of this year.

^^ Oh, all right. Thanks for the info. :)

This thread should be changed to Mediapolis@one-north since the new Mediacorp complex is part of the development. Anyway, here are some pics I took of Infinite Studios.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/306872_10151291222912040_1154414874_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/306872_10151291222912040_1154414874_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/69433_10151291222962040_604334907_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/69433_10151291222962040_604334907_n.jpg

News from TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217346_10151616733457040_1971864638_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217346_10151616733457040_1971864638_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/400657_10151616733372040_1438824908_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/400657_10151616733372040_1438824908_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

Thank you Mith252 for the information!

^^ No problem. I just hope someone be able to take any pictures of the development to see the progress of the construction. :)