Formerly known as NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) Centre, this tower is the first building to undergo construction in Singapore's New Downtown. Originally built to house the headquaters of the NTUC, it was allocated the prime space by the government. The name change occurred recently in light of a change in tenant mix.

The 32 storey tower will be completed next year, offering 48,000 square metres (516,672 sq ft) of prime office space. The last beam was hoisted into place early last month, 18 months after the groundbreaking ceremony on the 28th February 2002.

The building's design was the result of a competition that attracted 57 entries. DP Architect's design, which emphasised on the liberal use of glass to project a friendly image, was awarded the contract at the ceremony held on the 16th August 2001. Another key element of the desing features three large sky gardens, located on three different levels, each facing a different direction.

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2002/12/176039.jpg

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2002/12/176041.jpg

News release from the NTUC, dated 11/07/2003:

Source: http://www.ntuc.org.sg/myunion/features.phtml?aid=20033313110715JP

One Marina Boulevard - A Modern Home For The Labour Movement

Come 2004, the labour movement will move into its spanking new building at the gateway to the new Downtown at the junction of Raffles Quay and the proposed Marina Boulevard. To be known as One Marina Boulevard, the building will house the new "NTUC Centre" which offers a host of amenities to better serve all union members. NTUC News gives a peek of what's in-store and outlines other related issues.

Since the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) was set up in 1961, it has kept faith with the basic aim of trade unionism: looking after the interests of workers.

Its headquarters, which was then located in the six-storey Singapore Conference Hall along Shenton Way, was a symbol of strong trade unionism and a home to many union leaders who assembled there for meetings and gatherings.

The building was known affectionately as the NTUC Trade Union House and it became synonymous to the many achievements of the labour movement. Over the years, it witnessed the growth of the NTUC and how it has protected workers' interests and fostered industrial harmony.

The next 30 years saw Singapore's economy growing by leaps and bounds, and this was most evidently noted by the tall office buildings that sprung up within the Central Business District along Shenton Way.

All these while, the NTUC continues to carry out its important role of safeguarding the well-being of workers and reinforcing strong tripartism between the various social partners.

In 1990, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong announced that the Government would build a new home for the NTUC, probably in Marina South.

He said: "As the commercial district would expand to Marina South sooner or later, NTUC should be there, in the heart of the new city which they will help to build. There, they would be able to rub shoulders as equals with management, proud that they as much as their employers, have contributed to the stability and prosperity of Singapore."

Speaking at the May Day Dinner in 1990, PM Goh also spoke on the need for a new NTUC building. "Today, it (NTUC Trade Union House) is dwarfed by many new and tall office buildings. It does not now adequately reflect the national importance of NTUC and its contribution to our national prosperity," he said.

The Prime Minister also added: "This time we should not make the same mistake of making it a small building."

Making headway

In August 2001, the NTUC embarked on the project of building its new home. A land parcel located at the gateway to the new Downtown at the junction of Raffles Quay and the proposed Marina Boulevard was allocated by the Government to the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF).

The rectangular plot of land covers 3,715 square metres. The NTUC offices and facilities will occupy about one quarter of the available space, while the rest of the space will be for lease.

Though the land was allocated to SLF without tender, SLF has to pay market value for the land as determined by the Chief Valuer. In November 2001, it paid the market price of $140.6 million (or $270 psf GFA) for the development of the new building.

The total development cost is $282 million. As the space occupied by NTUC is only about 26 per cent of the total floor area, the development cost for the NTUC space works out to be $75 million, or 26 per cent of $282 million.

Hence, as promised by PM Goh in 1996 when he said that the Government would provide a grant for NTUC's new home as a recognition of the key role that the labour movement has played in Singapore's success, the Government paid $75 million to SLF for the space occupied by NTUC. The balance cost of $207 million is financed by SLF. SLF does not collect rental from NTUC for the space that it occupies.

The design of NTUC's new home was awarded to DP Architects Pte Ltd after they won a competition for the design of the building. Construction works commenced after a groundbreaking ceremony officiated by National Development Minister and SLF Chairman Mah Bow Tan on 28 February 2002.

Seeking a balance

Being a prime 'Grade A' commercial building which is very well-located and well-designed with high specifications to attract corporate users, the tower is named "One Marina Boulevard".

On the other hand, the floors occupied by the NTUC Headquarters will be known as "NTUC Centre". The name and logo of NTUC will be prominently displayed on the facades of the building.

SLF is confident that the public will refer to the building as the NTUC Centre, just as the Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way was popularly referred to as the NTUC Conference Hall for years.

It is envisaged that One Marina Boulevard will be an icon of the labour movement and an important and visible symbol of workers' achievements. The building's location at the new downtown symbolises the labour movement's tripartite partnership with businesses and the Government, working hand-in-hand towards Singapore's progress.

Capturing the aspirations of the labour movement

The new One Marina Boulevard (OMB) building overlooking Marina Bay has been aptly summarised by architectural firm DP Architects as a building for and of the workers and the labour movement.

The architects stayed true to the NTUC's aspirations - to design a building that is original, contemporary and forward looking to capture the dynamic and progressive nature of the labour movement in Singapore.

The 32-storey structure is planned to be convenient for both vehicular and pedestrian movement and to make their circulation as efficient as possible. The various usable areas of the building are strategically placed to create distinct articulation of user types and therefore promote clarity of direction.

Fully-equipped

Other than housing the NTUC Headquarters, OMB will have a 600-seat auditorium, meeting and training rooms, a one-stop customer service centre for union members, as well as retail and medical facilities. These amenities will enable the NTUC to better serve its 420,000 union members.

About 320 staff from the NTUC Administration & Research Unit, Singapore Labour Foundation, NTUC Link, NTUC Eldercare, NTUC Media, Ong Teng Cheong Institute and ICFTU-APRO will be moving to OMB in early 2004.

Visual connection

The first storey is a highly-accessible and visible space that establishes a visual connection between the city on one side and the future waterfront promenade on the other.

Covered walkways surround the building on all sides and provide weatherproof access and urban connectivity. The typical office floor is a larger than usual 1,800 square metres around a central core and is designed with a generous ceiling height.

OMB will stand out as a vertical form characterised by its purity and simplicity in what is otherwise a busy-looking skyline.

A consistency of geometric form not only results in more efficient office spaces but also creates a sense of stability which parallels the spirit of the labour force.

The simplicity of the glass and granite curtain wall system that DPA have designed, works with the proportions of the building form to create an elegant façade and a contemporary corporate image.

Reinforcing the "garden city" image

Landscaped sky lobbies carved out of the building form provide an opportunity for vertical landscaping for the building, reinforcing the "garden city" image and incorporating a sense of playfulness to the otherwise structured form.

The curtain wall itself is also not a bland "wrap" around the building as many modern building skins tend to be. The façade facing the bay has a more animated character to represent the life and dynamism of the activities on the bay, while the city side, which faces the Central Business District, is designed with a more cohesive, business-like and solid character.

Dual character

In addition, the bayfront façade is designed with a dual character. During the day, stark clean lines and elegant glass skin reflects adjacent sea view and skyline, exuding an understated corporate image. In the evening, this corporate skin "disappears" and the interior of the building is expressed as lit components behind the façade.

OMB is targeted to be completed in early 2004. When completed, it will be the new home of the NTUC and its affiliates with remaining office spaces being leased to other public institutions and companies.

The pride of workers

"Our former home at the conference hall was a very well-recognised location and it symbolises the contributions of the labour movement to society. The same significance has been retained in the new One Marina Boulevard. It expresses the confidence that Government and society has in the responsible labour movement led by the NTUC. It is also an expectation that we continue to be constructive and responsible in the future."
Mr Heng Chee How, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General

"I have been working with NTUC since 1978 and I have really seen a progression of the premises, especially the working environment for staff. The new building is our Government's recognition of the contributions of the labour movement towards the economic development and prosperity of Singapore. I will be glad to see the building completed. It is a very good gesture on the part of our Government."
Mdm Halimah Yacob, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General

"I'm glad that the new NTUC building will be back in the heart of the city, to be part of the action. I hope that the building, being near to the river, will bring good luck and prosperity to all workers."
Mr Thomas Thomas, General Secretary, Singapore Shell Employees' Union

Construction status, March 2003:

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2003/03/183621.jpg

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2003/03/183649.jpg

the cladding is nice, but it's too boxy for me..


______________

Construction status, August 2003:

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2003/08/209337.jpg

I had always thought that it was gonna be a bland box..but not so..its growing on me and I think the subtle pockets in its facade make it all the more delightful (and not in a very loud way).

Cant wait for it to be lighted up at night!!:dooby:

What a great tower!!!!...."Great tower comes with great sexuality".....lol

21st August 2003 http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0831.jpg

Topped out!! :guns1:

But we still dunno the darn height for this building >(

Originally posted by TropicalSQ744

Topped out!! :guns1:Actually it topped out two months ago! :D Now I am just awaiting the cladding...and then the lighting. ;)

gosh...went past the tower today and realised that it actually occupies a gigantic footprint! i think it probably covers a footprint 3 times bigger than republic plaza or any of the much taller towers.

Hmm...how was the building progress so far, Rex? Is the facading almost done?

Just saw the building two days ago, the concrete core is covered with brown tiles and the window panels are all up...if I am not forgotten, I think the crane have already been taken down.
:)

Thanks, Benny. Looks like a trip down is on the cards soon.

Anyway, almost forgot to post more of the photos I took a few months ago:

August 2003

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2003/08/212064.jpg
West Facade

http://www.imagenode.com/files/transfer/6/2003/08/212063.jpg
South Facade

:eek2:

WOW! That first of the 2 pics you just posted is superbly stunning! The smoothness and the green is really remarkable!:guns1: Post more recent pics!

That first picture of the two looks like a rendering!

Why does the building still have the words NTUC Centre in block red letters stuck on to it?

Here is a night pic showing it lighted up in the skyline on Nov 2.
http://perspectives.ratherharmless.org/images/G2/IMG_0064.JPG

Looking good so far, definetely looks better than the renderings.

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Here is a night pic showing it lighted up in the skyline on Nov 2.
http://perspectives.ratherharmless.org/images/G2/IMG_0064.JPG You took this? I dont think you did...coz you arent here on Nov 2? :D

Anyway, I wasent looking at One Marina Blvd in that picture...I was staring at the activity going on at One Raff Quay, bec I still see nothing over over the boards! :rant: ;)

Originally posted by huaiwei

You took this? I dont think you did...coz you arent here on Nov 2? :D

Anyway, I wasent looking at One Marina Blvd in that picture...I was staring at the activity going on at One Raff Quay, bec I still see nothing over over the boards! :rant: ;)

Hey, at least all those blazing lights point at some intense activity!:D My guess is that the foundation there is pretty challenging;)

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Hey, at least all those blazing lights point at some intense activity!:D My guess is that the foundation there is pretty challenging;) Yeah..must be the marine clay and the MRT line I suppose. I planned to go down this week, but it has been raining for the past few days (including right now)! :rant: :D

It looks good when lighted up at night! :)

Any update on 1 Raffles Quay? I'm most excited about that one. ;)

Here's a photo taken by me about 3 months ago:


http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/300skl22.jpg

It's made very good progress since.Now it has almost reached full height.

Hm? Isnt the building already at full height by around August? I remember it was topped up by then, and looks rather stumpy from this angle if you ask me! :D

29 November 2003
picture by Cliff
http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=523876

Cool. The building can almost be considered as finished!

But.............






We still don't know the height! :bash:

Originally posted by TropicalSQ744

Cool. The building can almost be considered as finished!

But.............






We still don't know the height! :bash: I contacted the architect....they ignored me. :moods:

Originally posted by huaiwei

I contacted the architect....they ignored me. :moods:

Idiots.. Did you use your skyscrapers.com email address? Or do you even have one? :?

Isn't this the building for which Cliff made his construction animation (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=74046) thread? :) I recommend looking at it! :okay:

Originally posted by Whose Homepage

Isn't this the building for which Cliff made his construction animation (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=74046) thread? :) I recommend looking at it! :okay:

I didn't think it looks anything like 1 Marina Boulevard... They're both boxes though. The only similarity I can see.. ;)

You're right, Tropical: boring boxes is all they are! Disappointing! :down:

Originally posted by Whose Homepage

You're right, Tropical: boring boxes is all they are! Disappointing! :down:

Yes. The only consolation is the use of green glass, my favourite. :)

Midnight. 25/12/2003

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103mb.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103mb2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103mb3.jpg

Morning. 25/12/2003
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/85skyline.jpg

If only we went out today. The sky was surprisingly clear for the whole day!!

30/12/03
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103omb.jpg

1/1/04 - Workers are installing the logo on this newbie of the cbd.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103omb2.jpg

huaiwei, post your pic of the side that shows the see-through glass exposing the elevators!

Here are some of my pics :)

1/1/04
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9marina1.jpg
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9marina2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9marina3.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9marina4.jpg

Originally posted by baqthier

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9marina3.jpg

Thats a really cool pic. You can see the exposed lift shafts enclosed smartly by see-through glass on that side of the building! :okay:

Here's my little contribution. ;)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/3130/2829ntuc.jpg

A question ,would it have an observation deck?

Fantastic pic by huaiwei. This building is proving to be far more than your boring box. Each face is actually different!

I doubt you will have obs deck there. Its not tall enough but I think there will be sky gardens for occupants.

Let's just hope some of the sky gardens are open to the public! ;)

And this building is far from being a box actually, if one looks at the building footprint that is.

21st Feb 2004 (pic by Magician)

http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/16956/Singapore%208.jpg

Wait a minute ,I was at the Clifford Pier area that day at about 1-2pm?I was taking photos of the pier building and the BOCB.Then ,I saw this person with a camera with a huge lens walking pass the One Fullerton!Any chance that might be you?

Originally posted by redstone

Wait a minute ,I was at the Clifford Pier area that day at about 1-2pm?I was taking photos of the pier building and the BOCB.Then ,I saw this person with a camera with a huge lens walking pass the One Fullerton!Any chance that might be you? Hua!!! I think you have to PM him to look at this thread! :D

heirloom posted this link which is from Kenzo Tange's website.
http://www.ktaweb.com/works/en_ntuc.html

Did he actually design the current one, cos these renderings seem a bit different.

http://www.ktaweb.com/works/image/ntuc/ntuc02.jpg
http://www.ktaweb.com/works/image/ntuc/ntuc01.jpg
http://www.ktaweb.com/works/image/ntuc/ntuc04.jpg

Site area: 3,680m2
Floor area: 47,840m2

Floors: 30 aboveground 1 underground
MAX Height: 153m
Structure: SRC, RC

I am quite sure it isnt the same one....afterall, the actual one isnt designed by them right?

But strangely....the 3 sky garden thing seems to be in the present design too??

yup..maybe the sky gardens were part of the specifications. I prefer the current design though.

You can also see the simulations of the cancelled twin towers in the background -_-

yup..maybe the sky gardens were part of the specifications. I prefer the current design though.

You can also see the simulations of the cancelled twin towers in the background -_-
Yeah....at first I tot it was ORQ, until I take a second look. :D

NTUC to celebrate May Day at new city HQ

The NTUC Centre occupies five floors of the Marina Boulevard building, which has a glass facade overlooking S'pore River

http://www.straitstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-04-23/h5.JPG

By Sue-Ann Chia

AS IT marks the coming May Day after a difficult year, the labour movement is set for a fresh start at a new home in the heart of the business district.

Unionists say that their new headquarters at One Marina Boulevard, a 32-storey building with a full glass facade that overlooks the Singapore River, is also a symbol of their progress.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) moved from its Bras Basah offices to its new premises on March 1, and occupies five floors which are called the NTUC Centre.

On Labour Day, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will officially open the building, which is owned by the Singapore Labour Foundation, and the NTUC Centre.

Mr Goh will also be giving the May Day rally speech to 600 unionists and tripartite partners.

To mark the opening, his speech, along with 11 other items, will be sealed in a time capsule and displayed in the NTUC gallery on the 10th floor. The capsule will be opened after 20 years.

Other memorabilia in the capsule include: The new code of industrial relations practice, the May Day 2004 resolution and a commemorative book filled with congratulatory messages from the unions and Mr Goh.

The theme for this year's May Day celebrations is the same as last year: Protection and progress.

It was retained because it embodies what the labour movement has achieved, and is also in line with workers' expectations, said Mr Heng Chee How, NTUC's deputy secretary-general, yesterday.

'The theme is very apt. The turbulent times brought to the fore the need for protection, not just for blue-collar workers, but all workers,' he said.

With continuous economic restructuring, NTUC also has to 'progress' with the times and equip workers with the know-how to deal with the future job landscape, he added.

Mr Heng said progress can also be seen in the NTUC's new home, well-placed at the junction between Shenton Way and the new downtown area, the 'gateway to the future'.

He said: 'The new downtown symbolises the role that we must continue to play for the future.'

On Labour Day, the celebrations will culminate in a carnival and a Singapore Symphony Orchestra concert at the Esplanade in the evening.

It will end with a bang with a seven-minute fireworks display and the lighting up of One Marina Boulevard.

Is anyone planning to go down to take photos for the event?? :D

21st Feb 2004 (pic by Magician)

http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/16956/Singapore%208.jpg

Hohoho....

Is anyone planning to go down to take photos for the event?? :D

I wont be around :rant:

But it sounds great, I recommend you to go and try some pics, maybe from the Sheares Bridge? :cool:

@Magician, hohoho!

Last wednesday I went to Marina Bay.... the lighting up of NTUC center very nice...

Last wednesday I went to Marina Bay.... the lighting up of NTUC center very nice...
Aye? Light up already? Or just the windows?

Some of the windows are already lit for some time.

Perhaps working through the night with the interior fittings?;)

Huaiwei ,I think you should shoot from the roof of the Esplanade.

Learn about what unions do at $1m NTUC Gallery

THE past matters but the present, even more so.

Guided by this principle, designers of the labour movement's $1 million NTUC Gallery in its new home at One Marina Boulevard wanted it to be more than a heritage centre full of historical items.

They wanted it to convey to both new union leaders and Singapore's young, the role that unions play today and in the future.

Thus the displays - at the NTUC Centre which will be officially opened by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong today - do not dwell on the dramatic 1950s, which spawned the birth of Singapore's unions.

Instead, they focus on the changing role of the unions, including how they helped workers retrenched in the last few years pick up new skills and settle into new jobs.

So there is, for instance, a panel display depicting the story of Ms Sautah Ali, who was laid off last June from her administrative assistant post at the Housing Board after nearly 28 years.

'I was already 47 years old, so I faced a lot of problems getting a new job,' she said.

Reluctant at first to take on a job at a garment factory offered by NTUC JobLink, a job-search centre, she gained not just the skills but also confidence after undergoing training. She is now working as a seamstress at Polly Garments.

The stories of two other workers, who like thousands of others in the past few years, were retrenched, are also told at the gallery in pictures and words on the display panels.

A special feature of the gallery is a state-of-the-art multimedia room, where a five-minute video show on the history of the National Trades Union Congress, told in the form of an original musical, is shown.

Among the items on display are the old tools of the trade that workers used, such as an old-style iron, and ticket punchers used by bus conductors in the 1980s before contactless TransitLink cards made their debut here.

A Rolex Oyster Perpetual that the Singapore Union of Postal and Telecommunications Workers gave to Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1953 to thank him for fighting for better wages for them, will also be on display. The Senior Minister, then 29, was adviser to a string of unions.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-05-01/h3.jpg
On display are old tools of the trade like these pre-TransitLink bus tickets and puncher. -- CHEW SENG KIM

I've seen the building almost "everyday"(from bus) but it doesn't seem as nice as the pictures here.....haha...:D

I've seen the building almost "everyday"(from bus) but it doesn't seem as nice as the pictures here.....haha...:D
Muahaha...must be the bad viewing angle from the bus you are sitting in? :D

theres a public exhibition at the building? A good excuse to snap pics;)

this building is a very special box - it looks different on every 4 sides!

Yeap..it is not easy trying to ge the east-facing side thou. Have to get it from the large field?

Muahaha...must be the bad viewing angle from the bus you are sitting in? :D

No because the bus I took always crowded....so have to see from a small "hole"....:D

No because the bus I took always crowded....so have to see from a small "hole"....:D
You best loh...your bus cant be that crowded all the time right? :D

MAY 9, 2004

What glut? The new One Marina Boulevard is all taken up with tenants like Microsoft, Allen & Gledhill

By Tracy Quek

THE smell of newness hasn't faded from this tower next to the Raffles Place MRT station but One Marina Boulevard, which houses the NTUC headquarters, is now the city's hottest address.

The 32-storey building is developed and owned by the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), a statutory board under the Manpower Ministry. SLF, which is affiliated to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), also owns or has a stake in such developments as the Orchid Country Club and Hougang Mall.

The directory in the lobby shows that practically all the space has been taken up.


Levels 25-31: Allen & Gledhill, which was in City Developments Limited's City House


19-24: Microsoft


16-18: Workforce Development Agency


7-14: NTUC

Other tenants include conferencing services company Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories and venture capital firm NewSmith Capital Partners (Asia).

Senior Counsel Michael Hwang has sub-let a 1,200 sq ft space on the 25th floor from Allen & Gledhill, where he was once a partner. He said the two-year lease was secured last year for between $3 and $4 per sq ft.

Given the office space glut, property analysts are amazed that the newcomer is almost fully committed. They said tenants are hungry for new buildings with prime addresses and will move in while rents are low.

It's good timing, too, said Ms Agnes Tay, an associate director at Knight Frank. This is the first new office tower ready in the New Downtown with about 420,000 sq ft net lettable area. 'It has virtually no competition and also can offer lower rents,' she said.

When last year ended, about 12.6 million sq ft, or almost 18 per cent of all office space, stood empty and rents slumped.

Now, more than one million sq ft in prime area is vacant, said Jones Lang LaSalle's associate director Chong Heng Tuck. Enough to squeeze in 1,000 premium four-room Housing Board flats.

Allen & Gledhill reportedly got its 100,000 sq ft for just over $3 psf.

Rents that were $5 to $6 psf three years ago are now around $3 to $4 psf in Raffles Place, said analysts.

Genesys relocated to the new building last month after six years at AIA Tower, where its rent was between $5 and $6.90 psf. It now pays about $4.80 psf on a three-year lease.

Cushman & Wakefield's managing director Donald Han sees it as a 'flight to quality'. Companies want new or Grade A buildings with large column-free space, intelligent lift systems with plasma displays, and broadband access.

Older or Grade B city buildings built in the 1970s and 1980s have smaller floor areas and large tenants would need multiple floors, which means higher rents, he said.

Newer may not be better, said landlords like CDL which owns 21-year-old City House.

More established buildings mean an experienced landlord and a seasoned management team, it said.

CDL's spokesman said: 'Many who moved have complained about less than ideal conditions at so-called Grade A listed buildings. In this cost-conscious market, our experience is that relocations are due more to lower rents than better quality.'

Next up will be 1 George Street, a new development on the former Pidemco Centre site, expected to be up by the end of the year.

Market talk has it that UBS, now at Suntec City, is looking to relocate. Banks, financial institutions, MNCs and law and consultancy firms are also interested in this joint venture between CapitaLand and Ergo Group, said CapitaLand.

So, what does all this mean for older office buildings? It's a wake-up call, said Ms Tay. 'Owners will have to continue to upgrade their buildings... to stay competitive.'


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright @ 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Sound so yaya. No wonder when we go down there also kana from them. :D

Anyway wonder who occupies floors 1-8...

Sound so yaya. No wonder when we go down there also kana from them. :D

Anyway wonder who occupies floors 1-8...

A mixture of those smaller companies perhaps?? (those who don't need so many floor space??)

A mixture of those smaller companies perhaps?? (those who don't need so many floor space??)
Ok.....should have stared at the tenant list properly next time. Anyway I found it strange why there is an external lift...the one we used that day, which goes straight to 8th floor. I suppose now we know its to cater to our ntuc ppl? :D

Ok.....should have stared at the tenant list properly next time. Anyway I found it strange why there is an external lift...the one we used that day, which goes straight to 8th floor. I suppose now we know its to cater to our ntuc ppl? :D

Think so....the name of the building has NTUC anyway...so I guess they are the VIPs??:D

Think so....the name of the building has NTUC anyway...so I guess they are the VIPs??:D
Actually the name of the building is OMB. It is so confusing....

Actually the name of the building is OMB. It is so confusing....

Then why they stick that NTUC tag at the top of the building??? :wallbash:

Then why they stick that NTUC tag at the top of the building??? :wallbash:
Dunno leh......the dominant tenant gets their logo up there? :D

The building was originally called NTUC centre, then they have to change it to OMB when SLF realised they will have to let out to other tenants, and the former name wont be so marketable....

Now it seems like it has two names....

Dunno leh......the dominant tenant gets their logo up there? :D

The building was originally called NTUC centre, then they have to change it to OMB when SLF realised they will have to let out to other tenants, and the former name wont be so marketable....

Now it seems like it has two names....

Aiyo...so confusing.....maybe we should give it a name ourself....haha...:D

Aiyo...so confusing.....maybe we should give it a name ourself....haha...:D
Any suggestions? Hahaha....I just call it OMB for short actually...

Any suggestions? Hahaha....I just call it OMB for short actually...

Haha... I find OMB kinda awkward for me....sounds very near to "orbit"....haha....

I would still prefer NTUC centre loh....sad they change to OMB.....

Maybe call it The Green Tower or something haha....:D

Haha... I find OMB kinda awkward for me....sounds very near to "orbit"....haha....

I would still prefer NTUC centre loh....sad they change to OMB.....

Maybe call it The Green Tower or something haha....:D
Hahaha...OMB is confusing because there is ORQ beside it. I hope the later gets a new name.

Hahaha...OMB is confusing because there is ORQ beside it. I hope the later gets a new name.

A new name....haha...how about ORD???:D

A new name....haha...how about ORD???:D
ORD = One Raffles Dormitary? :D

ORD = One Raffles Dormitary? :D

Haha....hope it isn't developed into something sleazy.....:D

Haha....hope it isn't developed into something sleazy.....:D
Downtown dormitary which is 245m tall. Talk about privacy for doing anything u want in there! :D

Downtown dormitary which is 245m tall. Talk about privacy for doing anything u want in there! :D

Maybe like a domintory for showing off....remember PGP?? :D

Maybe like a domintory for showing off....remember PGP?? :D
Yeah loh...but since building is taller then most, so most wont be able to look down and see everything? :D

Yeah loh...but since building is taller then most, so most wont be able to look down and see everything? :D

Haha...true but it doesn't prevent anybody who are curious to use a scope....haha....:D

But then, I do hope they reconsider the name lah....

Haha...true but it doesn't prevent anybody who are curious to use a scope....haha....:D

But then, I do hope they reconsider the name lah....
The name for OMB or ORQ?

The name for OMB or ORQ?

Any one of them will be fine..... :)

Looking for job? Surf for it at NTUC Centre

28 May 2004

Careerlink Centre also provides career counselling and free Net services; 2,000 have visited since it opened last month

By Sue-Ann Chia

THE new Careerlink Centre at One Marina Boulevard opened just a month ago, but already has some 'regular customers'.

Twice-retrenched Mr Zulkifli, 30, was there for a second time yesterday morning, searching online furiously for a job in the logistics sector.

At another computer terminal was Ms H.P. Yeo, 47, a daily visitor for the past three weeks. She was sending out her 60th resume.

Nearby, Mr Lim Wee Hwa, 37, another regular, was using the computer to scour the 5,500 jobs in the centre's database for suitable vacancies.

Set up by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the centre allows anyone to make use of the free job-matching, career counselling and Internet services provided.

Said Mr Zulkifli, who does not have a computer at home: 'I used to visit cybercafes and pay about $4 for two hours, but facilities are free and convenient here.'

He is already seeing results - two interviews have been lined up this week.

Since the centre, which is located at the basement of the new NTUC building, opened over a month ago, about 2,000 job seekers have dropped by, said the chief executive of WDA, Mr Leo Yip.

His target for job placements by the centre this year: 1,800.

The partnership with NTUC, he said, allows the agency to tap into the extensive union network to find new jobs and counsel retrenched workers as well.

The new Careerlink Centre is the latest addition to the network of government job-matching services, run by community development councils and self-help groups to cater to their constituents.

Last year, the network helped find work for 18,000 jobless Singaporeans despite the tough job market conditions.

Although the jobs outlook is more optimistic this year, Mr Yip noted that the network of career centres will continue to stay relevant.

'There will always be a place for career-link centres because some Singaporeans will need help to identify job and training opportunities... while some need counselling to re-enter the job market,' he said.

The WDA, he added, has found work for 17,000 jobless Singaporeans since it was established last September.

But NTUC deputy secretary-general Heng Chee How noted that as the job situation changes, the various centres will have to 'review the scale and nature of services offered'.

As it is, the NTUC Joblink, which used to provide job-matching and counselling services, now gives back-end support to the new centre by identifying training and employment opportunities.

There is also a Careerlink Centre at the Manpower Ministry. It has scaled back operations as more job seekers are expected to head down to the new centre at NTUC, added Mr Yip.

But no decision has been reached on whether MOM's centre will be closed down.

Mr Heng noted that the unemployment rate is expected to dip to 4 per cent by year-end and, if the recovery continues, to 3.5 per cent next year.

But there is also structural unemployment to deal with, he added.

Both he and Mr Yip said that the larger common goal of the NTUC and WDA is to help lower-educated workers to upgrade and find higher-skilled jobs, to 'pre-empt' structural unemployment.

'Centres such as this will provide that kind of help,' said Mr Heng.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Job help

Careerlink Centre, at One Marina Boulevard.


Free job-matching, career counselling and Internet services.


Open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-1.30pm. Call 6883-5885

Does anyone out there agree with me that the NTUC logo stuck at the top of the building's facade is ugly? It just seemed so out of place when compared to the modernity of the building's architecture. Another thing that is ugly are the words ''NTUC Centre'' stuck at a portion of the facade from the lower to the upper floors. They are in some font which looks so plain and temporary looking. I like the large green glass panels though, especially when they are lit up at night. So gorgeous. Nice to have some green in a sea of grey and blue buildings. I once disliked the holes in the building, but after a while I realized they looked as great as the holes found in Biopolis. Guess I felt that way then cause the ugly logo and font was making me too irritated that I started to pick on everything else.

For me, I personally am ok with the logo being up there. Its like a small embellishment of red that is pinned on the green building. Not too big as to be overpowering. The NTUC lettering might be slightly tacky, but is not visible from most angles.

But I really like the nice green glass, it adds a splash of colour and calm to the skyline.
Check out pics I took from inside the building here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=97752

I dont mind the logo too. In fact, it will look odd without one. That "thing" sticking up looks like it NEEDS a logo to look complete!

Indeed! More contentious might be that exposed expanse of brown at the top.

Yeah it needs a logo....but the NTUC logo looks hideous...too propagandaish...

hmmm..I guess as Singaporeans the name of NTUC is all too familiar, however I doubt foreigners looking at the building as a whole would worry about it other than it being a 'corporate' logo typical of office buildings.

If theres one logo thats invading highrises all over Singapore its the CDL logo! :D

really? where? i don't see CDL logos anywhere...

Republic Plaza got...

Many buildings.Forgot the others.

Its either the CDL logo or the CapitaLand one that appears so often

Another screwed up pic. Someone please rotate it for me. Thanks.

21 January 2004


Source
- Ignoramus

The NTUC Centre/One Marina Boulevard
http://img39.exs.cx/img39/3122/117225970JidxiP_ph.jpg

OMG....another one.......:eek::lol:

Not again... :lol:

hmmm if you scanned them in maybe its the position u did it on the scanner?

or does your photo programme have an edit/rotate function?

Haha. This could actually be your trademark! I think we all have unique idiosyncacies that define us as individual forumers. Mine is the innate ability to delve way off topic. (oops. Just did that, didn't i?)

Actually, would you consider it a remarkable building? Because persoanlly, i find it rather bland...

Here's the rotated version of Ignoramus picture......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/ylstan03/NTUC.jpg

That's much better...

MS Paint can rotate pics, ig...

Windows XP's picture viewer can do it also.

hmmm if you scanned them in maybe its the position u did it on the scanner?

or does your photo programme have an edit/rotate function?

Those are digi pics not scanned... And I think it does but I never bothered to use that function cause I never uploaded these pics before... Usually when I viewed them on the pc theres just this little button for me to rotate and view...

Haha. This could actually be your trademark! I think we all have unique idiosyncacies that define us as individual forumers. Mine is the innate ability to delve way off topic. (oops. Just did that, didn't i?)

Actually, would you consider it a remarkable building? Because persoanlly, i find it rather bland...

If it were grey it would definitely be bland...but since its green it looks different... And if it were fully a box it would suck but since it has holes it looks unique...

I still hate the NTUC logo, but I am starting to like the building... Thought it was ugly initially...

Haha. Well, it sort of reminds me of Toa Payoh central...

It is very unique and looks kinda futuristic at night.

Simple, functional but not too boring IMO.

and Green glass is good

Haha. Maybe i'm just being too harsh. I always liked curves and greys...

Do we know anything about that ugly flying saucer thing infront of this building? What is it? still used?

Do we think it'll get demolished? HOPE SO

HDB looks very surreal, like a green giant among some short old men! :lol:

Do we know anything about that ugly flying saucer thing infront of this building? What is it? still used?

Do we think it'll get demolished? HOPE SO

Yup, it is VERY ugly... Typical 1970s style... :puke:
It was once a rotating restaurant, but now is converted into an office...

It looks so insect like. Haha. Dunno. Reminds me of hornets' nests...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/redstone/ntuccentre.jpg

Wah....you people are horning your photographic skills, er? ;)

thats a great shot! :cool:

spoilt by that stupig wire though :rant:

Should be easy to remove by someone with some skills at photoshop ^^ The lamppost too ^^

Night pic ^^
http://membres.lycos.fr/pengui/ssc/050214_omb01.jpg

made me t hink of lippo centre for a while

SKygarden on the top......:)

http://img172.exs.cx/img172/6797/pic0008318wh.jpg

wow :eek2:

good closeup!!!

No intro needed (17/3/05)....:D

http://img80.exs.cx/img80/1818/pic0146814gd.jpg

OMB

http://img224.exs.cx/img224/1887/ntuc8bc.jpg

^
:eek: So so sexy.......:yes:

A sexy building with a ugly pimple on its forehead. I still hate that damned NTUC logo. Ugly communist looking design from the 1960s.

http://img149.echo.cx/img149/5922/img00107s5kc.jpg

No intro needed (17/3/05)....:D


Thats really cool!

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/6605/nitezntuc0fs.jpg

A pic taken from in front of the Sail site:

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/060630_omb01.jpg

Cool and lesser-seen angle :yes: