New Singtel headquarters to feature 20,000 sq m of retail and lifestyle space

SINGAPORE: Singtel's new Comcentre headquarters is expected to add about 20,000 sq m of lifestyle and retail space to the Orchard Road precinct.

Set to be completed in 2028, the new building at its Exeter Road site will feature a sheltered arcade, the biggest elevated urban park in Singapore and a pet-friendly area.

The S$3 billion (US$2.3 billion) redevelopment will comprise two 20-storey towers with a total gross floor area of more than 110,000 sq m. 

The first few floors will be open to the public with amenities including a gym, auditorium, medical centre, eateries and retail outlets. 

Meanwhile, 80 per cent of the space will be dedicated to Grade A offices - the highest quality of office space available.

Singtel is the project’s co-developer and anchor tenant, occupying 30 per cent of the space. Its new flagship store will also be situated there.

An underground walkway will link Devonshire Road to Killiney Road and Exeter Road.

Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said on Tuesday (Jul 8) that the redevelopment of the Comcentre is expected to invigorate the surrounding area and provide more amenities.

“The revitalised Comcentre will serve as a vibrant community hub with new public spaces and improved connectivity, bringing people from all walks of life together, supporting local businesses,” he said during a groundbreaking event.

Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon said the centre integrates 5G+ network slicing technology and smart building infrastructure.

“(This creates) a place … for businesses to use the latest technologies to develop new products and solutions and thrive,” he added. “Overall, it will be a state-of-the-art technology building for the future.”

GREEN BUILDING

Singtel's Comcentre started operations as the telco's headquarters in 1979, and its redevelopment was announced in 2022. 

A joint venture between Singtel and Australian developer Lendlease, the new Comcentre is set to be Singapore's first carbon-neutral commercial development.

Every phase, from design to construction to day-to-day operations, is targeted at reducing carbon emissions.

The project aims to achieve a 70 per cent improvement in energy efficiency compared to its 2005 baselines.

It will also generate 1,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy on-site annually from green technologies such as solar panels.

Lush greenery will feature on the ground floor, at an open terrace on the fourth floor as well as the rooftop.

“As we work towards realising Singapore’s vision for more ambitious sustainability standards in the built environment, I hope the Comcentre can serve as a shining example of how commercial success and environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand,” said Mr Chee.

The centre is also on track to be the first in Asia to achieve three major green-building certifications.

Mr Tony Lombardo, Lendlease Group’s CEO and managing director, said that 90 per cent of material from the demolished building will be recycled. 

He said the project “not only redefines the workplace, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable and connected living in Singapore and beyond.” 

Building and Construction Authority CEO Kelvin Wong hailed the project as a milestone on the sustainability front. 

“In the Singapore green building master plan, we have goals for 80 per cent of buildings to achieve super low energy as well as 80 per cent (improvement in) energy efficiency by 2030,” he said. 

“This project helps us achieve new steps and progress towards those goals.”

Singtel and Lendlease also plan to tap technology and artificial intelligence solutions to ensure operations are energy and water efficient.