Legacy and innovation on display at redeveloped Shaw Tower; latest in Beach Road rejuvenation

The Shaw Tower project is an example of a well-executed collaboration between private enterprise and the public sector to create a development with an eye to the future, Chan says. “The new Tengah Plantation EC Shaw Tower is a significant development for the heart of Singapore. It signals the beginning of a new age of development, and will become a key node in the heart of the city-state for years to come”.
New Shaw Tower heralds the rejuvenation of the Ophir/Rochor Road corridor and a transformation into a work-play-live district. It is part of the latest rejuvenation of the Beach Road area, which will join other upcoming projects in the vicinity such as Guoco Midtown and The M.

The Shaw Organisation announced its intention to redevelop the 35-storey building in 2018 and its last tenants vacated the space in 2020 before it was demolished. The original Shaw Tower was completed in 1975 and was renowned for its iconic brutalist architecture, representing the growing confidence of the city-state at the time.

At the launch of the new Shaw Tower on Feb 23, Raymond Chan, managing director, Shaw Group of companies, noted it reflects the amazing progress Singapore has achieved and its aspirations for what lies ahead. Iconic elements of the former building will be reused in the new development, including some of the brutalist architecture window panels, while the nearly 50-year-old Shaw Brothers logo will be installed at the forecourt plaza.

Shaw Organisation has appointed Lendlease to oversee the construction, with completion scheduled for 2025. The 33-storey tower will offer local businesses eminent Grade A office space and a five-storey retail podium containing 21,500 sq ft of community-centric facilities. Additionally, four office floors are dedicated to social enterprise firms and social service agencies, upholding the group’s long-standing philanthropic priorities.

The landmark project is the first Grade A commercial building in Singapore to receive the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) certification. It will also see a total energy consumption of about 44% lower than conventionally designed office buildings, while other sustainability and wellness features mean it has already been pre-certified by the International WELL Building Institute.

Alfred Yeung, general manager of Shaw Towers Realty, explains that Lendlease was the natural choice to partner in the redevelopment, with their significant international experience. The office layouts will be efficient and flexible, with a 3m ceiling height and column-free floor plates. There will also be a restaurant, sky deck, sky garden, and landscaped sky terrace on the podium section.

Chris Archibald, head of leasing at JLL Singapore, believes Shaw Tower will be in high demand when it opens in 2025, due to the ongoing shortage of Grade A office space in the downtown area. Employers also want to attract employees back into the office, and Shaw Tower offers them a prime location, high-quality office space, and amenities for health and wellness, food and retail, and transport connectivity.

Raymond Chan concludes that the Shaw Tower project is an example of a well-executed collaboration between private enterprise and the public sector. It signals the beginning of a new age of development, and will become a key node in the heart of Singapore for years to come.