Work has started on the new Jewel in Changi Airport’s crown.
A joint venture between CapitaMalls Asia and Singapore’s Changi Airport Group, Jewel Changi Airport Trustee broke ground last week on a massive mixed use complex in front of Terminal 1.
The development will take up the entire 3.5 hectare space currently occupied by an open air carpark.
The complex – scheduled for completion by end of 2018 – will have five storeys above ground and five basement storeys, covering a total gross floor area of about 134,000sqm.
At its core will be a retail mix of shopping mall proportions including new-to-Singapore concepts, top international brands and home-grown retailers.
“The integration of world- class retail brands and unique dining concepts with indoor gardens and leisure attractions will provide visitors with a myriad of experiences all under one roof – making Jewel a one-of- a-kind lifestyle destination for both local residents and tourists,” said Jewel in a statement.
The mixed-use complex will also feature 22,000sqm of gardens and water features housing one of the largest indoor collections of plants in Singapore, a short term transit hotel, airport operations and entertainment facilities. Terminal 1 itself will be expanded in tandem with the new development, helping boost Changi’s passenger capacity to 24 million annually.
“Strategically located in the heart of the airport, Jewel is envisaged to be a world-class lifestyle destination that will enable the Changi air hub to capture passenger mindshare, and strongly boost Singapore’s appeal as a stopover point for travellers,” Jewel Changi said in a statement.
Designed by a consortium of consultants comprising Safdie Architects led by architect Moshe Safdie, Benoy and local architects RSP, Jewel features a glass and steel façade that will be a visually stunning addition to the airport landscape. Visitors will be presented with an impressive view of the complex as they travel on the roadways leading to the airport. Beneath its distinctive façade, Jewel will be the first in Singapore to seamlessly integrate a refreshing environment of lush greenery amid other attractions and facilities within the same building. This walk-through video demonstrates the atmosphere along with the retail concept.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4DyO5xWR1o]
One of Jewel’s centrepiece attractions will be the Forest Valley, a five-storey garden filled with thousands of trees, plants, ferns and shrubs. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature within this idyllic valley of verdant landscaping and waterfalls, and can even take a ‘hike up the valley’ in air-conditioned comfort.
There will be four different Gateway Gardens located at the complex, where every garden will feature unique landscaping elements. For instance, the North Gateway Garden, which will be seamlessly connected to the T1 Arrival Hall, will retain a nostalgic piece of T1’s heritage through landscaping features made from the recycled trunks of raintrees from the former open-air car park.
The other centrepiece of Jewel will be a centrepiece 40 metre high Rain Vortex, expected to be the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. At night, the Rain Vortex will transform into an Light and Sound show with special lighting effects.
The top level of Jewel will feature a 13,000sqm park space, comprising gardens, walking trails, playgrounds and dining outlets. Canopy Park, with complete with play facilities, is designed to entertain young and old. In the surrounding area, there will be food and beverage outlets where visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco-like dining overlooking the Forest Valley.
A 130 room hotel will be operated by Yotel, an international brand with an established presence in Europe and the US.
Philip Yim, CEO of JCAD said the project marks a new milestone in the development of Jewel Changi Airport.
“Apart from distinctive design, Jewel will break new ground with its unique mix of attractions, retail and airport facilities, integrated in a way like never before to create a slew of different experiences in a single visit.
“Located at the doorstep of the award-winning Changi Airport, it will be a place where Singapore and the World meet. For international travellers, Jewel will be an exciting tourist destination.
“For our retail partners, the opportunity to reach out to the diverse mix of passengers at a major air hub presents exciting prospects.”
