Retail in Asia

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The transformation of Singapore’s Funan mall

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After closing its doors in early July for a complete refurbishment, Singapore’s Funan DigitaLife Mall will be transformed into a new ecological and innovative shopping centre at the end of the three-year overhaul.

Located on North Bridge Road – in the heart of Singapore’s CBD — the renamed Singapore Funan mall is set to become a lifestyle destination to cater to the tech savvy and socially responsible customer.

With community, connectivity and convenience at its core, Funan will cater to the new breed of consumers who seek a collaborative environment and retail experiences that reflect their passions and tastes.

Mall owner CapitalLand Mall Trust has tapped architecture firm Wood Bagots to oversee the design aspects of the makeover. The new Singapore Funan will boast a six-story retail component, a grade-A office tower, as well as a nine-story apartment tower, covering a total area of 887,000 square feet.

SEE ALSO: CapitaLand to open 8 malls in 2017

At Funan’s core is a 324,000 square foot retail component, designed to cater for retail innovation. Shoppers will be encouraged to partake in experiences put on by retailers via ‘passion clusters’ or spaces for new retailers to showcase their designs, as well as experimental spaces, which offer innovative product or new concepts for consumers, and community spaces to foster collaborations.

The other major mall feature is the ‘Tree of Life’ — a multi-level structure extending from basement 2 to level 4. The ‘Tree’ is made up of smaller studios: design ateliers for local designers and experimentation; makers to produce and promote their craft; and open studios, which the public can book to conduct classes.

The fashion and lifestyle offerings in Funan will offer a large sample of local Singapore-based designers, and visitors, meanwhile, will be able create bespoke and customised products.

Food and beverage in the mall will focus on the entire life cycle of food – from learning and growing food, to learning to cook and understanding the tools required to prepare food, before consumption and purchasing.

SEE ALSO: Victoria’s Secret opens first SEA flagship in Singapore

To support Singapore’s move toward a car-light society and to promote healthy living, Funan will also offer full end-of-trip services for cycling enthusiasts, including bike shops and cafes, lockers and showers.

In addition, it will be Singapore’s first commercial building to allow cycling through the building. Funan’s ground floor will have multiple access points and gentle slopes to make it easy for both cyclists and pedestrians to enter the building.

Meanwhile, Funan will provide the CBD’s first drive-through click-and-collect service at its basement levels.

Funan recently completed its ground-breaking ceremony early in September 2016. The mall will be officially relaunching in Q4 2019 on the site of the former Funan DigitaLife Mall.