Golden Mile Complex given new lease of life, restoration to be completed in Q3 2029

Golden Mile Complex, an iconic landmark deeply etched in the memories of generations of Singaporeans, is set to be relaunched in the third quarter of 2029 following an extensive restoration and rejuvenation. When completed, the conserved building will be reimagined to meet contemporary needs while reviving the memorable architectural character of the former Golden Mile Complex.

Perennial Holdings and Far East Organization jointly unveiled the development details for the conserved commercial landmark, which has been named "The Golden Mile". The 22-storey commercial hub, which also includes a basement level, will house strata offices, medical suites, and retail and F&B floors, alongside public civic spaces such as sky gardens and an Architecture Centre.

Offices and Medical Suites to Open for Preview and Sale This Month

The offices and medical suites are slated to open for preview and sale this month, although the developers have not released any pricing details or price guidance.

Completed in the 1970s, the former Golden Mile Complex was one of Singapore’s pioneer high-rise mixed-use developments and stands as one of the nation’s most prominent examples of Brutalist architecture. It was officially gazetted for conservation by the government in October 2021.

Integrating retail, residential, and office spaces under one roof, the former Golden Mile Complex was ahead of its time with its visionary "vertical city" concept. The Golden Mile will retain this unique aesthetic and historical significance while reconfiguring its functional zones to cater to modern demands.

Specifically, the first and second storeys of the building will be dedicated to retail, F&B, and entertainment. The original central atrium will be preserved and transformed into an indoor boulevard featuring natural daylight, cross ventilation, and lush greenery.

From the third to the 17th storeys, as well as the newly added 19th to 22nd storeys, there will be 156 strata office units with strata areas ranging from 128 to 501 sq m. These include flagship offices with private lift access, three variations of loft offices, and two types of larger open-floor-plate office layouts.

The third storey will also house 19 medical suites ranging from 47 to 228 sq m, supported by a stretcher lift.

Development to Feature Architecture Centre Showcasing Singapore’s Design Heritage

The development will also house an Architecture Centre dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Singapore's architectural design.

The ninth and 18th storeys will be transformed into a sky terrace and a sky garden respectively, both accessible to the public.

In addition, a new 45-storey residential tower, Aurea, will stand adjacent to The Golden Mile. Comprising an estimated 188 residential units, it is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2025.

Perennial Holdings and Far East Organization acquired Golden Mile Complex for $700 million in April 2022.

Perennial Holdings noted that while Golden Mile Complex was once a bustling mixed-use hub, its previous strata-titled nature made it difficult to preserve the building well. In the past, units were adapted for residential or commercial use with uncoordinated balcony modifications that compromised the architectural facade.

This is not the first time the group has revitalised a conserved property, having previously undertaken projects such as Capitol Theatre at Capitol Singapore. The group noted that preserving a landmark’s facade and character while adapting it to modern needs not only honours urban history but also creates meaningful long-term value.

DP Architects, the architectural firm helming the project, noted that rejuvenating Golden Mile Complex is particularly challenging, as it entails safeguarding its distinct architectural identity while modernising the structure to meet contemporary regulatory requirements and market expectations.

Regarding the approved four-storey extension, the firm explained that it creates new usable floor space while relieving the pressure to make invasive structural changes to the building's interior.