Soaring at 66 storeys and 280 metres high, Republic Plaza, the flagship building of CDL stands proudly in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD). Directly linked to Raffles Place MRT station, the building is among the tallest skyscrapers in the country.

Republic Plaza was designed by the late renowned Japanese architect Dr Kisho Kurokawa, who designed many buildings around the world such as The National Art Centre in Tokyo and the new wing of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

With a tapered tower at the top, Republic Plaza was designed to reflect a subtle Oriental influence. After a two-year construction, Republic Plaza was officially opened in 1998 by Singapore’s then Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong (now Emeritus Senior Minister).

One of CDL’s exemplary green buildings, it has garnered numerous accolades over the years. In 1997, it put Singapore on the world map when it was named the Overall Winner in the Best of the World Real Estate Competition (now known as FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award). It wowed judges with its intelligent use of space and energy-efficient lighting and power systems, in combination with savings during the construction phase. Republic Plaza is also a success story of two significant milestones in the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark scheme’s journey – as the first development to win a Green Mark award under the Existing Buildings category and the 100th development to garner the Green Mark Platinum Award.

Since its completion, the building has continuously been upgraded, including the major retrofitting of chiller plants and installation of energy-efficient lightings with motion sensors, to improve the building’s energy-efficiency. As a result of continuous efforts to enhance energy and water efficiency, Republic Plaza saves more than six million kilowatt-hour of energy annually, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of about 1,200 three-bedroom apartments (about 100 square metres in size). It also saves about 10,255 cubic metres of water, equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools. This translates into more than S$1.2 million of savings from annual energy and water consumption.

Giving a new lease of life

CDL recently announced a S$60 million Asset Enhancement Initiative (AEI) plan for Republic Plaza to reposition this iconic office development to meet the demands of the evolving business landscape, increase space efficiency and inject fresh vibrancy.

The phased AEI works will start in Q1 2018 and are expected to be completed by 1H 2019. These include the revamp of the main lobby, lift lobbies, driveway and frontage; lift modernisation incorporating Destination Control System and upgrading of lift interiors.

There will also be more new restrooms and upgrading of existing restrooms. The AEI works will also see an increase in floor-to-ceiling heights of selected office floors. 

Republic Plaza’s retail space will be enhanced. This is aimed so as to provide better pedestrian flow and visibility and achieve a more efficient layout, as well as to incorporate M&E infrastructure to facilitate more F&B offerings.

Plans are on hand to develop a new retail cluster on Level 2 of Republic Plaza. This will be created by converting some existing car park spaces. The building’s office space will also be enhanced with the upgrading and expansion of bathrooms, as well as the conversion of Gross Floor Area (GFA) into more efficient and higher value uses. These enhancements will in turn support the building’s tenant mix rejuvenation. 

Demand for office space at Republic Plaza remains strong as the Grade A building has several enviable attributes. It is located in the heart of Raffles Place with direct underground connectivity to the Raffles Place MRT station; it has ample car park space. The building’s strategic location is a draw for new tenants such as Distrii, China’s leading co-working space operator, which will open its first international facility at Republic Plaza in 1H 2018. At over 60,000 square feet (sq ft), it will be one of Singapore’s largest co-working facility.

The new year will see the entire CDL’s corporate office, currently based at City House relocate to Republic Plaza. By Q2 2018 all its operations will be housed under one roof, occupying three floors of about 42,000 sq ft. This will free up nine floors of space at City House, amounting to about 60,000 sq ft. The Group has already secured a lease commitment for half of this vacated space at City House.

In parallel, Tower Club Singapore, a premier, members-only business club located at the top three floors of Republic Plaza, has also embarked on enhancement works to attract new members. Expected to cost close to S$3 million, the enhancement works include the renovation of its Straits Bar to create new spaces for members to work and socialise and a new kitchen tailored to new food concepts. Works commenced in mid-July 2017 and are targeted for completion by mid-October 2017. The renovation will see Tower Club maintain its position as one of the best in the city.