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Redevelopment of Funan
Tech Meets Lifestyle: Creating a socially responsible and vibrant community in Singapore’s city centre.
Location
Singapore
client
CapitaLand Retail Project Management Pte Ltd
services
Cost Management / QS
About the Project
The days of people solely visiting malls for shopping are long gone. End users now seek a comprehensive social experience that enables them to live, work and thrive, all within a single location. Since 1985, Funan DigitaLife Mall in Singapore has been a one-stop destination for electronics and IT customers. However, with changes in consumer behaviour, CapitaLand, the owner of Funan DigitaLife Mall, recognised the need to redevelop the site into a mixed-use development that caters to the modern lifestyle of Singaporeans.
The former Funan DigitaLife Mall site was being transformed into an integrated mixed-use development known as the newly developed Funan Mall. The mixed development which is situated in the Civic District in Singapore has a total gross floor area of approximately 889,000 sq ft, and comprises a retail mall, two office blocks, and lyf Funan* Singapore.
The development plan for Funan included several innovative features designed to enhance the overall consumer experience with the aid of digital technology. These features included a 200-meter cycling lane, a multisensory cinema, theatre, online to offline shopping and sports facilities such as a rock-climbing wall, futsal court and a swimming pool. The aim was to create a socially conscious and creative environment in Singapore’s city centre, catering to modern lifestyles. Additionally, a 100-meter underground pedestrian link was constructed to connect the mall with the City Hall MRT station, providing seamless connectivity to various landmarks in the Civic District, regardless of weather conditions.
Challenges & Solutions
CapitaLand engaged AIS to provide cost management services to ensure that the project remained within the allotted budget while achieving its goals. One of the challenges faced by the team was how to deliver effective cost estimates given the status of the building, the project goals, and other site constraints. To tackle this challenge, the AIS team collaborated with various consultants to gain an understanding of the technical requirements of the project, followed by cost benchmarking of similar projects. Additionally, strict variation control processes were enforced, and a contract procurement method was developed to match the unique cost requirements of the project. The team also implemented building information modelling and virtual design construction technologies, which helped increase productivity, achieve cost efficiencies, and translate complex structures into approachable 3D visuals for stakeholders. Through close collaboration and effective communication with the client and consultants, the contract packages were awarded within the budget, demonstrating the successful execution of the cost management plan.
The Impact
Funan has transformed into a hub for 190 brands that cater to the demands of modern customers who are well-versed in technology. The mall boasts unique features such as the first urban farm in a mall and allowing cycling through its building, making it a destination for consumers seeking new experiences. Funan is more than just a shopping centre; it also caters to the needs of the new generation who are interested in discovering innovative ideas and connecting and experiencing recreation activities in a shopping mall with friends and loved ones.
We at AIS are delighted to have been a part of this exciting project and receiving the recognition of Quantity Surveying Team of the Year at RICS 2020 Southeast Asia was the cherry on top.
Funan is a complex project that requires a high level of coordination, and the AIS QS team managed the complexities well with a positive attitude.
Quah Boon Seong
Project Director, Capitaland Singapore
*lyf (pronounced “life”) is a hospitality concept that provides coliving spaces for digital nomads, technopreneurs, creatives and self-starters to “live your freedom” in a dynamic environment.
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