Shaping the next phase of Marina Bay

Business Times

a day ago

WHEN IOI Properties Group (IOIPG) first entered the Singapore market in 1996 with the development of the 12-storey IOI Plaza (now known as Singapore Pools Building), it did so with a clear ambition to contribute to Singapore's transformation through bold developments that improve how people live and work.
Nearly three decades later, its mark on the city-state is unmistakable. Through strategic joint ventures, IOIPG has established its presence in Singapore with luxury residential developments in Sentosa Cove, followed by the award-winning integrated development, South Beach. These developments reflected the company's early confidence in Singapore's long-term potential.
Most recently, IOIPG deepened its footprint in Singapore through the full acquisition of the South Beach development – a significant strategic expansion that complements its growing portfolio in the city's downtown core. Now, IOI's vision comes to life at Marina Bay, where IOI Central Boulevard Towers and W Residences Marina View – Singapore anchor its ambitions for the district and the long-term commitment to shaping distinctive, globally resonant developments in Singapore.
South Beach, an iconic award-winning integrated development.
Under the visionary leadership of Group CEO Lee Yeow Seng, IOI Properties Group continues to shape Singapore's urban landscape with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Reflecting on the company's growing presence, he shares, 'Our goal is to redefine Singapore's skyline with timeless developments – spaces that bring communities together, promote well-being, and champion environmental responsibility. Marina Bay embodies our unwavering confidence in Singapore's future, as we strive to create not just buildings, but lasting contributions to the city's identity and the lives of its people.'
Redefining the modern workplace
IOI Central Boulevard Towers, the Group's flagship commercial development in Singapore, realises its bold vision for a transformative commercial landmark in the heart of the city. It was conceived as a people-first, sustainability-led project that could support Singapore's ambitions to transform Marina Bay into a fully integrated live-work-play precinct. Comprised of two towers atop a seven-storey podium, the development supports IOI's broader belief that workplaces should inspire, connect and support the people who use them daily.
The two towers at IOI Central Boulevard Towers atop a seven-storey podium.
Importantly, wellness was embedded into the project's design from day one. At the heart of this is Central Green, the Level 7 sky garden at IOI Central Boulevard Towers. This lush, multifunctional space reflects IOI's broader commitment to creating green and liveable work environments.
Offering panoramic views, Central Green is the CBD's first elevated garden with a 200-metre jogging track. More than a visual feature, the garden is designed to reduce stress, enhance productivity, and bring a sense of balance to the workday. Office workers are increasingly embracing 'walking meetings' along the track, choosing to step away from traditional boardrooms for more dynamic, open-air conversations. Surrounded by greenery and fresh air, these informal strolls encourage creative thinking, foster collaboration, and offer a refreshing alternative to the confines of a conventional meeting room.
Biophilia is a key feature of the development.
'We see this as part of a broader effort to support Singapore's ambition of creating green, liveable work environments. It's a lifestyle experience, not just a place to clock in and out,' says Shawn Chang, General Manager of Property Development at IOI Properties Singapore.
In addition to lush landscaping, IOI Central Boulevard Towers integrates lifestyle conveniences such as a diverse mix of retail, dining, and childcare offerings, all contributing to a more holistic and engaging work environment.
The development also improves overall connectivity in the area through elevated link bridges and an underground pedestrian network that provide a seamless link to major transport nodes and nearby buildings.
Elevated link bridges seamlessly enhance connectivity across the district.
Greener by design
From a sustainability standpoint, IOI Central Boulevard Towers meets the highest benchmarks. The project achieved both BCA Green Mark Platinum certification for environmental performance and WiredScore Platinum certification for its energy-efficient digital infrastructure.
'Securing the BCA Green Mark Platinum was no small feat, especially given the scale and density of the project. One of our core challenges was balancing performance-driven building systems with a high-quality user environment,' says Chang.
To meet these targets, IOI invested early in high-efficiency infrastructure, including regenerative lifts and escalators, LED lighting with motion sensors, and high-performance facades. These features are expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 19,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing more than 17,000 cars from Singapore's roads.
The development also delivers the kind of user experience that meets the needs of today's global businesses. Anchor tenants, Amazon and Morgan Stanley, as well as other multinational corporations from legal, financial services, pharmaceutical and technology sectors, all drawn to the flexibility of the generous column-free and regular central-core layouts.
'It's not just about scale, but about how the entire ecosystem enables flexibility, wellness, and collaboration,' says Chang.
To ensure digital readiness, the development was purpose-built to support the changing demands of modern businesses, with features such as secure Wi-Fi and diverse entry points to telecommunications rooms with backup generators that ensure uninterrupted digital services for tenants.
IOI Central Boulevard Towers was designed with future technology in mind, minimising the need for retrofits and ensuring a seamless, high-performance digital experience for tenants as their connectivity needs evolve. For global firms operating in Singapore's business district, such infrastructure delivers both operational assurance and peace of mind.
Built through partnership and purpose
The project was also a test of resilience and collaboration. Working with the Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore (REDAS), government agencies, and partners such as Architects 61, KTP Consultants, and Hexacon Construction, the team adopted integrated construction methods aligned with the government's Built Environment Industry Transformation Map.
'Even when Covid-19 posed unprecedented obstacles, our IOI team rose to the challenge with resilience and creativity. Through quick adaptability, recalibrated schedules, and unwavering dedication, they ensured construction progressed with minimal delays, honouring our commitments to quality and timelines,' says Chang.
IOI Central Boulevard Towers' multiple access points, comprehensive end-of-trip facilities, pedestrian linkages, and integration with surrounding buildings align with the nation's vision of a car-lite, human-centred city.
A new chapter in luxury living
If IOI Central Boulevard Towers speaks to the future of work, then W Residences Marina View – Singapore represents the next chapter in luxury urban living. Located at the intersection of Union Street and Marina View, the development is Singapore's first branded residence that is fully integrated with a five-star hotel. The pairing brings hospitality and residential living into one cohesive development.
The grand arrival experience for residents and visitors of W Residences Marina View.
'This is a first in Singapore where the integration of a hotel, especially one with a strong positive reputation like W Hotels, elevates the residence because both are tied to a single branding. Residents enjoy access to world class hotel-grade services, but in the privacy of their own homes,' says Chang.
Such services include 24/7 access to a dedicated concierge team, valet, in-residence dining, and even bespoke services such as event planning and dog walking, all delivered under the W Hotels' signature WHATEVER/WHENEVER® service philosophy. This redefines residential expectations, merging convenience, exclusivity and lifestyle in one place.
Every detail, from architecture to interiors, has also been curated for a discerning audience. IOI worked with award-winning designer Fady Hachem and Architects 61 to blend global design with what works in a local context. Materials, lighting and layout were all chosen to reflect a sophisticated, contemporary sensibility while being functional for day-to-day living.
The design features a New York-inspired profile and thoughtfully landscaped public areas, all aimed at creating a distinctive, personalised experience. Both the hotel and residence are fully fitted and seamlessly connected in form and function.
'Buyers are looking closely at everything, from material finishes to how the lobby feels and functions. Fady brought a bold, theatrical approach grounded in storytelling, while Architects 61 delivered contextual intelligence that speaks to how Singaporeans live,' explains Chang.
Meeting heightened expectations
W Residences Marina View – Singapore's design approach also recognises a shift in luxury living. Today's homeowners are paying closer attention to how a home feels and functions, from thoughtful layouts and meaningful design elements to a sense of connection with the surrounding community. By offering 50 amenities, ranging from spa rooms and a meditation zone to a golf simulator and private dining salons, the development creates layers of experience, inviting residents to engage with their space in meaningful ways.
The project's location was also strategic. Situated within walking distance of five MRT lines and flanked by Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the central business district, W Residences is embedded in thecity's most dynamic waterfront zone. The area is expected to evolve further with the expansion of green corridors, urban plazas and new transport links.
The partnership with Marriott International also plays a key role, bringing hospitality-level service into the home. Through Marriott's ONVIA platform, residents enjoy personalised concierge support, Platinum Elite status under the Marriott Bonvoy programme, and preferred rates across over 7,000 hotels worldwide.
'Marriott brings deep experience in managing branded residences, not just operationally, but in understanding what service residents expect at this level,' says Chang.
W Residences Marina View – Singapore's alignment between architecture, lifestyle and service is increasingly attractive to well-travelled buyers and investors looking for a distinctive value proposition in Singapore's mature real estate market.
'For IOI, this development builds on our broader ambition to shape lifestyle-centric precincts in Singapore's urban core. W Residences Marina View – Singapore and IOI Central Boulevard Towers are our landmark projects in Marina Bay that create a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem,' says Chang.
Where elevated living meets exceptional value
Once the domain of an exclusive few, the hotel-managed lifestyle offered by branded residences is now opening its doors to a broader audience and W Residences Marina View – Singapore is leading the way. Without compromising on prime location, build quality, or brand prestige, this rare offering combines the best of private homeownership with five-star hotel living, all under the management of Marriott International – the global leader in branded residences.
Attractively priced for its category, the development presents a compelling value proposition in the heart of Marina Bay – Asia's Global Address, offering future residents an unparalleled opportunity to own a trophy asset that performs, appreciates, and endures.
Growing with the nation
IOI's long-term, future-focused approach to development mirrors Singapore's own urban evolution – one that champions sustainability, connectivity, and innovation. Through its projects in Marina Bay, the Group is actively contributing to the city's continued rise as a global benchmark for integrated, world-class living.
IOI's culture is also shaped by its people. The Singapore team is a mix of experienced professionals and global collaborators, all working within a culture of trust and innovation. Says Lorraine Shiow, CEO of IOI Properties Singapore: 'What makes us different is our people. I'm proud of our team of passionate professionals who bring expertise, creativity, and precision to every project.'
As Marina Bay evolves into a vibrant live-work-play destination and global financial hub, IOI continues to play a meaningful role in supporting the next phase of Singapore's urban development.
'We're not chasing short-term wins. We're committed to growing with the city, driving better design, and creating places people will take pride in, for decades to come,' shares Shiow.
How IOI is reimagining Marina Bay
1. First-of-its-kind integration W Residences Marina View is Singapore's first branded residence fully integrated with a five-star hotel. Residents enjoy world-class hotel-grade services delivered by W Singapore, including 24/7 concierge, valet, in-residence dining, and spa access.
2. Wellness at work IOI Central Boulevard Towers features Central Green, the CBD's first sky garden with a 200m jogging track, outdoor meeting pods, and a rooftop restaurant. The 60,000 sq ft of green space supports physical and mental wellbeing.
3. Sustainability in action Both developments are certified BCA Green Mark Platinum.
4. Designed for the futureBoth developments are embedded in a pedestrian-friendly network and situated minutes from key MRT lines, with connectivity built into their design. They are also integrated into the Marina Bay District Cooling System – the world's largest underground network of its kind.
5. Shaping an urban ecosystem Together, W Residences Marina View – Singapore and IOI Central Boulevard Towers form a connected node within Marina Bay, helping to shape the district's transformation into a vibrant city centre where people can live, work and unwind.
Key features at a glance
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
Over 60,000 sq ft of green space
CBD's first elevated jogging track
Certified BCA Green Mark Platinum and WiredScore Platinum
Floor plates up to 70,000 sq ft
Direct access to four MRT stations
Childcare centre, retail, F&B and end-of-trip facilities
W Residences Marina View – Singapore