Latest news with #DhobyGhaut
Independent Singapore
04-08-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Is Sheng Siong's upcoming Orchard Road outlet at The Cathay a shift from its 'core identity' of serving heartland communities?
SINGAPORE: Sheng Siong's first outlet in the Orchard Road area is slated to open by the end of August; however, while many netizens said the move was a 'good strategy' from the supermarket chain, others questioned if it's a shift away from its 'core identity' of serving heartland communities. Sheng Siong operates in 82 locations across Singapore and has built a reputation as a popular heartland supermarket chain. Its new 6,500 sq ft outlet will be located at The Cathay mall's basement 1 in Dhoby Ghaut, which reopened in March after major renovations began in August 2023. Mothership reported—citing a spokesperson who spoke to Shin Min Daily News —that the supermarket chain previously had a store at the former Tekka Mall, now Tekka Place. After its closure, many long-time customers called for the brand to return to the downtown area. 'This time, we are opening at The Cathay, as there is a vacant shop space available at a reasonable rental price,' the spokesperson said. He added that the mall is surrounded by residential blocks, which presents an opportunity to serve nearby residents with their daily grocery needs. Currently, the area's nearest supermarket is a CS Fresh outlet at Plaza Singapura. See also Sheng Siong donates S$200,000 to Gaza for humanitarian aid However, the move drew mixed reactions from the supermarket chain's patrons, with one stating, 'Not going to knock Sheng Siong for wanting to try something new, but imo [in my opinion] this is a departure from their core identity.' 'I've always known them as the ulu supermarket, the one that actually goes very deep into the heartlands to serve residents,' he said, sharing that while walking through a residential area in Woodlands, with almost nothing around except a funeral home, 'lo and behold, there was a Sheng Siong.' 'Their decision to set up at Orchard appears to be to serve the residential properties nearby, but frankly, I think that bunch are more of a FairPrice Finest crowd rather than a Sheng Siong one,' he added. Others were more supportive and praised the supermarket's 'good strategy.' One commenter pointed out that many migrant workers gather around Selegie Road and Dhoby Ghaut on Sundays, and if Sheng Siong offers lower prices than shops in Little India, business would be strong. 'A lot of the residents staying at Sophia Road, Adis Road, and Mount Sophia are 'shiok.' They just need to go down from level 6 to the basement at The Cathay, instead of previously having to go to Cathay level 1 and then walk to either Plaza Sing or Parklane Mall. Most residents staying in this area are PRC students studying at Kaplan nearby, and they'll likely be too lazy to walk to Parklane Mall due to work being done at One Sophia,' he added. Another noted it would also 'pull in the low-budget tourist crowd.' Meanwhile, another remarked, 'Why can't people have access to both? Supermarket shopping is such a commonplace activity that many people visit multiple supermarkets, often for access to different things.' /TISG Read also: Sheng Siong CEO Lim Hock Chee's FY2024 pay rises 20.6% to S$7.06M on bigger bonus
Time Out
28-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
A luxe $30 million private club is opening in Singapore this December
The sudden closure of members' club 1880 in June left a noticeable gap in the scene but it didn't take long for something even more ambitious to take its place. Vanta, a sleek, members-only club, is slated to open this December in the MacDonald House right by Dhoby Ghaut. The space is undergoing a $30 million renovation and will occupy 16,000 square feet of prime Orchard Road real estate, all with a mission to serve Asia's rising leaders. But beyond the glitz, Vanta is positioning itself as something more than just another club. It wants to be a community of influence, culture and ideas. According to its website, Vanta is guided by its 'Key Council', a handpicked group of influential business leaders and innovators. Members include names like Christian Foddis (former Salvatore Ferragamo advisor) and Hester Chew of SaluberMD, hinting that this is a place where serious conversations and connections happen. Expect undeniably luxurious interiors – Italian marble, custom quartz finishes, elegant lighting and a mezzanine salon that overlooks the main space. There are hush-hush enclaves for private meetings, grand dining rooms for exclusive tastings and even an AI-powered golf simulator for the well-heeled to perfect their swing. Food-wise, Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung is on board as consulting chef and the club promises a strong focus on spirits, complete with expert-led masterclasses and a curated drinks list. Programming will include everything from art shows and cultural salons to fireside chats and private screenings, all in collaboration with top-tier partners. Membership is strictly by invite only. No word yet on pricing or criteria, but one thing's for sure: all eyes will be on Vanta when it opens. The big question is – will it thrive, or follow in 1880's footsteps?
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet the boring office: JustCo reinvents workspaces with the first brand to be fully sold and customisable online
Launch campaign feature Willabelle Ong to make "boring" the new bold SINGAPORE, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JustCo, Asia Pacific's leading flexible workspace provider, announces the launch of the boring office (@thisistheboringoffice) the latest addition to its diverse coworking portfolio. As a digital-first, self-service workspace brand, the boring office is designed for this generation's workforce who value focus, flexibility, and simplicity. A bold brand story: function over frillsThe creation of the boring office is rooted in a simple yet powerful insight: not every business wants beanbags, baristas and high-touch hospitality. Many simply want a distraction-free space to do their best work. the boring office brings this to life with its promise of "no frills. no distractions. no gimmicks." by offering essential, functional private offices without the clutter. The launch of the brand's first location is at MacDonald House, Dhoby Ghaut. "We recognised that some teams just want a straightforward space to get things done, without distractions or unnecessary extras," said Kong Wan Long, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at JustCo. "the boring office delivers exactly that: a practical, customisable and purpose-built solution for businesses that value function over frills." the boring office: customisable, transparent, and fully digitalthe boring office redefines coworking memberships by becoming the first coworking brand to be fully sold online. Customers can seamlessly customise their office through an intuitive e-store at choosing from modular add-ons like premium Herman Miller chairs, sit-stand desks, custom wall paint colours and dedicated IT solutions, or keep it as minimal as they prefer. Pricing is clear, upfront and free of hidden costs, so businesses know exactly what they're paying for. This approach offers flexibility to build the workspace you truly need and nothing you don't. A creative partnership: launching with Willabelle OngTo bring the brand to life, the boring office has partnered with renowned local content creator Willabelle Ong (@willamazing) for its launch campaign. Willabelle's entrepreneurial spirit, creative mindset and trend-setting influence align perfectly with the boring office's target audience: modern, pragmatic professionals who value style and substance. JustCo: Multi-brand portfolio innovation As part of JustCo's evolution into a multi-brand portfolio operator, the boring office marks the latest brand innovation, targeting users who prioritise productivity and cost transparency over lifestyle perks. This follows the recent launch of the group's first luxury brand, The Collective, which has since opened in Tokyo, Taipei and Bangkok. Together, these new brands reflect JustCo's commitment to meeting diverse and evolving business needs through a differentiated multi-brand strategy, anchoring the group's ambition to double its portfolio over the next five years. About JustCoJustCo is Asia Pacific's leading provider of flexible workspaces for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible work solutions. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, JustCo leads Singapore's coworking scene with the largest network, offering close to 50 coworking centres across eight gateway cities in the region. JustCo empowers flexible work across our network of high-quality coworking centres in prime locations, seamlessly integrated with technology to enable our members to work from any of our premises. Beyond flexible workspace solutions, we also strive to be the place that works for all individuals and businesses, revolutionising how people work by providing a platform that fosters growth, connections, collaborations and opportunities for our ever-growing JustCo community and beyond. Part of this vision includes the boring office (tbo), our new digital-first, self-service workspace brand created for professionals who value focus, clarity and customisation. the boring office offers distraction-free private offices that can be fully customised online, giving modern businesses the flexibility to choose only what they need and nothing they don't. For more information, visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JustCo
CNA
25-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
New office towers and pedestrian mall in Bishan, 'destination park' in Orchard under URA draft master plan
SINGAPORE: Bishan town centre could be redeveloped into a business and lifestyle hub with new office towers, a polyclinic and pedestrian mall, under the Draft Master Plan 2025 unveiled by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The plan, released on Wednesday (Jun 25), also includes rejuvenation efforts on Orchard Road and in other parts of the city centre, such as an elevated pedestrian linkway connecting Dhoby Ghaut Green to Fort Canning Park. The draft master plan is a statutory land use plan that outlines Singapore's development priorities over the next 10 to 15 years. It is reviewed every five years. Redevelopment plans for areas such as Bishan are part of a "decentralisation strategy" that has been in place since the early 1990s, by creating economic areas beyond the city centre and bringing jobs closer to homes. The plan for Bishan town centre is to introduce new workplaces and amenities, along with pedestrian-friendly streets, public spaces and skyrise greenery that will be integrated with future developments. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said at the launch of an exhibition for the URA plan: "We are studying the introduction of new office space that could match the scale of Paya Lebar Central." URA said that the government agencies are considering turning Bishan Place – located next to Junction 8 shopping centre and the bus interchange – into a "landscaped pedestrian mall". More amenities are also being studied, including a new polyclinic and a potential hawker centre integrated with an upgraded bus interchange with air-conditioned waiting areas. Selected government agencies are exploring the feasibility of relocating their offices to Bishan town centre, URA added without providing further details. NEW PARK IN CITY CENTRE In the city centre, URA is planning a new "destination park" by merging Istana Park and Dhoby Ghaut Green with a 500m stretch of Orchard Road. A pedestrian bridge will connect this area to Fort Canning Park. "When implemented, these enhancements will create a refreshed and well-connected green space offering visitors a family-friendly area to gather in the city centre," URA said. In the central business district, Raffles Place Park, located above the MRT station, will be redeveloped by 2028 into a more accessible and green public space. Over at Marina Bay, new plans include a wellness destination and recreational spaces such as the previously announced NS Square and the expansion of Marina Bay Sands integrated resort that would feature a fourth tower and a 15,000-seat entertainment arena to boost Singapore's capacity to host international events. The government also intends to set up a new industrial estate in Seletar East for 'high value-added industries' such as wafer fabrication. URA said that environmental studies would be carried out to ensure that the 138-hectare site, situated between Punggol Town and Seletar Aerospace Park, is developed in a sensitive manner. Mr Chee said that the government would relook the way it plans its economic areas by moving from "mono-use zones" to mixed-use districts that offer flexibility for businesses and better amenities for workers. "URA is working with JTC to review the industrial land use zoning guidelines to better respond to evolving business needs, by providing greater flexibility in allowable uses on industrial land," he added.
