As part of the multi-stage precinct rejuvenation of Singapore Science Park 1 (SSP 1), CapitaLand Development (CLD), the development arm of CapitaLand Group, and Ascendas Reit, a member of CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), have formed a joint venture to invest S$883 million to redevelop 1 Science Park Drive into a life science and innovation campus.
1 Science Park Drive occupies a site area of 31,856 sq m. The upcoming life science and innovation campus on the site will have a total gross floor area of 116,200 sq m, comprising three interconnected Grade-A buildings – one 15-storey-tall and the other two nine-storey-tall – and an event plaza with retail, F&B and supporting amenities. The new development will provide 112,500 sq m of business park space and 3,700 sq m for retail and F&B uses.
Expected to be fully completed by 2025, 1 Science Park Drive caters to demand from tenants in new economy sectors such as biomedical sciences, digital and technology, which are continuing to expand in Singapore amidst a greater focus on healthcare, deep tech and accelerating digital transformation. According to the developers, about 80,000 sq m (or 71%) of the 112,500 sq m of business park space has been designed to accommodate biomedical research and development (R&D) activities.
“As the master developer, owner and operator of SSP 1, we have been steadily unlocking the precinct’s potential through redevelopment and land intensification initiatives, and will continue to do so in the next few years,” said Jason Leow, CEO of CLD. “The redevelopment of 1 Science Park Drive is the latest milestone in this strategy, aimed at providing modern workspace solutions in a campus-style environment that will reinforce SSP 1’s position as one of the most prestigious R&D hubs in the region. Coupled with the ongoing redevelopment of 3 Science Park Drive that will introduce a serviced residence, we are confident that SSP 1 will evolve into an even more attractive business address with vibrant work-live-play elements.”
The design architect for 1 Science Park Drive is Serie + Multiply, which is also behind 5 Science Park Drive, known for its distinctive accordion-like window facade; and the project architect is Surbana Jurong. The developers said the facade of the new campus features an evolved form of the same accordion design language as 5 Science Park Drive, creating a strong visual identity collectively.
The three Grade-A buildings at 1 Science Park Drive share an interconnected basement and offer sheltered connectivity to the Kent Ridge MRT station. They have efficient floor plates, mostly column-free, of more than 3,000 sq m each. Adjoining the three buildings, the event plaza can accommodate a total of 500 people, including an amphitheatre that can seat up to 300.
The developers added that 1 Science Park Drive is designed to achieve the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum rating, one of the highest green accolades under the scheme. Sustainability features include a mini-district cooling plant and the use of low-carbon concrete. The campus will also be fitted with smart lighting controls and advanced sensors to better monitor building health and performance. To future-ready the campus, there will be provisions for electric vehicle fast-charging stations, and next-generation information technology infrastructure to enable 5G adoption.
Images: CapitaLand
