Homes in Singapore’s downtown are extremely scarce. As at 4Q2017, there were just 3,528 non-landed residential units in Singapore’s District 2, where the 181 luxury homes at Wallich Residence are located.
Wallich Residence is part of Tanjong Pagar Centre by GuocoLand — a one-of-a-kind development that integrates five components and transport connectivity. The development sits atop and is linked to the Tanjong Pagar MRT station, and also houses the five-star Sofitel hotel, 890,000 sq ft of Grade A offices at Guoco Tower, a 100,000 sq ft retail and F&B component and a lush 150,000 sq ft urban park.
Owing to Wallich Residence’s unique attributes, it represents unmatched value that is recognised by the market. Discerning buyers have snapped up units at prices marking a new high in District 2. Last year, prices at Wallich Residence reached a price point touched only by three other condominiums in District 10.
Condos in District 10, along with those in Districts 9 and 11, have long been regarded as the crème de la crème in Singapore. According to Knight Frank Research, however, the prime districts have expanded beyond the usual 9, 10 and 11 to include Districts 1 and 2 (the city centre).
Similar to the way Tanjong Pagar Centre has transformed the area surrounding it, Wallich Residence has set new benchmarks for prices in District 2 and is catalysing its transformation into one of Singapore’s new prime districts.
Unique urban luxury
With today’s hectic lifestyle, time is a priceless resource and being able to spend less time on the road is a luxury afforded to a few. As it is in the heart of Singapore’s downtown, those who call Wallich Residence home can commute to their offices in the CBD in just minutes.
At 290m, Tanjong Pagar Centre is the tallest building in Singapore. The project is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the renowned architectural firm behind other skyscrapers in the world, from Burj Khalifa in Dubai to Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, the US. Unlike other mixed-use developments, where offices or hotels are located at the top, Wallich Residence’s location from 180m above sea level, on the 39th to the 64th floor of the landmark, means that every unit enjoys unblocked views. They comprise one- to four-bedroom units as well as four penthouses and one super penthouse.
To whisk residents from the ground to their home in the sky, Wallich Residence is equipped with high-speed lifts. Residents also enjoy direct lift access to the retail and F&B outlets in Tanjong Pagar Centre’s basement, which is integrated with the MRT station located less than 50m from the private residents’ lift lobby.
The hotel-inspired service at Wallich Residence begins on the ground at the separate vehicular drop-off and entrance for residents. The lobby, where the concierge is located, is spacious and equipped to welcome residents home or to receive guests. On the 39th floor, at 180m above sea level, breathtaking views serve as a backdrop to the infinity pool, landscaped gardens and al fresco dining space equipped for BBQs. There is also a Jacuzzi, entertainment rooms and a gym on the same level.
Breathtaking views serve as a backdrop to the infinity pool, landscaped gardens and other facilities located 180m above sea level
The lush sky gardens and theatrette at 220m are perfect for hosting social events. Located on the same 52nd storey is the networking suite, outfitted to function as a corporate boardroom that commands a view of the city. Business is complemented by hospitality — The Wallich Room that is located on the same floor comes with a fully equipped kitchen. It is a dining room in the sky that will elevate any culinary experience.
On the 62nd storey is the observation deck — the highest within a residential development in Singapore. Panoramic views from its height of 270m is a privilege reserved for the residents. All the facilities at Wallich Residence enjoy some of the most stunning views Singapore has to offer, owing to its lofty height. This makes them ideal locations for the residents, who are likely to be captains of industry, to hold meetings and entertain their business partners in a less-corporate setting.
Being part of the same integrated development, the other components of Tanjong Pagar Centre serve as an extension of and complement Wallich Residence. Its residents have the luxury of having everything they need in a single location.
The luxurious Sofitel City Centre Hotel has 223 rooms to welcome visiting friends, family and business partners. It also has facilities for meetings and events, including the Wallich Ballroom, which can accommodate 950 guests. Tanjong Pagar Centre hosts a plethora of F&B outlets across its six levels of retail space. They include East Japan Railway Co’s first overseas Rail Café, Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House & Bar by acclaimed restaurateur and chef Ricky Ng, and Michelin-starred restaurant Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine.
Overlooking the city, the Networking Suite (top) and The Wallich Room offer settings perfect for both business and social events
Ongoing transformation
The completion of Tanjong Pagar Centre last year is the first milestone in the ongoing transformation of the area.
Next year will see the completion of Maxwell Chamber Suites, which is adjacent to Tanjong Pagar Centre and comprises the existing Maxwell Chambers, as well as the former Red Dot Traffic Building. The redevelopment and a new annexe block represent the addition of 123,500 sq ft of space to house arbitration chambers, law firms and other service providers. The government’s vision is for Maxwell Chambers to be a base in Asia for all dispute resolution players.
Wallich Residence is also poised to ride the development of the Greater Southern Waterfront, which will be created from the relocation of the city container terminals to Tuas. Port operator PSA Singapore began to vacate the Tanjong Pagar Terminal last year, well ahead of its lease expiry in 2027. A total area of 1,000ha — three times the size of Marina Bay — will be freed up for development. A new waterfront lifestyle will open in this part of Singapore. A 30km scenic pedestrian boulevard and bicycle trail is in the pipeline. In the future, one will be able to take leisurely strolls or cycle along scenic avenues, with stops along the way at places of attraction, such as Labrador Park, HarbourFront and the International Cruise Terminal and Gardens by the Bay at Marina South.
Given its central location, residents of Wallich Residence can reach any place on the island easily. The area has connections to major highways such as the Marina Coastal Expressway and Ayer Rajah Expressway. Changi International Airport is just a 16-minute drive away, while Marina Bay and Orchard Road are a mere four- and eight-minute drive away. With the CBD as a backdrop and future developments in the area, Wallich Residence at Tanjong Pagar Centre represents not just a trophy home, but also an opportunity for investors with foresight.
This article appeared in The EdgeProp Pullout Issue 826 (April 16, 2018) of The Edge Singapore.