Jewel Changi Airport Trustee (JCAT) – a joint venture between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaMalls Asia – has begun construction for the Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel).
As previously reported by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific (see here), Jewel will be a mixed-use complex developed in front of the existing Terminal 1 (T1). It will feature several attractions, retail offerings, a hotel and services that complement operations at the airport.
The project is envisioned to be a lifestyle destination that CAG hopes will enable Changi Airport to capture passenger mind share, and boost Singapore’s appeal as a stopover point for travellers.
“An important hallmark of Changi Airport’s growth over the past thirty-odd years has been continual change and innovation. In charting the airport’s future, this spirit continues to underpin our strategy. Faced with intensifying competition, we challenged ourselves to rethink what an airport can be – not just as a gateway for flights, but as a tourism destination on its own,” said Lee Seow Hiang, CAG’s chief executive.
So what can visitors look forward to? Well, the star of Jewel has to be the Forest Valley. Developed to showcase Singapore’s reputation as a garden city, the valley is a five-storey garden filled with thousands of trees, plants, ferns and shrubs.
Also present in Jewel will be the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Known as Rain Vortex, it is located at the centre of the complex and delivers powerful water displays. Visitors should not miss the Light and Sound show that will take place every night.
Retail options will include a mix of new-to-Singapore concepts, top international brands, as well as homegrown names to foster and encourage local talent. These shops will be integrated with the complex’s indoor gardens and leisure attractions under one roof.
However, perhaps the most important news for travellers is the Jewel will also house an integrated multi-modal transport lounge that offers dedicated services for fly-cruise and fly-coach passengers. These include ticketing, issuance of boarding passes and baggage transfer services.
Singapore has a growing cruise industry, with the likes of SuperStar Virgo, Sapphire Princess and Mariner of the Seas offering regular departures from the Lion City. Connection between the airport and cruise terminal in Harbourfront is convenient by bus or the MRT. Likewise, as the country is situated close to Malaysia, travellers may also get to Johor Bahru by coach too.
In addition, there will be facilities to allow passengers to check in for their flights and drop off the luggage ahead of regular check-in times.
Finally, Jewel will also be home to its very own hotel. Featuring approximately 130 rooms, the facility will be operated by Yotel – an international brand with a strong presence in Europe and the US.
For more information, visit changiairport.com
Clement Huang
