Shaw Tower

Gazing up at Shaw Tower, one might sense the echoes of its past. Shaw Tower stands tall on Beach Road in Singapore. It’s a relatively new structure, completed in 2024. But it carries the legacy of a previous building, also named Shaw Tower, which stood on the same site for almost five decades. The original Shaw Tower, finished in 1975, was a Brutalist-style icon. It was designed by Singaporean architect Charles Ho of Iversen, van Sitteren & Partners. The older Shaw Tower had a unique L-shape, a consequence of being built on the site of two demolished cinemas and the now-gone Hoi How Road. This older building was a key part of the “Golden Mile” development envisioned in the 1960s. The goal was a vibrant blend of living, work, and entertainment along Beach Road. The old Shaw Tower even housed the largest cinema in Singapore upon its completion. The former Shaw Tower boasted two cinemas, Prince and Jade. They were located on opposite ends of the building. Prince faced Beach Road, while Jade angled towards Nicoll Highway. Prince was particularly special, holding the title of the largest cinema hall in Singapore when it opened. Both cinemas underwent significant renovations over the years. They were twinned into four halls in 1987, and later sold to United Artists in 1996. Shaw eventually bought back the cinemas in 2001. The retail podium of the old Shaw Tower also saw a revamp in 1989, becoming the Shaw Leisure Gallery. By 2018, plans for redevelopment were in motion. The old Shaw Tower, a symbol of Singapore’s architectural and entertainment history, made way for a new chapter. The new Shaw Tower now before you is a modern marvel. It’s a 35-story Grade A commercial building, gleaming with sustainable design and smart technology. This new Shaw Tower is part of the revitalized Ophir-Rochor Corridor, a pedestrian-friendly district centered around Bugis MRT station. The new Shaw Tower represents Singapore’s dedication to sustainable design. It’s the first Grade A commercial building in Singapore to achieve BCA Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) certification under the 2021 criteria. It also holds the distinction of being the first building under development in Singapore and Asia to achieve WiredScore Platinum. The Shaw Tower, in its new incarnation, stands as a testament to Singapore’s continuous evolution and innovative spirit.