Did you know Funan stands on the grounds of what was once a resettlement center? Today we will explore Funan. It is more than just a mall. It is a mixed-use development. Funan includes retail spaces, offices, and serviced apartments. It stands in Singapore’s Civic District.
Once, this spot housed Funan DigitaLife Mall. Before that, it was known as Funan The IT Mall. Even earlier, it was simply Funan Centre. The original Funan Centre opened in January 1985. It aimed to offer shoppers an alternative to Orchard Road.
In the early 1990s, Funan began attracting IT retailers. Challenger Superstore became a long-time anchor tenant. This homegrown IT store occupied the top floor. In 1997, the mall became Funan The IT Mall. This name reflected its focus on IT products. Minor upgrades occurred in 2005. It was then renamed Funan DigitaLife Mall.
However, times changed. Online shopping grew in popularity. Funan DigitaLife Mall faced declining business. In 2015, plans were announced to redevelop the mall. It would become a creative hub with retail, apartments, and offices. Funan DigitaLife Mall closed on June 30, 2016. It was demolished later that year.
The new Funan rose in its place. It boasts several firsts for Singapore. A 200-meter cycling lane runs through the first floor. Golden Village offers a cinema with multi-sensory experiences. Kopitiam features a high-tech food court. It has a conveyor belt system and self-ordering kiosks. A rock climbing wall is operated by Climb Central.
One floor is dedicated to IT products. Sports facilities include futsal courts and a swimming pool. The redeveloped Funan was initially set to open in late 2019. Anchor tenants include W!LD RICE, a theatre company. Carrie K, a local jeweler, also has a flagship store here. Keepers showcases Singaporean artists and designers.
Tenants from the old building returned. AddOn Systems operates Lenovo’s largest service center in Singapore. TK Photo has a drone photography test zone. FairPrice Finest runs a futuristic supermarket.
Facial recognition technology enhances the shopping experience. The system offers shoppers recommendations based on age and gender. A video system helps locate cars in the basement car parks. New tenants include Brompton Bicycle. GamePro hosts eSports tournaments. Kopitiam’s KOPItech accepts cryptocurrency payments.
lyf Singapore manages the serviced apartments. The shopping mall soft-launched on June 28, 2019. The official opening was on December 27, 2019. In 2021, an underground link opened. It connects Funan to City Hall MRT station. This improves connectivity in all weather conditions.
The Tree of Life is a centerpiece. It is a 25-meter, six-story structure of wood and steel. It provides space for brands and workshops. The Connector Floor encourages movement. It leads to dining, theatre, and wellness areas. Green stairs lead to a rooftop urban garden. It is the largest in downtown Singapore. Funan also has a dining garden and sports areas.
Funan promotes healthy living. It offers cycling services. It also has a drive-through click-and-collect service. The building connects to tourist routes. Funan caters to consumers who value collaboration and unique experiences. From its origins as a resettlement center to its current form, Funan has evolved.