SINGAPORE'S fast changing city skyline is set for an eye-catching addition after City Developments (CDL) was awarded a large, hotly contested Beach Road site, with a winning bid of $1.689 billion. The new development, called South Beach, features two striking towers, 45 storeys and 42 storeys tall, plus the original conserved military buildings of the old Beach Road Camp which will be restored. It is located opposite the iconic Raffles Hotel along Beach Rd.

The project, spread over a 3.5ha site will boast premium office space, two hotels, shops and city residences. The futuristic design, with environmentally friendly features, is by renowned British architects Foster & Partners. CDL said the 99-year leasehold development, which has a gross floor area of 146,827 sq m, will be built by 2012. URA requires the developers to set aside at least 40 per cent of the space for office use. At least 30 per cent of the space must be for hotel rooms.

The consortium's proposal adopted environmental design and green technology to create a distinctive, high-quality development that fits in well with the tropical climate and the urban context. A key feature of the winning design is a large 'environmental filter' canopy that covers the open spaces and ties together the new and conservation buildings within the site. The first storey is laid out with a series of internal streets, which will enhance street level vibrancy and allow pedestrians to move about easily.