[SINGAPORE] Singapore will always keep improving, renewing and moving forward, and this is only possible because of its strong partnerships, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday (Jul 15).
When Singapore decided to build integrated resorts in 2005, this was a “bold move” to re-imagine its tourism landscape and refresh its offerings – and Las Vegas Sands’ (LVS) decision to make a major investment was a “bold commitment”, underpinned by confidence in Singapore, he said.
“I’m glad that this partnership has flourished, and even happier that we are now taking it to the next level,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for Marina Bay Sands’ (MBS) new expansion project.
The ceremony, attended by over 200 guests including Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu, was held in a venue on the site of the new development.
PM Wong also officiated the event alongside LVS co-founder Miriam Adelson, which marks a milestone for the US$8 billion development.
Also present were LVS chairman and chief executive officer Robert Goldstein, and president and chief operating officer Patrick Dumont.
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The decision to allow integrated resorts 20 years ago “changed the face of luxury tourism in Asia”, placing Singapore at the epicentre of the region’s luxury tourism over Japan, South Korea or Thailand, said Goldstein.
When completed in 2030, the 570-suite luxury hotel tower is expected to bring in attractions including boutiques, gaming and wellness amenities. The 55-storey tower’s “crowning achievement” will be a 76,000 square foot “Skyloop”, LVS and MBS said in a media release on Tuesday.
It will be a rooftop attraction that combines public areas, including an observatory, destination restaurants and lush rooftop gardens, with hotel guests’ private areas for “secluded experiences”, such as private cabanas and infinity pools.
The expansion project also includes the addition of 200,000 sq ft of meeting space, and a 15,000-seat arena for performances and concerts.
Rather than seeing it as an extension of MBS, Goldstein believes that the new tower is a “brand new building with a brand new identity”.
“It’s its own creation, its own venture, and something far different than what MBS has become,” he said. “We’re very proud of MBS, but the goal here is to create something distinct, unique, mysterious and world-class.”
PM Wong also noted the upcoming addition of NS Square on the bay, which will be a venue for future National Day Parades as well as major cultural and community events.
These are part of a “broader and more ambitious transformation”, he added, pointing to the Greater Southern Waterfront project that aims to redevelop the stretch from Bay East to Pasir Panjang. This area is expected to feature more commercial, recreational and even public residential offerings.
