Have you heard that there is going to be another tower added to the three existing ones of Marina Bay Sands?
(Huh, then the boat how? Honestly that’s exactly my first question too.)
Expansions to our iconic landmark, Marina Bay Sands (MBS), is said to be completed by July 2029, and construction is expected to properly kick off in July next year, according to MBS in a statement on 5 Friday, April.
The expansion is a massive, multi-million project that will see the building of not only the aforementioned fourth tower, but also a luxury hotel tower with a sky roof, a 15,000-capacity entertainment arena, more spaces for MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and exhibitions), and of course, everybody’s favourite food and nightlife stalls.
Expansion Planned Since 2019
Though only executing in 2025, plans for an expansion for MBS have been unveiled since 2019. The expansion is designed by Safdie Architects, the same architects that worked on the existing building.
The approval was given to MBS by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in January this year, and the new tower will be erected on a plot of land next to the hotel’s three existing towers.
URA revealed that the new tower will have 153,100 square metres of space dedicated to the hotel section, and 12,185 square metres for retail.
The tower will hold 587 hotel rooms, a drop from the 1,000 rooms “all-suite” hotel rooms as revealed by the initial expansion plans in 2019. MBS had declined to provide more information when asked about the reason for the decrease in rooms.
Artist’s Impression of Expansions Revealed
The most recent depiction provided by MBS showcased the placement of the entertainment arena situated amidst its current property and the newly planned fourth tower.
It is quite likely that you’d be able to watch your favourite K-Pop groups in MBS itself!
MBS anticipates that this arena, designed to “draw in leading performers from Asia and beyond,” will feature a more accessible frontage.
Marina Bay Sands’ entertainment arena is said to address a current market gap for a properly-sized venue with modern amenities.
As artists depend heavily on ticket sales for income, and high ticket prices in Singapore limit the customer base. With a 15,000-seat arena, ticket prices would align with global norms, making events more accessible and increasing the frequency of music events.
Additionally, besides entertainment, the arena is suitable for MICE groups, accommodating large sessions and conferences with up to 15,000 attendees, offering more sophisticated technical setups than existing facilities!
In previous plans, the forthcoming fourth tower was situated adjacent to the existing property, while the arena was situated at a greater distance.
MBS emphasised that the expansion will be pivotal in enticing more visitors to Singapore. Patrick Dumont, President and Chief Operating Officer of MBS’ parent company Las Vegas Sands, stated that with continued backing from the Singapore government, this expansion will elevate Singapore’s allure for both leisure and business tourism.
He further added that this substantial investment in Singapore will enable MBS to enhance its economic impact, employment opportunities, and visitor numbers in the foreseeable future.
The exact cost of the expansion is not yet known, but the costs for the expansion project are anticipated to exceed the initial estimate of US$3.3 billion (S$4.5 billion) from 2019, inclusive of land expenses.
This increase is attributed to factors such as inflation, the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, and elevated costs for labour and materials, among others.
An MBS spokesperson stated, “We have maintained close communication with the Singapore Government throughout all phases of the expansion project, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this collaborative effort as we progress into the next stage.”
Originally scheduled for completion in 2025, the expansion timeline was postponed to 2026 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, in a filing made by MBS’ parent company to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 3 of the previous year, it was stated that the project’s commencement, initially planned for April 2023, was unlikely to proceed as scheduled.
MBS was then granted an extension until April 2024 to commence the project, with the deadline for completion pushed back to April 8, 2028, three years beyond its initial target.
It’s important to note that the expansion project is distinct from a separate reinvestment totaling US$1.75 billion in the existing property.
Refurbishments have already been finalized in Hotel Towers 1 and 2, with current focus shifted to Tower 3, the hotel lobby, and Sands SkyPark.