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Singapore Science Park: An industry campus evolves into a hotspot for work, play and living

Placemaking initiatives and enhanced amenities converge at this innovation hub to bring together like-minded businesses and people. 

Singapore Science Park: An industry campus evolves into a hotspot for work, play and living

Singapore Science Park's placemaking strategy thoughtfully combines a diverse range of offerings to create a well-rounded community experience. Photos and artist's impression: CapitaLand

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How does your workday typically begin? 

Imagine kick-starting the morning with an invigorating bike ride along a picturesque park connector. Upon arrival, you park your bicycle at an end-of-trip facility and enjoy a refreshing shower before heading to your first meeting. Recharge during breaks with a stroll amid lush greenery, then network with cross-industry peers over lunch or gain insights from an academic sharing session. At the end of the day, you enjoy a drink with colleagues or a workout at the gym before heading home.

This is the essence of the work-live-play approach, which seamlessly integrates all facets of a well-rounded work life. Central to this strategy is placemaking, a key theme of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s 2019 Master Plan, that has fostered the development of vibrant spaces. 

Singapore Science Park exemplifies this evolution, providing amenities and activities that boost productivity, innovation and job satisfaction. The communal spaces at the park come alive after hours with live music, wellness activities, bazaars and networking events, curated to enrich tenants’ experiences and inspire synergy.

“As a master developer and park operator, CapitaLand consistently reinvents its real estate offerings. For instance, we have enhanced Singapore Science Park’s amenities and community programming to create a conducive environment for innovation to thrive,” said Mr Chew Peet Mun, managing director of Investment and Development at CapitaLand Development Singapore.

TALENT STRATEGIES 2.0

Having established itself as a hub for businesses at the forefront of scientific and technological advances, Singapore Science Park is now strengthening its placemaking initiatives to better support progressive professionals.

Mr Chew highlighted that its lively, innovation-centred community is a powerful recruitment tool for tenants. It signals to prospective employees that they are joining a dynamic environment dedicated to creativity and well-being.

Echoing this perspective is Mr Keng Hock Chua, managing director of Merck Singapore and vice president of Process Solutions (Asia Pacific), Life Science Business at Merck. He shared that Singapore Science Park’s social activities are crucial for nurturing a robust work culture and fuelling the collaboration essential for driving scientific innovation. 

THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING: ENERGISING WORKSPACES AND COMMUNITIES

Singapore Science Park's events provide the tenant community with an opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry experts.

In a recent dipstick survey with Singapore Science Park tenants, 50 per cent of respondents reported upticks in work-life balance and mental well-being, attributing these improvements to placemaking programmes such as Innovation Made Real and Art Jam Science Park. The former serves as a celebration of breakthroughs and a platform to inspire future innovations while the latter aims to integrate art into the area. 

Engagement events are designed to pique tenant interest and foster professional growth. “Picture a melting pot of brilliant minds from diverse disciplines rubbing shoulders and bouncing ideas off one another. Such chance encounters could pave the way for groundbreaking collaborations,” said Mr Chew.

Demonstrating their effectiveness, these activities were recognised by 50 per cent of respondents as avenues to connect with industry experts. Most significantly, 31.3 per cent of tenants’ employees reported their willingness to remain with a company that provides a stimulating workplace setting.

Reflecting on the evolving nature of workspaces, Ms Sharon Teo, managing director of Workspace Management at CapitaLand Investment, said: “Singapore Science Park’s tenant engagement activities add value to businesses by enabling employees to bond within their own circles and beyond.” 

Tenants can look forward to a variety of festive celebrations all year round. For instance, Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JLABS) employees participated in a Chinese New Year event at Ascent earlier this year. Singapore Science Park has also hosted events such as Oktoberfest, which featured live entertainment, games, food and beer for a night of fun. 

“These regularly curated programmes serve as useful reminders to step away from the desk once in a while to enjoy what the community has to offer,” said Dr Alessandro Falcone, head of JLABS Singapore. 

Similar tenant engagement and networking activities take place at CapitaLand’s Changi Business Park and International Business Park.

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN A NEW CLUSTER

Geneo's new event plaza serves as a relaxing hangout spot and doubles as a setting for large-scale community events.

Geneo, the newest S$1.4 billion life sciences and innovation cluster at Singapore Science Park, adds 1.94 million sq ft of gross floor area incorporating work-live-play elements. 

As part of the park’s revitalisation, Geneo encompasses approximately 53,800 sq ft of dining, retail and lifestyle amenities, providing tenants with a holistic environment to relax and engage with the community after office hours or on weekends. Adding to Geneo’s vibrancy, HAWKERLAB is set to open soon, providing a futuristic and budget-friendly dining experience. The diverse food selection will include options like Bai Nian Niang Dou Fu, Sixth Floor Oyster Cake and Mala Cup. Expect dynamic lighting and designs that seamlessly transition from a bustling lunch atmosphere to a cosy evening vibe, perfect for bonding over happy hour drinks.

Complementing Geneo’s amenities, One@KentRidge offers a wide array of retail options, services and food choices a short distance away. It is conveniently linked to Geneo via the pedestrian underground network from Kent Ridge MRT station.

Geneo also boasts an all-weather, naturally ventilated event plaza with verdant landscaping and an amphitheatre that seats 300. This versatile space serves as a vibrant meeting place and a venue for large-scale community events.

According to Ms Teo, companies are increasingly favouring collaborative, purpose-built spaces that elevate productivity, prioritise employee well-being and nurture a sense of community. “The latter is essential in helping businesses encourage their employees to return to the physical workspace,” she added. 

Affirming the importance of Singapore Science Park’s placemaking initiatives in improving group cohesion, Dr Falcone said that JLABS is looking forward to the introduction of Geneo: “The support system plays a critical role in empowering life science start-ups to navigate the intricacies of the biotech industry and increases their chances of success.” 

Geneo augments the park’s infrastructure by promoting sustainable commuting with 466 bicycle lots, 14 electric vehicle charging stations and end-of-trip facilities such as showers and lockers. A dedicated 490m cycling path links to nearby park connectors, encouraging alternative modes of transportation.

Experience a range of facilities at Citadines Science Park Singapore, including a swimming pool where you can take an invigorating dip.

Another significant milestone is the debut of Citadines Science Park Singapore, the park’s first lodging facility located in the Geneo complex, featuring 250 rooms. Complete with amenities like a swimming pool, BBQ pits and meeting rooms, the hotel residence caters to the needs of international hires and visitors while broadening hosting options.

A SELF-CONTAINED, ACCESSIBLE HUB

Singapore Science Park is set to enhance its vibrant community with the launch of a 300-unit condominium. The project aims to contribute to a self-contained neighbourhood, offering homes and recreational amenities within the park. Linked to Kent Ridge MRT station via Geneo, the condominium will provide seamless connectivity for residents. 

When it comes to transportation, Singapore Science Park has numerous options for tenants and visitors. Free shuttle services run to and from Kent Ridge MRT station, ensuring door-to-door transfer. Feeder bus services within the park further improve mobility. Geneo and several buildings in Singapore Science Park 1 are within walking distance of the station – the former also features an underground pedestrian network that facilitates sheltered connectivity. For those travelling by car, the park is just a 10-minute drive to the Central Business District and is conveniently linked to the Ayer Rajah Expressway. 

BEYOND THE GRIND AT SINGAPORE SCIENCE PARK 

At the end of the day, tenants can head to The Oasis at Singapore Science Park to unwind and indulge in a plethora of recreational activities and culinary delights. For fitness lovers, rock climbing, swimming and gym facilities are available to help you push your limits and stay in shape. Community park runs are also conducted regularly, enabling you to build camaraderie through energising group sessions. When it’s time to refuel, make your way to Diamond Kitchen to savour its homestyle dishes or grab your favourite pick-me-up from Starbucks.

And there’s more: Geneo’s upcoming event plaza will play host to a range of food and music festivals, movie screenings and family-friendly activities, inviting you to enjoy a weekend of entertainment with loved ones.

Connect with colleagues at an after-work community event featuring live music.

Initiatives such as the culinary-focused Flavours of Tomorrow and live music series Singapore Science Park Pulse offer tenants a chance to let down their hair and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting. “A well-rounded employee experience extends beyond the traditional work day. Food and live music create a space to foster camaraderie and a healthy work-life balance,” said Mr Chew. 

Ultimately, the revitalisation of Singapore Science Park encompasses more than just adding facilities and amenities. It is a commitment to driving innovation and growth, improving the well-being of the tenant community and establishing a workplace of the future where workers can thrive holistically.

Be part of an innovative community of change-makers at Geneo and Singapore Science Park. Learn more about CapitaLand's business parks, industrial and logistics workspaces.

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