Pan Pacific Hotels to open $350mn flagship hotel in 2012

PARKROYAL on Pickering which earned the nation's highest green rating, Green Mark Platinum, features a hotel-in-a-garden concept and sustainable features.

According to Pan Pacific Hotels, the hotel on Upper Pickering Street was designed by design firm WOHA, the architects behind iconic buildings such as The Met in Bangkok and in Singapore, the School of the Arts and Stadium Mass Rapid Transit Station.

Located at the key gateway into the Central Business District and the Raffles Place financial hub, the 363-room property lies close to bustling Chinatown. Waterfront entertainment and restaurant options along the Singapore River are also easily accessible.

This flagship hotel, which boasts an investment cost of close to S$350million, will feature a dedicated wellness floor with a day spa, a 300m nature trail and waterfall walk, an expansive pool terrace, a state-of-the art gymnasium as well as a business centre with full secretarial services. Guests can also unwind at a rooftop bar which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city skyline.

Amongst its green features are rainwater harvesting, automatic sensors to regulate energy and water usage, and solar cells that will power landscape lighting. Greenery features prominently in the hotel’s design concept; lofty four-storey tall skygardens, spread throughout the building’s façade bring greenery directly to the rooms and internal spaces. In total, the property will boast 15,000 sq metres of skygardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls, planter terraces and green walls. A diverse variety of greenery ranging from shade trees, tall palms flowering plants, leafy shrubs and overhanging creepers will come together to create a lush tropical setting – extending the green areas from Hong Lim Park and encouraging bio-diversity in the city.

“The design of PARKROYAL on Pickering demonstrates how we can not only conserve greenery in our high-rise city centre but multiply it in a manner that is architecturally striking, integrated and sustainable,” said Donovan Soon, Senior Associate of WOHA. “It underpins our garden city image and will set Singapore as a world leader on the stage of green high-rise developments. The soft foliage and sensuous curves of the skygardens will come together with the crisp, streamlined glazed tower forms to create an arresting architecture.”

“With its awe-inspiring design features, this is a brand-defining hotel for PARKROYAL,” said A. Patrick Imbardelli, President and Chief Executive of Pan Pacific Hotels Group. “We are delighted to have WOHA behind our flagship hotel and are looking forward to the hotel redefining the skyline in the area, and setting new standards for the PARKROYAL brand.”