US-based casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands has initiated the construction of an $8bn luxury resort and entertainment complex in Singapore.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the project was attended by Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Las Vegas Sands CEO Robert Goldstein, among others.
The project will feature a 570-suite hotel tower equipped with rooftop dining, retail, gaming areas, and spa facilities. It will also have nearly 200,000ft² of meeting space.
Additionally, a purpose-built arena with 15,000 seats will be set up against Marina Bay’s backdrop, with an intent to enhance the live entertainment offerings in Asia.
The design for the project was crafted by Safdie Architects, who also worked on the Marina Bay Sands resort owned by Las Vegas Sands.
Las Vegas Sands president and COO Patrick Dumont said: "Over the years, Marina Bay Sands has been integral in strengthening Singapore's position as a major tourism powerhouse.
“By the time our new ultra-luxury development is complete, Las Vegas Sands will have invested more than $15bn since we started operations in Singapore in 2010. This speaks volumes of our confidence in this region, and the potential that we continue to see in Singapore.”
According to Las Vegas Sands, the hotel tower of the new complex will be positioned at a 45-degree angle, thereby offering panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Singapore Strait.
The company plans to integrate biophilic designs to ensure that lush greenery is a key feature throughout the building.
Additionally, a wellness terrace will host yoga sessions and cultural events.
Adjacent to the hotel tower, the new arena, designed by Populous, is planned to cater to prominent international acts and live events with optimal acoustics and flexible production capabilities.
The design aims to ensure seamless integration with existing Marina Bay developments, improving connectivity to transport links such as the Bayfront MRT station.
Las Vegas Sands’ sustainability plans for the project include self-shading facades using advanced glazing techniques to enhance energy efficiency.
