It first began with the need to expand the capacity of Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 as well as its open-air carpark. This led to a strategic vision with the conception of Jewel as a gem of a destination, to augment Changi Airport’s position as a leading air hub globally and boost its appeal as a stopover destination for travellers.
The stunning result is a mixed-use development with gardens, attractions, retail, dining, a hotel and facilities to support airport operations. This integration of nature with engineering marvels housed under a striking glass and steel dome is poised to make headlines.
The 135,700 sqm complex, built on the site of the former Terminal 1 open air carpark, is designed by world- renowned architect Moshe Safdie and features a distinctive dome-shaped façade. It will offer both local residents and international visitors a multi-faceted experience that includes attractions, unique shopping and dining concepts, as well as airport and accommodation facilities.
During its inauguration Ms Hung Jean, Chief Executive Officer, Jewel Changi Airport Devt, said, “The vision for Jewel Changi Airport is to be a destination where ‘The World meets Singapore, and Singapore meets the World’. The unique proposition of world-class shopping and dining, seamlessly integrated with lush greenery, fulfils the needs of increasingly discerning travellers for a meaningful and experiential journey, even for brief layovers.
“Moreover, by providing innovative and fresh experiences for Singapore residents and working professionals in its vicinity, Jewel will invigorate Singapore’s eastern precincts and provide more opportunities for the public to enjoy time with family and friends.”
Visitors to Jewel can look forward to a slew of long-awaited new-to-Singapore brands including Emack & Bolio’s, JW360 ̊, Lavender, OYSHO and Pokémon Center Singapore that will open their first stores alongside familiar homegrown favourites such as In Good Company, Supermama and Tiger Street Lab. These local retailers, designers and craftsmen are given the opportunity to craft a retail theatre to share the nation’s story with the world. Jewel also has a dedicated retail cluster of homegrown brands on Level 1 meant to be a one-stop shop for travellers looking to bring home a piece of Singapore.
Multiple retailing formats are present at Jewel, including duplexes, outdoor terraces and spaces within the Canopy Park on the topmost level. Several established brands such as Bengawan Solo, Nike and Tiger Street Lab will also offer new concepts and even exclusive- to-Jewel merchandise.
The majestic 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, will greet visitors upon entering Jewel. Surrounding it are the manicured grounds of the Shiseido Forest Valley. Play attractions such as the Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze and Discovery Slides were designed to blend into the unique indoor garden environment and will open on 10 June 2019.
Come May 2019, the Changi Experience Studio on Level 4 will bring visitors on a journey of fun and discovery through the virtual world of Changi Airport with interactive games, projection experiences, immersive shows and gallery exhibits.
Enhancement of capacity at Changi Airport
In conjunction with the development of Jewel, Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 has also been expanded to increase capacity by another three million passenger movements per year. This brings the airport’s total capacity to 85 million, ensuring that it remains well placed to support the growth of air travel in the region.
As part of Changi Airport’s continued focus on providing passenger convenience, airport facilities have also been added in Jewel. These include early check-in counters and kiosks, a baggage storage service and the Changi Lounge, a 150-seat lounge with shower facilities, offering seamless transfers for passengers connecting to and from cruise and ferry services. Jewel will also house the first YOTELAIR property in Asia. With 130 smartly-designed cabins that optimise space in its Premium, Accessible and Family cabins, these rooms can be booked for a minimum of four hours, ideal for short daytime layovers or overnight stays. YOTELAIR also features time-saving airline style self-check-in kiosks that will facilitate a hassle-free check-in process.
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