The world business landscape is being redefined and transformed by changes in economic, political, social and demographic trends. Over the past few years, the advancement of technology and the changing live-work-play lifestyle have evolved to empower businesses, teams and individuals to realise their potential in ways they have not imagined possible.

Work places are fast developing into borderless public spaces, which are extensions of leisure areas away from the confines of the physical office.

The portability, accessibility and convenience of the laptop, the internet and telecommunication devices have also transformed working life into a 24/7 lifestyle.

This evolution has led to the worldwide trend of city living where the confluence of work, entertainment and living is best met. This trend is underscored by the success of Far East Organization’s groundbreaking Icon at Tanjong Pagar, which is widely recognised as the first project in Singapore that capitalised on the demand for inner city living and offers loft-style living.

Responding further to the call of the 24/7 lifestyle, and the increasing global integration, Far East Organization is developing Singapore’s first integrated live-work-play development along the Singapore River. This landmark project, Central, offers habitation, lifestyle, business, community and transportation connectivity all within one complex. Designed for a population of 10,000 occupants, it will have two towers of SOHO (Small Office Home Office) units, a 25-storey office tower with New Age Offices as well as conventional office units with large floor plates, a retail podium with riverfront food and beverage outlets, a sky garden and recreational facilities, full public amenities and a community hub.

The SOHO movement around the world has fuelled the transition of work from boardroom to home offices. Businesses are turning to the internet to trade and communicate. New digital infrastructures connect individuals and businesses anywhere, diminishing the divide between office and home. In addition, the yearn for greater personal control, flexibility and better quality of life has given rise to a new live-work-play trend.

Central’s SOHO is well placed to meet this need. The only purpose-built home offices in Singapore, these SOHO units come furnished with quality home finishes, fully fitted bathroom and a compact kitchenette, making setting up home, and office, in these units a breeze. SOHO at Central also offers a prestigious business address with full flexibility in commercial usage.

Since their launch in September last year, 90 per cent of the 227 SOHO units have already been sold. Central attracts a cosmopolitan clientele comprising successful entrepreneurs, professionals, business consultants and investors from around the world including Hong Kong, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, United Kingdom and India.

The New Age Office is another component of Central that is purpose-built to cater to a growing breed of new-age businesses that appreciate the trappings of a borderless workspace. These businesses demand continuous connectivity to the world, complete flexibility in every way and a lifestyle that never sleeps. (See story on page 8.)

Supporting these components are four levels of shopping mecca, food and beverage outlets by the river, a sky garden and recreational facilities, full public amenities and a community hub to complete the vibrant lifestyle offered by this integrated development.

Inspired by Roppongi Hills, Tokyo’s city within a city, and Xin Tian Di, Shanghai’s hot new district, this shopping paradise will host 600 hip retail outlets showcasing non-mainstream products and services, presenting a unique shopping experience by the river. To chill out from work or the hard work of retail therapy, Central’s food and beverage outlets by the river will be the place to watch the world go by.

Central has amazing connectivity. It sits above the Clarke Quay MRT station making travelling to all parts of Singapore easy and convenient. It is also only two MRT stations away from the proposed integrated resort at Sentosa, and four stops from the New Downtown at Marina Bay.

Central is also the epicenter of a thriving community. The Central Business District with its working population of 50,000 is but a kilometre away. The civic centre is just across Coleman Bridge and the arts and cultural district of museums, galleries and the Esplanade, as well as the entertainment belt of Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Mohammed Sultan Road and Fullerton Square is further down the river. The river area, popular with expatriates, is also home to some 25,000 residents living in upmarket homes.

Surrounding Central is an educational enclave with an estimated 40,000 students and teaching academia, including 10,000 foreign students whom Singapore expects to attract. This study enclave comprises the new city campuses of Singapore Management University, LaSalle-SIA College of Arts, other private educational institutions in the Selegie and Bras Basah areas as well as the newly opened National Library.

For more information on Central please call 6535 5803.