Welcome address by Mr Tony Tan, Chief Executive Officer, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management, at the unveiling ceremony for the new CQ @ Clarke Quay

Ushering in a new era of CQ @ Clarke Quay: The beloved riverside lifestyle hotspot relaunches as a vibrant day-and-night destination

Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Ministry of Trade & Industry

Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

Good evening and a very warm welcome to CQ @ Clarke Quay. Thank you, MOS Low for gracing our event, and everyone for joining us today as we unveil our rejuvenated CQ.

CQ @ Clarke Quay, a new vibrant day-and-night destination to spur Singapore's tourism and economic growth

Clarke Quay has tremendous historical significance in the development of Singapore as a regional trading hub. In recent years, it has played a key role in enhancing Singapore's tourism. Once a trading hub lined with godowns and shophouses along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay has come a long way. Today, CQ is a premier riverfront lifestyle destination popular with both locals and tourists.

In tandem with the urban renewal of the Singapore River precinct and to incorporate more leisure amenities as well as residential and hospitality developments, we embarked on an exciting asset enhancement initiative (or AEI) in August 2022. The aim was to extend the appeal of CQ from a nightlife attraction to a more vibrant day-and-night destination.

Over 50% new concepts

Anchoring the revitalisation of the Singapore River precinct, CQ today has close to 60 dining, retail and lifestyle concepts, achieving an occupancy of 93%. We have refreshed our tenant mix by introducing more than 50% new concepts comprising international and homegrown brands. These concepts are spread across three zones - The Riverfront (Blocks A and D), The Warehouses (Block B), and The Circuit (Blocks C and E).

We have revitalised CQ with exciting day to night offerings. For example, FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay offers a wide range of products that are curated in collaboration with local partners. Its Grocer Food Hall, a food experience zone which some of you visited, offers "You Pick, We Cook" services as well as curated cocktails infused with local flavours that are exclusive to CQ. Another example is Swee Lee Clarke Quay which is next to FairPrice Finest. Swee Lee devoted approximately 60% of the repurposed warehouse unit to curate an experiential and community space. The store houses a bar and café, an artist lounge, vinyl listening stations, a creator corner with music editing set-ups and a large hall that doubles up as dining space and a performance venue.

Nightlife offerings continue to play a big role at CQ. Besides the renowned nightclub Zouk, visitors can also experience live performances at the new Simply Retro vinyl-based club and music and arcade bar Level Up.

To bring the community together, we have amplified our placemaking efforts. Visitors can look forward to a series of events and activations, including an immersive concept by CHANEL and the upcoming Singapore HeritageFest in May.

Pet-friendly retail and lifestyle destination

The revamped CQ is also a pet-friendly retail development with a suite of pet-friendly amenities. Besides pet hydration bays and designated pet parking zones, there is a wide selection of pet-friendly dining options along the riverside. So for pet lovers, this is the right place to come.

Blending modernity with heritage

A key focus of the AEI was to pay tribute to the heritage of Clarke Quay. We worked closely with conservation specialists to restore the various buildings and tell the hidden stories of Clarke Quay. This includes restoring seven warehouses, preserving their godown typology while adorning them in new colours. Created by local artists Yip Yew Chong and tobyato, the "Fire Fish" mural is inspired by Clarke Quay's heritage as a Teochew enclave. Seats at the Read Bridge also incorporated upcycled pieces from the last two Twa Kows, or historical cargo vessels, that were located at Clarke Quay.

Upgraded sustainability features

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we upgraded the existing Angel canopies to reduce heat gain by 70%. We also added omni-directional fans which further enhance air circulation and lower the environmental temperature, reducing energy consumption. With the improvements in energy efficiency, CQ's green rating was elevated to Green Mark Gold^Plus by the Building and Construction Authority.

Conclusion

The transformation of CQ is one of the most exciting AEIs to date. We are confident that the refreshed offerings and active placemaking will captivate the hearts of all visitors, locals and tourists alike. It will also inject new life into CQ as Singapore's iconic riverfront lifestyle destination, and enliven the Singapore River precinct.

On behalf of CICT and the CQ team, I would like to thank our retailers, unitholders, and partners, including government agencies such as the Singapore Tourism Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority, for joining us in this journey. A huge thank you to the CQ team which has been working tirelessly behind the scenes.

As consumer trends evolve, we will continue to enhance our offerings with fresh and captivating experiences, ensuring that CQ remains one of Singapore's most iconic riverfront destinations.

Once again, I would like to thank MOS Low and everyone present for joining our celebration today. Please enjoy the evening.

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