Singtel and Lendlease have officially commenced construction on the redevelopment of Singtel’s Comcentre, a landmark project that is poised to become Singapore’s first AI-enabled, 5G+ connected building. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the $3 billion development will feature more than 110,000 square metres of gross floor area distributed across two 20-storey Grade A office towers.
In addition to state-of-the-art workspaces, the Comcentre will offer 20,000 square metres of retail and lifestyle amenities, including Singtel’s new flagship store, food and beverage outlets, medical suites, a gym, and an auditorium. It will also house the largest elevated urban park in central Singapore.
The redevelopment is set to be a pioneering example of digital infrastructure. Powered by Singtel’s dedicated 5G+ connectivity through network slicing technology, the building will support seamless integration of artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, and building systems. These capabilities are designed to enable predictive operations, resource optimisation, and enhanced security for tenants.
Smart infrastructure throughout the building will adapt dynamically to environmental conditions, while digitally-enabled spaces will support the evolving needs of work and retail. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon stated that the new Comcentre represents a showcase for how “advanced connectivity, data and intelligent systems can transform the way people work, live and engage with their environment.”
Carbon-Neutral Development and Triple Sustainability Certifications
The Comcentre is designed to be carbon-neutral across its lifecycle—from planning and construction to full operational capability—leveraging cutting-edge digital and smart building technologies. Once completed, it is expected to be the first development in Singapore and Asia to achieve a ‘Triple Certification.’
Targets include the International Living Future Institute’s Zero Carbon certification, the WELL v2 Core Platinum Certification from the International WELL Building Institute, and the distinction of being Singapore’s first Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy) high-rise commercial building, under the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) sustainability framework. The project will meet all five of BCA’s sustainability badges.
The building is projected to deliver 70% energy savings compared to the Green Mark 2005 baseline. This translates to a reduction of approximately 12 million kWh annually—enough to power over 3,750 three-room HDB flats. Lendlease Group CEO and Managing Director Tony Lombardo described the Comcentre as “a world-class asset” that “sets a new benchmark for sustainable and connected living in Singapore and beyond.”
Sustainability efforts include the installation of 1,000 kWp of on-site renewable energy through rooftop and building-integrated photovoltaic panels. A high-efficiency dual-temperature chiller plant will be supported by a hybrid cooling system that incorporates Active Chilled Beam and Variable Air Volume technology, enhancing energy efficiency.
Additional features will comprise a low heat gain façade with high-performing glazing, smart lighting systems equipped with daylight and occupancy sensors, and high-efficiency lifts with regenerative drive technology. The building will also support electric vehicle (EV) adoption with infrastructure enabling up to 30% of parking lots to accommodate EV charging.
Water conservation is another key focus. The development aims to reduce potable water usage by 69%—equivalent to 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools—through initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, NEWater for flushing, and intelligent water monitoring systems.
Innovative Construction and Collaborative Contracting Model
The project will deploy a digital-first construction approach, utilising 19 Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) use cases. These include digital design verification, virtual coordination, real-time asset monitoring, and digital operations to enhance precision, reduce rework, and drive construction efficiencies.
Advanced building methods are expected to reduce on-site labour by up to 30% and shorten delivery timelines by as much as 20%, according to a joint statement by Singtel and Lendlease.
Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, who attended the ceremony, noted that the Comcentre also serves as a forerunner in construction contracting. The project employs an open-book payment model with gain-share and a Guaranteed Maximum Price, a significant departure from conventional lump sum contracting.
This approach, rarely seen in Singapore’s private sector, incentivises collaboration and continuous innovation by allowing cost savings to be shared between developer and builder. Minister Chee described the Comcentre as “a model of how sustainability, technology and collaboration can come together to redefine and transform our built environment for future generations.”
As of 12pm, shares in Singtel were trading six cents higher, or 1.54% up, at $3.96.
-The Edge
