Exciting Developments Ahead for Singapore's HarbourFront

Get ready for a major transformation! The HarbourFront Passenger Terminal is set to relocate to a brand-new interim facility by the second half of 2026, as confirmed by the Singapore Cruise Centre on September 9.

This move marks a crucial step towards redeveloping the iconic HarbourFront Centre, a hub for cruise and ferry operations since 1992. The redevelopment is in the capable hands of Mapletree Investments, a major player in Singapore's real estate scene.

Construction in Full Swing!

According to Jacqueline Tan, CEO of the Singapore Cruise Centre, the new interim terminal will be situated right next to the existing one and is already under construction. Work began in 2024, and it's expected to be completed by December 2025, just in time for ferry and cruise services to kick off.

A New Vision for HarbourFront Centre

Mapletree, fully owned by Temasek, has ambitious plans for the redevelopment. The new HarbourFront Centre will increase floor space significantly, boasting about 101,326 sq m for office usage and 42,000 sq m for retail. Recent approvals from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) also allow the interim terminal to operate until September 11, 2033.

What Does This Mean for Ferry Operations?

Ferry operators are gearing up for the transition, though specific timelines for moving operations to the interim terminal are still unclear. Chua Choon Leng, general manager of BatamFast, highlighted the need for minor refurbishments before ferry services can commence.

The Future Looks Bright!

Plans are also underway for Singapore to consolidate its cruise terminals, with a new promenade being established as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront initiative. The Marina Bay Cruise Centre, also undergoing significant upgrades, will elevate its capacity from 6,800 to an impressive 11,700 passengers by late 2025.

Despite these exciting changes, Ms. Tan from the Singapore Cruise Centre mentioned that the consolidation of cruise infrastructure is still in the research phase.

A Historic Transformation

Originally opened as the World Trade Centre in 1978, HarbourFront Centre has undergone several renovations, rebranding itself and evolving alongside Singapore's dynamic growth. Now, with Mapletree Investments at the helm, the future of HarbourFront is looking more promising than ever!

Stay tuned for further updates as Singapore continues to enhance its maritime facilities, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone!