Rochester Commons Development Singapore, Southeast Asia property, Catapult executive learning centre building design

Rochester Commons Singapore

post updated 25 March 2024

Design consultant: Gensler ; Project architect: DCA Architects Pte Ltd

Location: one-north, Singapore

9 Sep 2020

Rochester Commons Singapore Buildings

Singapore, 9 September 2020 – Targeted for completion in 4Q 2021, Rochester Commons in Singapore’s one-north is set to become a first-of-its-kind integrated campus-style development set on 2.4 hectares of lushly landscaped grounds. In addition to a Grade A office tower, hotel and 12 black-and-white heritage bungalows, Rochester Commons will feature Catapult, Southeast Asia’s first shared executive learning centre designed to deliver training programmes in an experiential and immersive way using the latest learning technologies.

Targeted for completion in 4Q 2021, Rochester Commons in Singapore’s one-north is set to become a first-of-its-kind integrated campus-style development, built in line with the Singapore government’s vision for a world-class learning ecosystem in one-north:

image : CapitaLand

Built in line with the Singapore government’s vision for a world-class learning ecosystem in one-north, the approximately 400,000 square feet (sq ft) integrated development is developed and managed by CapitaLand. The hotel component will be operated by CapitaLand’s lodging arm The Ascott Limited under the Citadines Connect brand.

Designed by Gensler, Rochester Commons will include a 17-storey Grade A office tower with over 200,000 sq ft of core and flex working spaces. Corporates can choose from column-free large floor plates spanning 22,500 sq ft per floor or in one of the seven heritage bungalows that have been conserved and converted into unique workspaces.

Mr Tan Yew Chin, CEO, CapitaLand Singapore, said: “Located in Singapore’s renowned research and knowledge hub one-north, where CapitaLand already has a strong presence, Rochester Commons further strengthens and diversifies the Group’s offerings to support the hub-and-spoke and core-and-flex workspace needs of companies in the COVID-19 new normal. As a unique campus-style integrated development, Rochester Commons will further complement CapitaLand’s real estate ecosystem and increase our competitive advantage.”

“As companies and individuals adapt to the post COVID-19 environment, executive education and reskilling will be increasingly important. Catapult at Rochester Commons is well-positioned to cater to this demand with programmes that focus on leadership development and grooming of talent for regional and senior roles. More than just a standalone learning facility, Catapult is designed to facilitate cross-learning and networking in a state-of-the-art campus. Catapult will also feature an online platform where learners and knowledge providers can learn, co-create and innovate for the future economy.”

Rochester Commons will include a 17-storey Grade A office tower with over 200,000 sq ft of core and flex working spaces. Corporates can choose from column-free large floor plates spanning 22,500 sq ft per floor or in one of the seven heritage bungalows that have been conserved and converted into unique workspaces:

image : CapitaLand

Catapult

Catapult is a purpose-built executive learning centre open to the broader learning community. It aims to create the ideal learning space, and curate impactful curriculum to groom executives for leadership agility and with future-ready skills relevant in a regional and global context.

The curriculum focuses on three main pillars: Leadership, Innovation and Human Energy for Peak Performance, all delivered in partnership with an extensive network of best in class knowledge providers and through immersive learning experiences. Knowledge partners at Catapult come from multiple disciplines and industries who bring with them enriching and useful leadership skills, and the workshops conducted will leverage Catapult’s technology capability to deliver more interactive, engaging and stimulating content.

Catapult will feature technologies such as virtual and augmented reality as well as neuroscience principles adopting immersive learning approaches, some of which are already on trial at Catapult’s showroom at the Bridge+ coworking space in Ascent building at Singapore Science Park 1. The centerpiece is a 180-degree immersive screen which facilitates shared virtual reality viewing experience during workshops as well as expanded virtual conferencing capabilities. The panoramic screen brings to life 3D visuals such as spatial layouts and allows easy viewing of content on screen.

Film on YouTube

Prior to its launch at Rochester Commons next year, Catapult has already been hosting learning programme pilots since early 2019. These pilots are curated by Catapult and jointly conducted with knowledge partners, offering potential corporate clients a preview of the courses which will be available. In light of COVID-19, Catapult has successfully conducted these pilot programmes virtually since April 2020.

Seamless tech-enabled experience

Designed for the community to enjoy secure and seamless access, Rochester Commons will feature a single digital identity access that allows executives to easily move through the entire integrated development via facial recognition, QR code scanning or access cards. A mobile app will be available for tenants and visitors to book amenities and access building services. Rochester Commons will also deploy a cloud-based intelligent building platform that allows the property manager to draw insights using energy and space usage data to optimise building functions for occupiers’ comfort.

The 135-unit Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore will similarly offer tech-enabled features such as mobile keys, self check-in kiosks and content streaming-enabled televisions. Entirely digital-enabled, guests will be able to book, check-in, request for services, check loyalty points, check out, make payment and provide feedback via an app.

Catering to both short and long stays, Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore is ideal for leisure and business travellers. The hotel will have a swimming pool as well as a 24-hour gymnasium. Service robots will perform tasks such as concierge services, delivering clean laundry and refilling room supplies. Guests can also recharge at the ‘Re-Space’ – a lounge area fitted with USB charging points, lockers and shower rooms for guests to rest and relax.

Green spaces and amenities

The integrated development will be connected via an approximately 1,200 ft green trail, interspersed with a sky garden, viewing decks, event spaces and meeting pods for the community to enjoy the outdoors. With its eco-friendly features, Rochester Commons has clinched the Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s highest accolade, the Green Mark Platinum award.

The F&B establishments at five of the heritage bungalows will feature exciting dining options and new-to-market concepts to further boost the vibrancy of the area. Rochester Commons will also have outdoor social spaces including a multi-purpose outdoor court named ’Common Ground’, where executives can take part in curated community events.

Strategic location and excellent connectivity

Rochester Commons is located between Singapore’s two major business hubs – the Central Business District and International Business Park at Jurong Lake District, the latter set to become the largest commercial and regional centre outside the city centre. Situated within one-north, Singapore’s research and knowledge hub, the integrated development is colocated with international businesses and research facilities. Rochester Commons is a short walk from Buona Vista MRT station which serves the East-West and Circle lines. The integrated development also has ample bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities.

Rochester Commons will boost CapitaLand’s presence in the one-north precinct, where it already manages Galaxis, an office building with a retail podium. Through its lodging arm, The Ascott Limited, CapitaLand also manages Citadines Fusionopolis Singapore and the upcoming lyf one-north Singapore. Within the Greater one-north region, CapitaLand Group operates Singapore Science Park 1 and Singapore Science Park 2.

Rochester Commons Singapore – Building Information

Location: 1 Rochester Park, Singapore 139212

Description: An integrated development comprising a 17-storey Grade Aoffice tower and 12 black-and-white heritage bungalows.

17-storey tower:
– a shared executive learning centre (part L2 and L3 of tower)
– 135-unit business hotel (part L2, L4 to L7)
– office space (L8 to L17)
12 heritage bungalows:
– seven bungalows for offices
– five bungalows for F&B or retail

Gross floor area:
Office 260,000 sq ft
Shared executive learning centre 54,000 sq ft
Hotel 60,000 sq ft
F&B / Retail 22,000 sq ft
Total 396,000 sq ft

Estimated completion: date 4Q 2021
Design consultant: Gensler
Project architect: DCA Architects Pte Ltd
No. of car park spaces: About 144 lots (for the entire development)

Rochester Commons Singapore images / information received 090920

Offices

Location: one-north, Singapore