Golden Mile Complex Redevelopment Update & Aurea Review

Completed in 1973, the Golden Mile Complex stands as one of Singapore’s most architecturally significant buildings, thanks to the ingenuity of the pioneer generation of architects, including Tay Kheng Soon and Gan Eng Oon.

The building was gazetted for conservation in October 2021, recognizing its unique contribution to Singapore’s urban development history.

Being the first large-scale strata-titled building to be conserved, Golden Mile Complex showcases a unique blend of commercial, residential, and social spaces.

Its terraced façade and vibrant community have made it an iconic part of Singapore’s cityscape.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the joint developers have emphasized that this redevelopment aims to preserve the building’s architectural character while making it commercially viable in the modern real estate landscape.

The redevelopment of Golden Mile Complex is being led by GMC Property, a joint venture of Perennial Holdings, Far East Organization, and Sino Land, which purchased the complex in May 2022 for $700 million.

The collective sale included unique incentives to ensure the commercial viability of reusing the site.

The redevelopment, now named ‘The Golden Mile,’ includes adding four new office floors and constructing a new 45-storey residential tower named Aurea.

According to URA, redevelopment proposals for conserved buildings are evaluated to ensure that future developments are sensitively designed, integrated with the conserved structures, and optimized for land use.

The Golden Mile and Aurea will feature a combined gross floor area of 79,577.17 sq m, of which 20,457.77 sq m comes from bonus schemes, including 16,269.48 sq m offered as part of the conservation incentives.

Of the total area, 52,062.98 sq m is allocated for commercial purposes, primarily offices (70%), with the remainder for retail and medical units.

An additional 25,191.96 sq m will be residential, while 2,322.23 sq m will be for an architectural centre.

The developers were granted permission in late August by URA to make these significant additions, which include four new office floors and the 188-unit Aurea condominium tower, connected to the conserved building via a link bridge.

The project benefits from various conservation incentives, including a lease renewal for 99 years, bonus gross floor area (GFA), and partial development charge waivers—all aimed at making the revitalization commercially viable.

Aurea, the new residential tower being developed alongside Golden Mile Complex, represents modern luxury integrated with historical heritage.

The 45-storey building will feature 188 residential units, bringing contemporary urban living to the doorstep of one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.

Aurea’s design aims to strike a balance between modern architectural elegance and the historical essence of Golden Mile.

With amenities tailored to cater to the needs of urban dwellers, this new residential tower is set to offer a high-quality living experience.

Aurea’s location, with easy access to the rejuvenated Golden Mile Complex, offers a mix of lifestyle amenities that are ideal for homebuyers and investors looking for a unique space that combines heritage with contemporary convenience.

While the redevelopment of Golden Mile Complex has been largely celebrated, it has not been without criticism.

One of the original architects, Tay Kheng Soon, has expressed concerns over the scale of the new 45-storey tower, suggesting that its height could overshadow the conserved building.

He argues that a lower and broader structure would be more in line with the proportions of the original complex.

On the other hand, many experts believe that the redevelopment offers a successful balance between preserving heritage and enabling modern growth.

Architect Melvin Tan from Laud Architects mentioned that adding “just enough” to modernize the complex while keeping its heritage appeal is a delicate balance.

The goal is to ensure that The Golden Mile remains relevant to current and future generations, without sacrificing its unique identity.

The redevelopment of Golden Mile Complex and the addition of Aurea mark a significant step toward the revitalization of the Beach Road area.

The new developments are expected to boost both commercial and residential prospects, potentially increasing property values in the surrounding neighborhood.

The developers’ plan to add office, retail, and residential spaces aims to create a vibrant community hub that will attract businesses, residents, and tourists alike.

With Aurea’s unique positioning and seamless integration into the conserved Golden Mile Complex, the project is expected to generate strong demand from both property investors and homebuyers looking for something special.

Moreover, the inclusion of office and retail spaces will drive foot traffic and foster a vibrant atmosphere that benefits the entire area.

The redevelopment of Golden Mile Complex is more than just a conservation effort—it is a statement about blending the old and the new in Singapore’s dynamic urban environment.

With Aurea’s 45-storey tower set to redefine luxury living while preserving the heritage of Golden Mile, the project has generated renewed interest among investors and prospective homeowners.

Golden Mile Complex’s location, amenities, and the historical significance of the site make it a prime investment opportunity.

The conservation incentives and thoughtful redevelopment strategies have paved the way for significant capital appreciation, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a property that offers both heritage and future growth potential.