Remember when Funan’s tagline was “The IT Mall?” Well, we do (and Google search does too), and we’re glad it’s no longer the case as it gets ready for a grand reopening in 2019 after years of redevelopment works. They’ve just released more info on what we can expect when it opens, and we’re pretty stoked to see how it’ll unfold.
The most promising thing has got to be the 24/7 shopping and collection of items on-site via drive-through or by hand from locker boxes—perfect for those who can only shop or grab their loot after the mall closes. This is made possible thanks to the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic arms integrated with warehousing facilities within the mall, a first in Singapore.
While super high-tech, the mall will be big on the local crafts and theater scene too. There will be pods and studios for conducting workshops, exhibitions and social events, as well as dedicated areas for short-term leases and pop-up stores. And we all already know about W!LD RICE’s very own 380-seater live performance theatre, a place that founding artistic director Ivan Heng hopes will become the most inclusive and accessible theater in Singapore. Kudos to that.
On the rooftop of Funan will be the largest urban farm in the CBD and a massive edible garden that’s dedicated to sustainability. Have a stroll there and relax while reconnecting with nature, or even take part in a game of futsal at the hard court. Speaking of sports, the mall will also feature climbing walls, cycling tracks, a gym and a swimming pool, so you can work out a sweat before heading to one of the cafes or restaurants there.
Sounds like somewhere you wanna be? There’ll be floors of co-working and more traditional office spaces available too, so you can easily integrate all that with your work schedule if you want to. Funan is set to reopen in the third quarter of next year.
