800 Beach Road

Former Golden Mile Complex

The History

Golden Mile Complex (GMC) was one of the earliest government land sale sites. The plot was on the newly reclaimed land off Beach Road and coined as the “Golden Mile”. Completed in 1973, GMC was one of the first large mixed-use developments which integrated commercial, recreational and residential uses in a single building.

The 16-storey* block is a symbol of the architectural and engineering ingenuity of Singapore’s pioneer generation of building professionals. It encapsulates a bold vision for a vibrant, inclusive and high-rise living during Singapore’s nation building days. The design was the brainchild of homegrown firm Design Partnership. The project team comprised Gan Eng Oon, William Lim Siew Wai and Tay Kheng Soon as principal architects, with Koh Seow Chuan and Chan Sui Him also at its core. Other crucial contributors were the engineer Joseph Huang Wei Liang from Ove Arup & Partners who designed the innovative structure, and the contractor Woh Hup (Private) Limited which took the design from blueprints to reality.

The Architecture

With its highly visible sloping façade along Nicoll Highway, it is known to many as ‘the typewriter building’.

The building represents the realisation of the architects’ idea to build a seamlessly connected city beyond the GMC’s boundary - with multi-level pedestrian connections and public transportation network. This concept remains relevant and has been realised in different ways over the past 50 years.

Viewed from the street, the building consists of a series of expressive structures which give it a distinctive form. Its terraced floor slabs, slanting beams, towering columns and staggered ‘floating’ staircases were impressive design, engineering and construction achievements. The interior also has multiple atriums across different levels to bring natural light and ventilation into the heart of the building.

The Legacy

GMC will continue to be an iconic landmark and symbol of Singaporeans’ collective memories and the “can-do spirit” of our pioneer generation during the post-independence years. With the conservation of GMC, we celebrate a significant building from our more recent past, as we continue to shape a city that is distinctive and endearing to all Singaporeans.

Footnote:

* As the building designed with penthouses, the upper floor of the penthouses occupies an additional floor above the 16th storey."

Guidelines and Procedures

All proposed works will need to comply with the Conservation Guidelines and the Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG). Conservation Permission is required before all additions & alteration works and operations of new use can begin.

Residential Fronts are characterised by timber casement windows flanking a double-leafed timber door. All buildings with residential front which is existing and/or identified in the 'Specific Restoration Guidelines', regardless of land use zoning, shall be retained and restored.

• Any proposed additions and alterations to this conserved building are subject to evaluation. Please submit your proposal for URA's review.

• Apply for Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG)

• Submission Process for Works

Explore Street View

The building can be found at this street.

Resources