One-north is Singapore’s answer to a global education and talent development hub. This work-live-play community is attracting big names in research and science to set up operations in the area, including P&G and Grab. But that’s not all the one-north neighbourhood has to offer.
Heritage is part of the charm in one-north, too. Colonial bungalows built for the British military and their families dot one-north, while others have been restored or adapted into new uses. These have helped save old buildings from being demolished and make the place feel more quaint and charming.
It’s a perfect mix of old and new, with some heritage structures still standing and some being transformed into modern offices or retail spaces. For example, Unilever’s leadership development facility is a gorgeous complex built around 10 conserved black-and-white colonial bungalows.
These have been turned into homes for employees, as well as offices and studios for companies that need creative space. Another example is Mediacorp, Singapore’s national public broadcaster.
The area is also home to a number of universities, institutes of higher learning and research institutions. This is a good thing for students, who can get their hands on top-notch education without having to leave one-north.
INSEAD (right) is a leading French business school, which opened its Singapore campus here in 2009. Its success has led to many other global brands and universities choosing one-north as the location for their headquarters and R&D.
Other big names in the tech world have a presence at one-north, too. Among them is Lucasfilm, an integrated media entertainment company that produces popular movies and shows such as Star Wars and Westworld. The company’s $250 million Singapore Innovation Center is housed in one-north as a reminder of its commitment to the area.
With a large percentage of the population working in science, technology and infocomm industries, one-north has become a hub for collaborations between businesses, tertiary institutions and the government. This is a testament to Singapore’s push for a knowledge-based economy.
This work-live-play environment also encourages community building. Its seven precincts – Biopolis, Fusionopolis, Mediapolis, Vista Exchange, one-north Park, one-north Gateway and Wessex Village Square – are designed to facilitate collaborations and the exchange of ideas across industries and research institutes.
The first of these developments, Fusionopolis, was designed by JTC Corporation and opened in 2008. It houses a number of public agencies and private companies who foster collaborations across industries, research institutes and businesses.
It also hosts a number of restaurants and cafes. These include Jimmy Monkey, a coffee joint that is often frequented by office workers, and Hoopla and Revolution Coffee, both of which are located in Media Circle.
For those who want to live in a modern home, there are several condos and apartment buildings available. These are all within walking distance of the MRT station and other amenities.
There are also several five-star hotels in the area, such as a Marriott Hotel and the Sheraton Hotel. There is also plenty of public and private residential housing in the surrounding estates. the hill one north condo