Works Begin for S$33 million Pit Building For
Formula 1 Singapore Grand PrixWorks on the Pit Building for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix officially started today with a ceremony to break ground at the site off Raffles Boulevard.
In a simple ceremony, the eventÂ’s Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, together with Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board Lim Neo Chian and Mr Ong Beng Seng, dug into the site to mark the start of works to construct the three-storey high building.
Calling today’s event “an important milestone” in the development of an landmark tourism project, Minister Lim said the F1 race is already attracting “an air of anticipation and excitement”. It will complement the other tourism projects that are also taking off, namely the Singapore Flyer next year and the two mega Integrated Resorts at Marina Bay and Sentosa that will open in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
“The two IRs and the F1 race will help to position Singapore as a global city with buzz and vibrancy, brimming with diverse entertainment and lifestyle options,” he said, adding that even as Singapore’s tourism sector is riding a new high with monthly visitor arrivals hitting record levels, the challenge is to keep the momentum going. “We need to continue to look out for new ideas and develop exciting projects that will strengthen our destination appeal to an increasingly sophisticated global traveller. Our product offerings must be refreshed continually and new options rolled out in order that we remain a choice destination.”
Measuring some 350 metres, the Pit Building is a key piece of infrastructure for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, which will debut on 28 September 2008. Located along the waterfront, it will house key race infrastructure. Taking up most of the ground floor is space for 36 garages for the 12 teams. The second floor houses the Media Centre, hospitality lounges, the race control centre and the winnersÂ’ podium while the third floor features a modern and aerodynamic structure housing more hospitality facilities and a roof terrace offering more viewing opportunities of the race.
Getting the Pit Building off the drawing board was one of the first tasks for the race promoter, Singapore GP Pte Ltd, and the F1 inter-government agency working committee, chaired by STB’s Mr Lim. In his remarks this morning, Mr Lim gave an update on the project to date. Next month, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), which is the international governing body for motorsports, is expected to finalise the race route, which will flag off road works to be carried out by the Land Transport Authority, he said, adding that the FIA will also be conducting lighting trials and safety checks before deciding whether Singapore will proceed with a night or day race.
Covering a gross floor area (GFA) of approximately 18,000 square metres, the Pit Building is designed by Architects 61 Pte Ltd, which was also behind other significant buildings in Singapore such as UOB Plaza, The Heeren, The Concourse and Singapore Exchange Centre. Singapore GP is appointed the project developer and will work with the main contractor, local firm Jurong Primewide Pte Ltd, to ensure that construction meets the stringent requirements of Formula One Management and the FIA.
Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP, said, “The Pit Building is at the very heart of Singapore’s F1 action. It not only technically supports all race-related activities but it is also home to the exclusive Paddock Club. We’re very happy to be given the opportunity to be involved in the design and construction of the pit building. It's going to be very exciting seeing it take shape.”
With its low profile and environmentally sustainable design that meets the Building and Construction AuthorityÂ’s Green Mark standard, the Pit Building will blend in well with its surroundings. The extensive use of glass in the building facade will provide guests in the exclusive Paddock Club a panoramic view of the trackÂ’s starting straight as well as the exciting pit lane action taking place just a few metres below.
The building is scheduled to be completed in nine months, by the end of May 2008.