WHEN you're 160 years old, sometimes just one facelift isn't enough. That's why Chijmes - the former convent girls' school turned lifestyle destination on Victoria Street - announced plans to undergo a S$45-million renovation in June last year, and now things are finally starting to fall into place. While there's still some way to go, a fresh look and new restaurants form added incentives for visitors to rediscover this heritage complex.

The first thing you'll notice is how much more visible Chijmes is from the streets, thanks to a lowering of the cloister walls along Victoria Street. New entrances on Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road allow easy access to the building. The old cobblestone flooring in the driveway has been replaced with pedestrian-friendly black granite pavers that match the old world setting. There is also a new sheltered drop-off area and to beat the heat, sheltered walkways, jet fans and coolers help to raise the comfort level.

Complementing the new look is a revamp of its dining options. The new "Asian Street" features Japanese eateries such as Ikkousha Ramen; Shirokiya's Bishoku-nabe, a nourishing collagen hotpot joint; and On Yasai, a popular Japanese shabu shabu franchise. Tonkatsu fans should pop by Tonkatsu & Sake Bar Tonzaemon by Ma Maison for breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets, using rosu (loin) and hire (fillet) that are specially aged and marinated. Two pre-renovation tenants on the steet have returned, also with spruced up concepts. Gyu-Kaku Prime has become more upmarket with a selection of premium meats while Tatsu now serves sushi by day and teppanyaki by night.