Work starts on Project Jewel, expansion of Changi's Terminal 1

WORK has commenced on Changi Airport's Project Jewel, as well as the expansion of Terminal 1 as part of plans to cement Changi's status as a leading regional hub.

The finalised project is to cost S$1.7 billion, up from an earlier estimate of S$1.47 billion.

Project Jewel - which will link the other terminals - will boast 22,000 square metres of gardens, spread out over five levels while the centrepiece of Jewel will be a 40-metre high waterfall. Aside from some 300 retail stores, Project Jewel will also house a 130-room hotel by Yotel and facilities such as dedicated services for fly-cruise and fly-coach passengers as well as early check-in facilities.

Meanwhile, with the re-development of the 3.5 hectare open-air car park fronting T1, the terminal's handling capacity will go up to 24 million passengers annually.

"Apart from increasing the capacity of Changi Airport to meet growing demand, and keeping Changi cost effective for airlines and passengers, we must also differentiate Changi from other airports by ensuring the highest, impeccable standards of service, and making it an attractive destination," said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday afternoon.

A joint venture between Changi Airport Group and CapitaMalls Asia, Project Jewel will be ready in 2018.

The project was designed by a team helmed by famed architect Moshe Safdie, who also worked on the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.