Targeted for completion in 4Q 2021, Rochester Commons in Singapore’s one-north is set to become a first-of-its-kind integrated campus-style development set on 2.4 hectares of lushly landscaped grounds. In addition to a Grade A office tower, hotel and 12 black-and-white heritage bungalows, Rochester Commons will feature Catapult, Southeast Asia’s first shared executive learning centre designed to deliver training programmes in an experiential and immersive way using the latest learning technologies. Built in line with the Singapore government’s vision for a world-class learning ecosystem in one-north, the approximately 400,000 sq ft integrated development is developed and managed by CapitaLand. The hotel component will be operated by CapitaLand’s lodging arm The Ascott Limited under the Citadines Connect brand.

Designed by Gensler, Rochester Commons will include a 17-storey Grade A office tower with over 200,000 sq ft of core and flex working spaces. Corporates can choose from column-free large floor plates spanning 22,500 sq ft per floor or in one of the seven heritage bungalows that have been conserved and converted into unique workspaces.

Catapult is a purpose-built executive learning centre open to the broader learning community. It aims to create the ideal learning space, and curate impactful curriculum to groom executives for leadership agility and with future-ready skills relevant in a regional and global context. The curriculum focuses on three main pillars: Leadership, Innovation and Human Energy for Peak Performance, all delivered in partnership with an extensive network of best in class knowledge providers and through immersive learning experiences. Knowledge partners at Catapult come from multiple disciplines and industries who bring with them enriching and useful leadership skills, and the workshops conducted will leverage Catapult’s technology capability to deliver more interactive, engaging and stimulating content.

Catapult will feature technologies such as virtual and augmented reality as well as neuroscience principles adopting immersive learning approaches, some of which are already on trial at Catapult’s showroom at the Bridge+ coworking space in Ascent building at Singapore Science Park 1. The centerpiece is a 180-degree immersive screen which facilitates shared virtual reality viewing experience during workshops as well as expanded virtual conferencing capabilities. The panoramic screen brings to life 3D visuals such as spatial layouts and allows easy viewing of content on screen.

Prior to its launch at Rochester Commons next year, Catapult has already been hosting learning programme pilots since early 2019. These pilots are curated by Catapult and jointly conducted with knowledge partners, offering potential corporate clients a preview of the courses which will be available. In light of Covid-9, Catapult has successfully conducted these pilot programmes virtually since April 2020.

Designed for the community to enjoy secure and seamless access, Rochester Commons will feature a single digital identity access that allows executives to easily move through the entire integrated development via facial recognition, QR code scanning or access cards. A mobile app will be available for tenants and visitors to book amenities and access building services. Rochester Commons will also deploy a cloud-based intelligent building platform that allows the property manager to draw insights using energy and space usage data to optimise building functions for occupiers’ comfort.

The 135-unit Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore will similarly offer tech-enabled features such as mobile keys, self check-in kiosks and content streaming-enabled televisions. Entirely digital-enabled, guests will be able to book, check-in, request for services, check loyalty points, checkout, make payment and provide feedback via an app. Catering to both short and long stays, Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore is ideal for leisure and business travellers. The hotel will have a swimming pool as well as a 24-hour gymnasium. Service robots will perform tasks such as concierge services, delivering clean laundry and refilling room supplies. Guests can also recharge at the ‘Re-Space’ – a lounge area fitted with USB charging points, lockers and shower rooms for guests to rest and relax.

The integrated development will be connected via an approximately 1,200 ft green trail, interspersed with a sky garden, viewing decks, event spaces and meeting pods for the community to enjoy the outdoors. With its eco-friendly features, Rochester Commons has clinched the Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s highest accolade, the Green Mark Platinum award.

The F&B establishments at five of the heritage bungalows will feature exciting dining options and new-to-market concepts to further boost the vibrancy of the area. RochesterCommons will also have outdoor social spaces including a multi-purpose outdoor court named ’Common Ground’, where executives can take part in curated community events.

Rochester Commons is located between Singapore’s two major business hubs—the Central Business District and International Business Park at Jurong Lake District, the latter set to become the largest commercial and regional centre outside the city centre. Situated within one-north, Singapore’s research and knowledge hub, the integrated development is co-located with international businesses and research facilities. Rochester Commons is a short walk from Buona Vista MRT station which serves the East-West and Circle lines. The integrated development also has ample bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities.

Rochester Commons will boost CapitaLand’s presence in the one-north precinct, where it already manages Galaxis, an office building with a retail podium. Through its lodging arm, The Ascott Limited, CapitaLand also manages Citadines Fusionopolis Singapore and the upcoming lyf one-north Singapore. Within the Greater one-north region, CapitaLand Group operates Singapore Science Park 1 and Singapore Science Park 2.