Orchard Central Upper Floors to Be Converted into Offices by November

Major retail landlord Far East Organization has confirmed that multiple tenants at Orchard Central must vacate their units by Nov 30 to make way for a comprehensive asset enhancement initiative, according to letters sent to businesses and verified by The Straits Times. The renovation works, scheduled to begin Dec 1, will affect levels five through eight, as well as levels 11 and 12, forcing a wave of closures, relocations, and lease terminations across the 12-storey Somerset mall.

Orchard Central Landlord Issues Mandatory Eviction Notices for November

Tenant notifications began arriving June 1, catching many business owners off-guard following months of delayed lease inquiries. According to tenants who spoke with The Straits Times, the landlord’s asset enhancement initiative requires occupants to clear their spaces by the end of November, regardless of their original lease end dates. Benny Chong, who has operated Sublime Hairdressing on the fifth floor for 17 years, noted that businesses with two or three years remaining on their contracts must still depart. Chong plans to take a break rather than relocate when his shop closes in November. Other businesses, such as Hom Yoga on the sixth floor, managed to secure short lease extensions through November but criticized the communication process. Clarissa Tan, co-owner of Hom Yoga, stated that the late notice complicates communication with members holding active packages and memberships, particularly given the financial risk of paying rent through November if customer retention drops.

Deloitte Secures Permanent Space as Corporate Offices Shift to Retail Hubs

Amid the upcoming retail closures, auditing and advisory firm Deloitte Singapore has secured a permanent space occupying several upper-level floors at Orchard Central, with a scheduled move-in year of 2027, according to reports by The Business Times and social media announcements by Deloitte. This corporate migration aligns with broader industry trends identified by commercial real estate experts. Sona Aggarwal, managing director and head of retail sales and strategy for Asia-Pacific at Cushman & Wakefield, observed that large office movements into retail malls reflect a global shift, though she emphasized the importance of maintaining street-level retail DNA. Similarly, Ashlynn Loo, director of land and concept development at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), noted that integrating office spaces generates a consistent baseline of weekday footfall that supports the broader lifestyle, dining, and retail ecosystem along Orchard Road.

Tenant Relocations and Restaurant Departures Underway

Affected businesses across the building are pursuing various strategies for continuity. Collectable toy shop Sugoi Collection, previously located on level six, negotiated alternative options with Far East Organization and signed a contract to rent a unit at Mandarin Gallery on 33A Orchard Rd, according to co-owner Shawn Xu. In the dining sector, TungLok Group chief executive Andrew Tjioe confirmed that leases for three restaurants have expired or are nearing expiration. The TungLok Seafood Restaurant on the 11th floor has already been vacated, while TungLok Peking Duck and Dancing Crab on the seventh floor continue operating while finalising new locations. Other tenants, including Nantsuttei Japanese restaurant, plan to relocate within Orchard Central, while venues like The Armoury Steaks and Craft Beer and Helen’s Bar are preparing moves to nearby properties such as Wheelock Place or winding down operations.

Far East Organization Outlines Vision for Retail and Lifestyle Revitalization

Far East Organization executive director of property services Marc Boey stated that the upcoming enhancements aim to capture the next phase of growth across the Orchard Road precinct by blending retail, lifestyle, dining, and workplaces. Subject to regulatory approval, the renovation plans feature fresh dining concepts, public art integration, and a new pedestrian link bridge connecting the mall directly to the revamped Istana Park. Boey emphasized that operations will be carefully managed to minimize disruption for remaining shoppers and tenants. Sona Aggarwal of Cushman & Wakefield and Ashlynn Loo of the Singapore Tourism Board both expressed support for diversified precinct uses, noting that a mix of office workers and lifestyle offerings enhances overall vibrancy and foot traffic.

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