Total Transformation
Expat Living Singapore|November 2023
Great World Serviced Apartments in River Valley recently undertook a complete refurbishment of its 304 apartments. We take a glimpse at this monumental task and find out what residents think of the new look.
AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE
Total Transformation

Whether you’re staying a couple of weeks or two years, serviced apartments act like a home away from home for residents. Great World Serviced Apartments (GWSA) has been doing this job since the late 1990s, and with its last minor refurbishment in 2013, the property was definitely due a makeover.

But how do you renovate a property of this size without major disruption to the residents? DARREN CHER, senior general manager at GWSA, explains that the renovation was carried out in phases, hence the buffer floors between occupied units and those under refurbishment were arranged to minimise noise disruption.

The West Tower was the first section that was earmarked for renovations, starting with 28 units over six floors in September 2019. The next phases involved the common areas: the main reception area, gym, children’s playroom and swimming pool. Darren explains that the outdoor jacuzzi was moved to level three, with the main swimming pool. “In its place now is an outdoor alfresco area where residents can chill or work next to a beautiful manmade waterfall landscape.”

Another change saw the residents’ lounge overhauled to incorporate co-working spaces and booths, as well as a meeting room for private discussions, to cater to the increasing work-from-home trend.

Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Expat Living Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Expat Living Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORESe alt
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than "hello" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024