The ION Orchard retail component of Sun Hung Kai Properties' joint-venture Orchard Turn development in Singapore will open in July, boasting distinctive design and retail concept. Leasing has been good, with over 80% of the space already committed by companies including internationally-acclaimed retailers; many making their first foray into the Singapore market. The mall will be one of the top shopping centres in the world, offering a new shopping experience to local and overseas visitors.

ION Orchard is in the heart of the famed Orchard Road; a modern addition to Singapore's retail scene with an innovative design, construction, tenant mix and customer services. It has already achieved over 80% tenancy commitment, and will feature flagship stores and new concept stores for international brands like Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry and more, some of the stores are new-to-market brands.

Sun Hung Kai Real Estate Agency Executive Director and Director of Orchard Turn Developments Jimmy Wong was encouraged by the good leasing, saying: "SHKP is well known for premium property developments and we have an extensive portfolio of shopping centres in Hong Kong and on the mainland. The favourable response from noted local and international retailers to ION Orchard shows that SHKP has successfully introduced its retail development and operations experience in Singapore. We are confident that the shopping centre will boost Singapore's retail industry, stirring a new shopping trend in Orchard Road. The new brands, innovative marketing and world-class dining at ION Orchard promise the best for our customers."

Soon Su Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Orchard Turn Developments, said: "One of the highlights of ION Orchard is its unique tenant mix, with 60% international retailers and the rest concept stores of established or new brands. This is an interesting mix that will offer a wider choice for customers. We have been moving tenants in over the past few months to let them prepare for the official opening in July."

ION Orchard is a joint venture by SHKP and Singapore's CapitaLand. It is in the heart of Orchard Road just above a mass transit station. The eight-storey shopping centre will offer 950,000 square feet of gross floor area. Top luxury and premium brands will be on first to fourth floors, while levels B1 to B4 will offer popular fashion labels and lifestyle shops. Over 300 stores will sell the latest fashions and lifestyle products. Exciting regular shows and activities in the mall will add to the atmosphere.

ION Orchard will have an extensive food hall with a myriad of local and international cuisines. The large high-end supermarket Three Sixty from Hong Kong will also open its first Singapore branch at ION Orchard.

ION Orchard was designed by leading architects Benoy. Media architecture will wrap around its façade to showcase the mall's retail brands and serve as a fluid canvas for multimedia art and telecasts of events held within the complex, such as exhibitions and theme shows. It will also have the capability of screening international events. Other distinctive features will include wide shop fronts, spacious arcades and generous ceilings so that tenants can present their wares in inventive and visually captivating styles. Ample space will also allow for varied configurations such as duplex concept stores. ION Orchard will also feature the largest sheltered public square - ION2 - in Singapore. At 33,000 square feet, this outdoor space will be an ideal venue for large-scale events or gatherings, and a natural meeting point. ION Sky, a two-storey observation deck on the 55th and 56th floors, will open in late 2010 offering a panoramic view of the city from the highest point in the area.

ION Art, a 5,300-square-foot space on level four, will be dedicated to exclusive art and cultural events. There are plans to work with local and international arts communities to showcase performance, visual, multi-disciplinary, sound and literary art. There will also be fashion-inspired art shows and exhibitions by world renowned and new brands.

About the Orchard Turn development

The Orchard Turn development is a prime retail and luxury residential project at the gateway of Orchard Road in Singapore. Jointly owned and managed by CapitaLand and Sun Hung Kai Properties, the iconic development is situated above the Orchard Mass Rapid Transit station and will enjoy underground connectivity to nearby buildings. The completed Orchard Turn development will boast over one million square feet of retail space at ION Orchard and luxury Orchard Residences. With a 56-storey tower measuring 218 metres, the development will be the tallest building on Orchard Road with 175 luxury homes. ION Orchard won top honours in the business-to-business marketing category at the prestigious Asia Shopping Centre Awards presented by the International Council of Shopping Centres. RSP Architect Planners & Engineers and Benoy are responsible for the Orchard Turn architectural design.