Singapore River was the witness and conduit to the country’s rise from a fishing village to a sprawling metropolis. When Frasers Property Singapore had the opportunity to develop one of the rare sites by the Singapore River, we saw the potential of not only building an architectural masterpiece in a heritage rich precinct, but also to foster a thriving community by bridging its history with the community.

Fast forward to today, our award-winning luxury residential development, Rivière, and the Fraser Residence River Promenade serviced apartment form part of the integrated precinct that harmonises the conservation of the three iconic warehouses by the river and a specially curated heritage trail with modern style and luxury.

Managed by Frasers Hospitality, Fraser Residence River Promenade houses 72 meticulously designed units which are equipped with amenities offering the full comforts of home. The serviced apartment caters to savvy business and leisure travellers seeking a new riverfront living experience that encourages social interaction. 

Creating a modern connection between history and community

The three century-old warehouses at Jiak Kim Street stand testament to Singapore’s history as a critical maritime trading node in the 1900s, serving as buildings that received and stored goods from international traders before distributing it further down the supply chain. They were also home to the popular Zouk disco for 25 years and hosted top international DJs like Paul Oakenfold and Armin Van Buuren until 2016. 

Our design concept was harmonising the rich history of the precinct and Jiak Kim Street with our modern luxury developments – Fraser Residence River Promenade and Rivière – creating spaces that reflect the area’s industrial past with a contemporary twist. 

Mr Lee Choon Li, Head of Developments & Projects, Frasers Property Singapore, said: "We are excited to enhance the concept of city living along the Singapore River by creating a natural connection between river, residence and nature, as we aim to offer inspiring spaces for the surrounding community to live, work, and play. The completion of Rivière, Fraser Residence River Promenade and the refurbished warehouses marks a significant step in realising our vision to create spaces that are not just visually appealing but also emotionally engaging, fostering a deeper connection with the precinct's unique heritage."  

Built on reclaimed swampland next to the Singapore River, the warehouses sit on grounds with a high-water table. The moisture from the surrounding area meant that the warehouses required extensive restoration work such as paint removal, salt extraction, brick, and plaster repair, and creating a moisture barrier through injection.

Conservation efforts of the warehouses involved restoring original features such as removing the mezzanine floor constructed by Zouk in the 1990s to reclaim the building’s original high volume spatial interior. Ornamental elements like fluted pilasters and cornices were meticulously restored to their original designs. The V-profile clay-tiled roofs were also reinstated with gutters and downpipes that were redesigned to respect the historical aesthetic. 

Fraser Residence River Promenade drew its architectural inspiration from the conserved warehouses, cleverly incorporating their essence into a distinct structure featuring low-rise A-frame truss pitched roofs.  

Today, the warehouses have been transformed into a lifestyle hub for the community in and around the precinct. One of the warehouses serves as The Living Room, the front-of-house and reception of Fraser Residence Riverside Promenade, where residents can connect and enjoy daily breakfast, complimentary refreshments as well as an extensive array of beverages and evening cocktails. The second warehouse is designed as a versatile space, ideal for co-working and events. 

The third warehouse offers a refreshing new concept by The Brewerkz Group, Jiak Kim House. Opened in January 2024, the 120-seater restaurant seeks to immerse diners in a culinary time capsule through its atmospheric interiors and Modern Asian cuisine by Chef-Partner Seow Tzi Qin (Chef TQ). Guests can look forward to an innovative menu consisting hearty modern classics that celebrate the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Going a step further to elevate the dining experience for guests, the venue provides a dedicated in-house floral atelier for special moments that require exquisite and customised flower arrangements.

From its distinct scallop-shaped roof pediment to the chic ‘living room’ ambiance, the design of the space intricately weaves together elements from the past and present to create a warm yet elegant setting – a fitting tribute to the rich historical tapestry of the locale where trade, entertainment and culture converged.

Heritage trail along Singapore River

Incorporating 'placemaking' into the design philosophy was essential in our plans for the precinct as we wanted to go beyond building spaces to creating environments that encourage community and connection. We pay homage to the significance of the precinct by putting together curated stories and historical information into a heritage trail with art installations and interactive three-dimensional maps. The trail fronting the river is a poignant reminder of the Singapore River’s legacy as a vital artery of international commerce and a cornerstone in the nation’s development.

Be inspired by the unique waterfront experience that the integrated precinct offers with your loved ones. Enjoy the spectacular designs and views, great food at Jiak Kim House, and take a stroll down memory lane along Jiak Kim Street and the Singapore River.