Orchard Central tenants from levels 5 to 12 to move out by Nov. 30 as mall undergoes renovations: ST

Some tenants at Orchard Central will have to vacate their units by end-November 2026, as the mall is set to undergo renovation and refurbishment works.

According to a report by The Straits Times, the works are part of an asset enhancement initiative by the mall's landlord Far East Organization.

Tenants to vacate by Nov. 30

ST reported that some tenants received a letter dated Jun. 1 from Far East Organization informing them that they would have to vacate their units by Nov. 30.

In the letter, it was reportedly stated that Far East Organization will be renovating and refurbishing the mall as part of an asset enhancement initiative, and works are expected to begin on Dec. 1.

Based on ST's conversations with some of the mall’s tenants, those affected include tenants on levels five to eight, as well as levels 11 and 12.

The mall’s car park occupies its ninth floor.

The affected tenants are also reportedly on varying lease terms.

Some of their leases expire at the end of the year, while others have been extended till the mall's last day of operations.

Some leases also run beyond Nov. 30.

Earlier on Jul. 10, The Business Times reported that multinational consultancy firm Deloitte had secured a permanent space in Orchard Central, where it will occupy several upper-floor levels.

In an Instagram post that same day, Deloitte said the move is expected to take place in 2027.

In-principle approval granted for offices

In a statement to ST, Far East Organization said the planned enhancements for Orchard Central include new dining options, the integration of new public art, as well as an improved pedestrian link bridge connecting the mall to the future revamped Istana Park.

However, these plans remain subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

While Orchard Central is currently approved for retail, F&B, and lifestyle uses, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has granted in-principle approval for the introduction of office spaces.

Far East Organization's executive director of property services, Marc Boey, told ST that the group believes the next phase of growth for Orchard Road will be driven by a stronger mix of retail and lifestyle offerings, homes and workplaces across the precinct.

He said Orchard Central’s central location and its direct connection to Somerset MRT station put it in a good position to support this growth.

Boey added that the mall will continue to operate as a retail and lifestyle destination, and that Far East Organization remains committed to offering shoppers a mix of retail, dining and lifestyle experiences.

Any works would also be carefully planned and implemented to minimise disruption to shoppers and tenants, he said, with necessary operational and security measures put in place.

Mothership has separately reached out to Far East Organization for comment.