In 2016, Funan DigitaLife mall shut its doors for redevelopment and rebranding. After its multi-million dollar makeover from its previous IT life concept, Funan opened its doors to lines and lines of people as a new-gen live-work-play mall.
The revamped, industrial-chic Funan mall features more than 190 stores, including one of Singapore’s most popular cinema operators, Golden Village.
“Shaped by its unique location in a new-gen live-work-play hub, Funan brings together experiential and activity-based retail at a scale not seen before in Singapore’s Civic District, while providing a collaborative platform for retailers to share their brand stories,” says Mr Chris Chong, Managing Director, Retail, CapitaLand Singapore.
Funan strives to provide retail experiences but also seeks to build community experiences that create social connections beyond the usual shopping transactions.
Just so you have an idea of what to expect, here’s a list of 10 things to look forward to when you visit the new and improved Funan. You can also check out this article for foods to eat in Funan.
1. Tree Of Life
Funan is now separated into six passion themes – Tech, Craft, Play, Fit, Chic, and Taste. A six-story steel structure, named the “Tree of Life”, stands tall at the very centre of Funan.
In case you get tired, take a breather and sit along the steps cascading from the Tree of Life. You can even charge your phones on USB ports scattered along the steps.
2. Pop Up Stores
The Tree of Life structure houses 20 retail pods, where retail pop-ups will be launched regularly.
This way, the retail concepts will be refreshed all the time for consumers, while providing lower risk for retailers too.
3. Climb Central
At the base of the Tree Of Life, is Climb Central, the highest climbing facility in the Civic District where Funan mall is located. This beginner-friendly climbing wall is open to all Funan shoppers.
Buying a climbing pass gives you a whole day’s flexible access so shoppers can go eat or shop around the mall, before going back to Climb Central.
4. Golden Village Funan
The new GV Funan sees the introduction of two new seating concepts (Deluxe Plus and Gold Class Express) in the 431-seat, seven-theatre complex, focusing on delivering a premium yet reasonably-priced theatre experience for all.
Spacious leatherette seats with a recline feature and USB charging ports are two highlights of Deluxe plus; bring your own charger wires of course.
Gold Class Express is the most luxurious way to enjoy a movie. In addition to the comfortable, spacious seats, you can also pre-order food and drinks via the F&B feature on the iGV mobile app.
GV Funan will also feature popular couple seating option – GEMINI halls. These two halls make it ideal for date nights at the movies.
The new cinema also has Virtual Reality pods in its foyer, showcasing popular games and cinematic content for customers. Word of advice: book your tickets in advance because the queues were incredibly long.
5. Light Up Cycling Path
Another innovative feature that Funan has is a 200m indoor cycling path. LED strips light up the cycling path when movement is detected.
Cyclists can visit the Bike Hub, where there are shower amenities, lockers, and bike repair stations too. For shoppers with bicycles, simply park your bicycle at Funan’s bike bay, which has over 170 bike parking spaces.
Do note that cycling through Funan is only allowed from 7am to 10am before the mall opens. Outside of this window, cyclists must dismount as push their bicycle within the mall.
6. Urban Farm
Besides the six levels of retail stores, there is an 18,000 sq. ft rooftop garden on the highest floor of Funan mall.
The heart of this garden is a 5000 sq ft Urban Farm that is operated by Edible Garden City, growing and supplying fresh produce from this urban farm straight to restaurants in Funan.
The rooftop garden is a place you could visit if you need a respite from the noisy crowds. Everything from the urban garden is edible (but please don’t pluck any yourself), with many of these vegetables and herbs being used in the mall’s farm-to-table restaurants.
7. The Ark Futsal
Another addition to the new and improved Funan is a fully unmanned futsal facility, located on the 7th floor. This rooftop futsal facility is operated by The Ark, and you can check for booking availability on the CapitaStar app (Capitaland Mall’s customer reward app).
8. TFX Extraordinary Fitness Gym
Besides retail stores, restaurants and cafes, Funan also houses TFX Extraordinary Fitness for the gym enthusiasts.
The gym is located on level three and is equipped with brand new equipment, a spin class studio, yoga studio, and a swimming pool!
The fitness centre even comes with a swimming pool and an outdoor deck that overlooks the district!
9. Unique Flagship Stores
There are more than 180 retail stores in Funan including the pop-up pods, featuring unique brands many of which are the first in Singapore.
For drone lovers, you will be excited to know that DJI is one of the several tech store tenants at Funan. This is DJI’s first store in Singapore!
Funan also has Love Bonito’s largest outlet store in Singapore that is full of Instagram-able rooms and spots. Look at the store’s fitting room. I mean C’MON.
There are also VIP dressing rooms which allow you to adjust the lighting so that you can see how your outfit will look in different lightings.
Dr. Martens is another flagship store at Funan. Besides the brand’s full range, this flagship store will also be selling exclusive items only available at Funan. Other upcoming brands to look out for include Dyson as well as Virmall that has yet to complete renovations.
10. Technology-driven Experiences
Technology is weaved into almost every aspect of Funan mall and its stores. For instance, facial recognition gantries are now in use at Funan’s office buildings.
Love Bonito’s store offers an electronic queuing system for its fitting rooms, and an augmented reality walkway photo spot.
Finding a parking space in mall carparks can be downright frustrating. Thankfully, 36 of Funan’s 400 parking lots can be reserved in advance on the CapitaStar app.
If you’re unsure about finding your way around Funan, there are 40 smart directories located in the mall to help you have a smoother shopping experience. Also if you don’t even know where to start, each smart directory has a scanning system – after you’re scanned, recommended stores will pop up on the screen!
Overwhelmed with all the technology and the new stuff that Funan has to offer? Fortunately, Funan is offering complimentary guided tours for the public on 28 June and five weekends from 29 June to 28 July. All you have to do is register at Centre Stage on Level 1.
Funan mall in Singapore has definitely come out with a bang and has such a huge variety of product stores from IT, fashion, furniture, food and crafts. There are so many stores for you to check out so get ready for some heavy shopping!
Nearest MRT station: City Hall
Funan Mall: 107 North Bridge Rd Singapore 179105 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Opening hours: 10am-10pm daily
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