All speaker systems will also be upgraded to “concert-grade technology”, according to the group, and the completed “multi-functional space” will be capable of hosting live acts and up to 3,500 people “across concepts”.
Founded in 1991, Zouk will celebrate its 35th anniversary in March. CEO Andrew Li says the group is “choosing to invest ambitiously” in expanded capacity, state-of-the-art technology and a “rich spectrum of inclusive, multi-faceted experiences” — including live music and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
While Zouk did not reveal the exact cost of the refurbishment, the nightclub spent $7 million on a month-long renovation of its entire former complex at Jiak Kim Street in 2005.
In Singapore, Zouk has enjoyed 28% y-o-y growth in total footfall. The club expects a 20% increase in foot traffic following the renovation.
Alongside the renovation, the group announced a lease extension with CapitaLand that “secures” its flagship venue at CQ @ Clarke Quay. City & Country understands Zouk’s original 10-year lease has been renewed for another 5+5 years, with no change to the size of the venue.
The club moved from Jiak Kim Street to Clarke Quay in 2016. Owner and landlord CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) reopened the precinct as CQ @ Clarke Quay in April 2024 after a two-year, $62 million asset enhancement initiative that introduced tenants like supermarket Fairprice Finest to the “day-and-night destination”.
By gross rental income, Zouk and Fairprice Finest are considered major tenants of CQ @ Clarke Quay, which has 289,900 sq ft of net lettable area.
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Last month, CapitaLand launched the free CQ Night Shuttle, a loop service running from 11pm to 3am every Friday and Saturday. A 23-seater bus departs hourly from CQ @ Clarke Quay for Somerset MRT Station, ION Orchard, Ascott Orchard, Plaza Singapura and Raffles City. At 4am, two buses will ferry up to 45 passengers each from CQ @ Clarke Quay to Jurong Westgate or Tampines MRT Station.
“CQ @ Clarke Quay and Zouk are both institutions in Singapore, synonymous with having a good time,” says Nicholas Lee, centre manager of CQ @ Clarke Quay. “Zouk has grown to become a global brand, with state-of-the-art clubs in vibrant cities such as Las Vegas and Tokyo. We look forward to Zouk’s reinvention of their ‘hometown’ club, which will bring fresh energy and expanded experiences that directly support our mission of shaping CQ as a dynamic lifestyle destination.”
A rendering of the new Zouk Mainroom at CQ @ Clarke Quay
About the design
Zouk has appointed two creative partners — Josh Held Design and Superlative — whose work for Zouk Tokyo led the brand’s global expansion.
New York-based Held focuses on hospitality and nightlife spaces. His vision for Zouk Singapore will “heighten connection, intensity and sensory immersion”, according to the group.
Meanwhile, Barcelona- and Jakarta-based lighting and creative studio Superlative will lead the transformation of Zouk’s audio, visual and lighting (AVL) equipment.
Some highlights from the coming works include “next-generation” sound systems engineered for both DJ sets and live performances, 12m-wide LED walls, a redesigned main entrance for Zouk Mainroom and Phuture and a “premium VIP sofa experience” behind the DJ booth.
While nightlife remains Zouk’s “heartbeat”, the group says it will continue to expand to include “daytime, lifestyle and community-driven experiences and events”. The group also owns the franchise for the Five Guys burger chain in Singapore and Malaysia.
“Limited edition collaborations and largescale corporate partnerships will add new dimensions to Zouk’s programming, inviting broader audiences while preserving its core DNA in music and culture,” reads the group’s announcement. “From signature DJ sets and live acts to fashion pop-ups, wellness sessions, MICE and creative networking activations, Zouk’s day-to-night programming will engage diverse audiences seeking a variety of exceptional experiences.”
Photo: Zouk Group
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