“This is not an extension of MBS,” says Goldstein. “This is a brand-new building with a brand-new identity, a mystique. It’s its own creation, its own venture and something far different than what MBS has become.”
Set on over 242,000 sqm of development space, the new tower will offer 570 luxury suites.
While MBS became iconic for its rooftop infinity pool and surfboard-like structure, the new development will be characterised by a different architectural approach, led once again by Moshe Safdie. This time, however, Safdie has partnered with renowned global design firm Populous for the arena.
The multi-purpose live entertainment arena is expected to be Southeast Asia’s largest and will accommodate up to 15,000 guests and will be acoustically optimised for headline concerts, sporting events and large-scale shows. VIP suites, premium lounges and direct access to hospitality and F&B options are being designed for corporate and premium ticketing segments.
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On the public-facing side, a rooftop observation deck will give panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. “The rooftop will be open to the public, creating a new experience for locals and visitors alike,” says Goldstein. “We’re building something distinct, mysterious and world-class.”
The next chapter of Marina Bay
PM Wong emphasises the role of the new resort in Singapore’s broader transformation. “We are very proud of what Marina Bay has become. But we are not done yet. Because we believe the best still lies ahead,” he says.
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“Tonight’s groundbreaking is part of this new chapter for Marina Bay. It will introduce new attractions, including a rooftop destination open to the public, and a 15,000-seat arena for world-class concerts and performances,” he adds.
Wong also highlights that additional MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities will further reinforce Singapore’s position as a global meetings and conventions hub. These enhancements align with the city’s ongoing development plans under the Greater Southern Waterfront initiative — a 30km coastal stretch six times the size of Marina Bay.
“This bigger project spans from Marina Bay East to Pasir Panjang and will include commercial, recreational and residential precincts, including new public housing,” Wong says. “That is what we mean when we say we are never done building Singapore.”
The government also plans to develop NS Square as a national landmark to honour Singapore’s National Servicemen, while opening up the Marina waterfront to new water-based activities such as dragon boating, pedal boating and kayaking.
“All these developments will add additional buzz and vibrancy to the area, bring in more visitors, and open up new opportunities for Singaporeans in hospitality and tourism, as Marina Bay Sands has already done these last 20 years,” Wong says.
The Singaporean dream
LVS has called Singapore home for two decades. Goldstein describes the journey as remarkable and says the company’s long-term investment reflects the trust and opportunity enabled by Singapore’s policy environment.
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“Twenty years ago, the government of Singapore… did something quite extraordinary. It took immense courage and vision to allow integrated resorts to come to Singapore. That decision changed the face of luxury tourism in Asia,” he says.
He recalls that it was once assumed countries such as Japan, Korea or Thailand would dominate the region’s luxury travel sector. “But no, the crown goes to Singapore,” Goldstein says. “MBS placed Singapore at the epicentre of luxury and tourism in Asia.”
He credits not just the architecture and infrastructure, but Singapore’s regulatory governance. “The regulatory environment created here in Singapore is the envy of jurisdictions over the world. It’s quite an achievement,” he adds.
Wong acknowledges that progress comes through deliberate and often risky decision-making. “Every success is built on countless decisions; on risks, on a lot of doubt,” he says. “Very little comes easy… Progress is not predetermined. It takes discipline, it takes effort, it takes belief, and it takes hard work.”
He reiterates the role of public-private partnerships in national transformation. “We appreciate very much the partnership we have with Las Vegas Sands,” says Wong. “We both had to take risks… and I am glad that this partnership has flourished. I am even happier that we are now taking it to the next level.”
The new hotel tower will redefine the standards of ultra-luxury hospitality in Singapore. With all-suite accommodations starting at over 1,000 sq ft, the development is targeting affluent travellers and high-net-worth individuals.
The suites will be served by a new luxury hospitality team distinct from the current MBS operation. Dedicated concierge, butler and customised in-room experiences will be part of the offering. The tower’s wellness and spa concept will also integrate traditional therapies with modern treatments and personalised fitness regimes.
On the culinary side, signature restaurants by international celebrity chefs are expected, although names have not yet been announced. The sky-level dining spaces and bars are designed to appeal to both global visitors and high-spending locals.
Retail experiences will be positioned to complement The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, with a focus on experiential and luxury-lifestyle brands.
“This is a resort destination designed to be best-in-class, offering more than just a place to stay — it’s an entirely new way to experience Singapore,” Goldstein says.
Construction is expected to span several years, with no official completion date yet disclosed. The integrated resort expansion is the single largest private sector investment in Singapore’s tourism sector to date.
LVS’s continued commitment to Singapore is part of a wider pivot towards Asia. The group recently exited its Las Vegas holdings and is focusing its capital expenditure on growth markets in Singapore and Macau.
It’s not just LVS looking to capture more of the tourism pie, Singapore’s other integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is also working on its own expansion. It broke ground on Nov 15, 2024, on its new waterfront lifestyle development which is targeted to open by 2030.
Similarly, this waterfront development is set to redefine luxury and lifestyle for both new and returning guests. This $6.8 billion transformation in RWS will rejuvenate the Greater Southern Waterfront and further strengthen its appeal as a premium lifestyle destination resort for locals and tourists.
The new waterfront development will feature a waterfront promenade, a four-storey world-class retail and dining podium with entertainment offerings, as well as two new luxury hotels featuring 700 keys. The two new hotels will complement RWS’s current repertoire of six premier hotels.
