China is hopeful that the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre will boost art exchange. (Photo : Reuters)
The 11-storey Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre worth $110 million will be ready in November this year, Asia One reported.
Located at the Shenton Way beside the Singapore Conference Hall, the cultural hub will officially open in 2017.
The centre houses a 530-seater auditorium, a 500-seater multi-purpose hall and a 150-seater recital hall. It also features a visual arts gallery and an activity concourse.
One of the main highlights of the structure is the 2,000-square-meter roof terrace garden, which can host private and corporate functions.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu recently officiated a topping-out ceremony at the building.
According to Fu, the cultural centre will be a significant avenue for showcasing and promoting Chinese culture and art, especially the Nanyang style.
The hub will also help "cultivate a deeper understanding, broader appreciation and long-lasting love" for Chinese culture, Fu added.
"Understanding our own cultural backgrounds can help us gain confidence as a people, facilitate communication among diverse races and build on our shared values," she said.
Ninety percent of the budget for the center's construction was shouldered by the government. Meanwhile, individuals and groups including local clan associations and foundations pledged $29 million for the iconic centre's construction and other expenses.
In Sept. 2014, Singapore Prime Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong served as the guest of honor during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
On the occasion, the prime minister announced his support for the centre's establishment, showing much interest for the said project.
