Works Begin on Sin$33 million Pit Building for Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

Works on the Pit Building for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix officially started last week. Measuring some 350 metres long, the Pit Building is a key piece of infrastructure for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, which will debut on 28 September 2008.

Located along the waterfront, it will house key race infrastructure. Taking up most of the ground floor is space for 36 garages for the 12 teams. The second floor houses the Media Centre, hospitality lounges, the race control centre and the winners’ podium while the third floor features a modern and aerodynamic structure housing more hospitality facilities and a roof terrace offering more viewing opportunities of the race.

Getting the Pit Building off the drawing board was one of the first tasks for the race promoter, Singapore GP, and the F1 inter-government agency working committee, chaired by Singapore Tourism Board’s Mr Lim. In September, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), which is the international governing body for motorsports, is expected to finalise the race route, which will flag off road works to be carried out by the Land Transport Authority. The FIA also has to decide whether Singapore will proceed with a night or day race after more lighting trials and safety checks.

Covering a gross floor area (GFA) of approximately 18,000 square metres, the Pit Building is designed by Architects 61, which was also behind other significant buildings in Singapore such as UOB Plaza, The Heeren, The Concourse and Singapore Exchange Centre. Singapore GP is appointed the project developer and will work with the main contractor, local firm Jurong Primewide, to ensure that construction meets the stringent requirements of Formula One Management and the FIA.

Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP, said, “The Pit Building is at the very heart of Singapore’s F1 action. It not only technically supports all race-related activities but it is also home to the exclusive Paddock Club. We’re very happy to be given the opportunity to be involved in the design and construction of the pit building. It's going to be very exciting seeing it take shape.”

With its low profile and environmentally sustainable design that meets the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark standard, the Pit Building will blend in well with its surroundings. The extensive use of glass in the building facade will provide guests in the exclusive Paddock Club a panoramic view of the track’s starting straight as well as the exciting pit lane action taking place just a few metres below.

The building is scheduled to be completed in nine months, by the end of May 2008.

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