Apple fans, rejoice. It’s been two years too long, but it looks like the first Apple store in Singapore (and Southeast Asia) is expected to finally fling open its doors in May, according to CBNC. The space at Knightsbridge mall along Orchard Road, which is said to take up four storeys and five storefronts, was reportedly supposed to see construction completed by October 31, 2016. But late last year, the updated information board allegedly showed a delayed date of January 30 — a note that’s apparently since been removed as well.
If you recall, news of the secretive tech giant’s debut presence in the region broke in October 2015, after former tenant Pure Fitness sent word to its clients about the gym’s closure.
The reasons behind the supposed delay aren’t clear, but it seems that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued a stop work order for a contractor, interior fit-out specialist Legend Interiors, at the worksite from October 24 to November 16 last year. In a statement to CNBC, MOM said it was issued “for unsafe conditions relating to work at height, traffic management, scaffolding, electrical installation and lifting operations that were observed during an inspection at the worksite.”
The CNBC report also alleged that besides the store’s construction problems, it experienced a conflict with the next door Grand Park Orchard hotel over “logistical and infrastructure issues”. But Katrina Tran, Apple’s head of corporate communications for Southeast Asia and India, told CNBC that the project was moving forward as planned and mentioned that Apple had never divulged an opening date for the store.
Well, here’s hoping May is the magical month.
Editor’s note: The story was edited to note that all the delays are mostly based on speculation, as Apple never released an opening date.
