Deloitte Singapore’s planned relocation from OUE Downtown in Shenton Way to Orchard Central in 2027 is more than a straightforward office move. It reflects a broader change in how major professional-services firms use office space, manage hybrid work, and position themselves to attract talent. While the relocation may reduce Deloitte’s presence in Singapore’s traditional Central Business District, the decision appears to be driven less by a rejection of the CBD and more by the opportunity to create a different kind of workplace.
Lease Expiry Creates a Natural Opportunity to Reassess Its Office Needs
Deloitte currently occupies about 150,000 sq ft across 11 floors at OUE Downtown, with its lease expected to expire at the end of 2026. A major lease expiry gives a large occupier the opportunity to reassess whether its existing premises still match its operational requirements, workforce size and future workplace strategy.
Rather than renewing a substantial amount of conventional office space in the same building, Deloitte appears to be using the lease expiry as a chance to redesign how its Singapore employees work. This may include reviewing the number of assigned desks, the proportion of collaborative space, meeting facilities, client-facing areas and training rooms.
The Existing OUE Downtown Premises May No Longer Suit Deloitte’s Workplace Strategy
Deloitte’s offices at OUE Downtown are spread across multiple floors. While this arrangement may have worked for a more traditional office model, it can create challenges when a company wants stronger collaboration between teams.
Employees located on separate floors may have fewer spontaneous interactions, while internal movement between departments can become less efficient. A new office at Orchard Central could allow Deloitte to consolidate more employees across larger or more flexible floor plates, depending on the final space configuration.
This would support a workplace designed around collaboration, shared facilities, client engagement and flexible seating rather than a conventional layout dominated by individual desks and enclosed offices.
Hybrid Working Is Changing the Type of Office Space Companies Need
The rise of hybrid work has changed the way large companies evaluate office requirements. Firms may no longer need one permanent desk for every employee, particularly when staff divide their time among the office, client locations, and remote work.
However, this does not necessarily mean offices are becoming less important. Instead, the role of the office is changing. Companies increasingly want workplaces that encourage employees to return for meetings, teamwork, training and social interaction.
Deloitte’s move to Orchard Central may therefore be intended to create a higher-quality workplace rather than simply a larger one. The new office could feature more collaboration zones, shared workstations, training facilities, event spaces and client meeting areas.
Orchard Central Could Offer More Flexible Floor Plates
Orchard Central’s upper levels may provide the type of large, adaptable spaces needed for a next-generation workplace. Retail developments often have wider floor plates than conventional office towers because they were designed for shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and other large-format users.
These spaces may be suitable for open-plan work areas, staff town halls, learning centres, client presentation facilities and communal spaces. Deloitte could potentially create a more connected office environment than the current arrangement across 11 floors at OUE Downtown.
The move may involve a change of use from retail or commercial premises to office use, subject to planning approval. This means the final design and exact amount of space occupied will depend on regulatory approval and the building’s reconfiguration.
Orchard Road May Be More Attractive to Employees
Employee experience is becoming a major consideration in corporate real estate decisions. Deloitte competes for graduates, accountants, consultants, technology specialists and experienced professionals, many of whom place importance on accessibility, amenities and the quality of the surrounding environment.
Orchard Central offers direct access to Somerset MRT station and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, gyms and entertainment facilities. Employees would have a wide range of lunch, meeting and after-work options within walking distance.
This may make the location more attractive to younger professionals than a traditional Shenton Way office, particularly as employers seek to encourage staff to spend more time in the workplace.
The Location Remains Accessible to Clients
Although Orchard Central is outside the traditional financial core, it remains centrally located and well connected to other business districts. Somerset MRT provides direct access along the North-South Line, while nearby interchanges connect commuters to the Thomson-East Coast Line and Downtown Line.
Deloitte serves clients across many industries, including financial services, technology, consumer businesses, healthcare, government and manufacturing. Not all of these clients are based in Raffles Place or Marina Bay.
An Orchard Road location may therefore be more centrally positioned for a broader client base while remaining close enough to the CBD for meetings with financial institutions and corporate clients.
The Move Supports Orchard Road’s Transformation
Deloitte’s relocation could also be viewed in the context of Orchard Road’s gradual transformation from a predominantly retail district into a more diverse mixed-use precinct.
The government has encouraged more residential, hospitality, commercial, lifestyle and entertainment uses along the shopping belt. Introducing major office occupiers could increase weekday activity and reduce the district’s reliance on tourists and weekend shoppers.
Deloitte’s presence would bring a substantial number of office workers to Orchard Central, creating regular daytime footfall and potentially supporting the mall’s food, beverage and service businesses.
Far East Organization Gains a Major Corporate Tenant
For Orchard Central’s owner, Far East Organization, securing Deloitte would be a significant leasing achievement. A multinational professional-services firm would provide a stable office tenant and strengthen the development’s positioning as more than a retail mall.
The transaction could also help Far East Organization repurpose upper-floor spaces that may be less suitable for traditional retail. Upper levels in shopping centres often experience lower shopper traffic than basement and street-facing floors, making office conversion an alternative way to improve occupancy and rental performance.
Deloitte’s employees and visitors could also increase demand for restaurants, cafes, convenience services and other businesses within the mall.
Deloitte May Be Seeking Better Value Than Prime CBD Offices
Cost may also be a factor in the decision, although the financial terms have not been disclosed. Prime Grade A office rents in the CBD have remained firm due to limited new supply and strong demand from major companies.
A move to Orchard Central may allow Deloitte to negotiate a more attractive overall package than it could by renewing at OUE Downtown or leasing a new Grade A office tower. The package could include competitive rent, landlord contributions, rent-free periods and support for major fitting-out works.
However, cost savings are unlikely to be the only motivation. Converting and fitting out several floors into a specialised corporate office would involve substantial capital expenditure. This suggests Deloitte is likely prioritising long-term workplace quality and operational efficiency rather than simply choosing the cheapest available space.
The Relocation Creates a Major Leasing Challenge for OUE Downtown
Deloitte’s departure will leave OUE Downtown with a substantial amount of office space to backfill. Replacing approximately 150,000 sq ft of space across 11 floors will be a major leasing exercise, particularly if the space cannot be occupied by a single replacement tenant.
OUE REIT may need to target several medium-sized companies rather than one large occupier. This could involve subdividing floors, upgrading common areas, or repositioning the available premises to suit different tenant profiles.
The limited supply of new CBD offices may support leasing demand, but filling such a large amount of space could still take time. Deloitte’s departure may temporarily affect occupancy and rental income if replacement tenants are not secured before the lease expires.
Existing Orchard Central Tenants May Be Affected, but Nothing Has Been Confirmed
One of the most important unanswered questions is which existing Orchard Central tenants may be affected by Deloitte’s move. The Business Times indicate that Deloitte is expected to occupy several upper floors and that affected tenants may be gradually transitioned. However, the exact floors have not been publicly disclosed.
Businesses currently operating on the upper levels include Helen’s Orchard Central, TungLok Seafood Restaurant and 10 Square @ Orchard Central. At present, there is no confirmation that any of these specific tenants will close, relocate or surrender their premises.
Their future will depend on the specific floors Deloitte selects, the boundaries of the proposed office space, and each tenant’s lease terms. Some businesses may be outside the affected area, while others could potentially be moved to different units within Orchard Central or another Far East Organization property.
It would therefore be premature to conclude that these operators are definitely being displaced.
Restaurants and Lifestyle Tenants Could Still Complement Deloitte’s Office
Some upper-floor businesses may remain compatible with Deloitte’s presence. Restaurants, event venues and lifestyle operators could serve Deloitte employees, clients and visitors, especially if the office attracts significant weekday traffic.
For example, a restaurant such as TungLok Seafood may benefit from corporate dining, business lunches and company events. An arts or performance space such as 10 Square could also remain relevant if its premises are outside the office conversion zone.
The eventual tenant mix may involve a combination of corporate office space and selected lifestyle businesses rather than the complete removal of all upper-floor tenants.
Workplace Transformation And Hybrid Working May Be Key Reasons
Deloitte’s move from OUE Downtown to Orchard Central appears to be driven by a combination of lease timing, workplace transformation, hybrid working and employee experience. The firm may be seeking a more flexible and collaborative office environment that is difficult to achieve within its existing 11-floor premises.
Orchard Central offers strong transport connectivity, extensive amenities and the potential for large-format office floors within a prominent central location. For Far East Organization, Deloitte provides a prestigious long-term tenant and an opportunity to reposition underutilised upper-floor retail space.
The move will create a significant vacancy at OUE Downtown, but it does not necessarily indicate weakening demand for CBD offices. Instead, it shows that major occupiers are becoming more selective about the type of workplace they require.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including media reports, corporate announcements and market observations available at the time of writing. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, certain details—including Deloitte Singapore’s final office configuration, the exact floors to be occupied at Orchard Central, the terms of the lease, regulatory approvals, and the impact on existing tenants—have not been officially disclosed by the parties involved.
Any discussion regarding the motivations behind Deloitte’s relocation, the strategic objectives of Far East Organization, the potential impact on OUE Downtown, or the possible relocation of existing Orchard Central tenants represents the author’s analysis and opinion based on current information and should not be interpreted as confirmed fact. References to tenants such as Helen’s Orchard Central, TungLok Seafood Restaurant and 10 Square @ Orchard Central are made solely because they are existing occupants of Orchard Central. Their inclusion does not imply that they will be required to relocate, close or otherwise be affected by Deloitte’s planned move unless officially announced by the relevant parties.
Readers should rely on official announcements from Deloitte Singapore, Far East Organization, OUE REIT, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and other relevant authorities for the latest information. The author and publisher accept no liability for any decisions or actions taken based on the contents of this article.
Article contributed by Jerry Wong.
Jerry Wong is a realtor at Propnex Realty, bringing a rich background in interior and lighting design to his work. He loves exploring diverse spaces and observing the transformative power of real estate. Beyond his professional role, Jerry finds his greatest fulfillment in connecting people with the right properties, gaining immense satisfaction from helping clients achieve their dreams.
