SINGAPORE — The Joo Chiat area is definitely getting more exciting.

The InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) announced today (Oct 1) that it has signed a management agreement with consortium Katong Holdings to develop Hotel Indigo at the former Joo Chiat police station (86 East Coast Road) in Singapore’s first heritage town, confirming rumours that IHG’s boutique brand is making its Singapore debut there.

The Hotel Indigo brand is known for integrating elements of its neighbourhood into its property. Other Hotel Indigos in the region include the one in Shanghai’s Bund district which boasts murals of the city’s Yuyuan Gardens on the wall; as well as another in Hong Kong featuring cushion covers and posters of Suzy Wong in tribute to the district’s history. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong promises to be the same.

“There is a great story to tell with the rich heritage of the Joo Chiat area, which makes it the perfect location for our first Hotel Indigo,” said Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia, Middle East and Africa, IHG. “We will design the hotel to bring out the neighbourhood story in true Hotel Indigo fashion.”

The 131-room Hotel Indigo Katong would also have amenities including two F&B outlets, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a “sanctuary space”.

Going up alongside Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong, catering to value conscious travellers. The 451-room property is set to be third and largest one here following the two in Orchard and Clarke Quay. Both properties are expected to open in 2016.

This news comes in the wake of another hotel chain, Shangri-La International Hotel Management’s recent opening of Hotel Jen at Orchard Gateway on Sept 15. It was also announced that all its Traders Hotel properties worldwide will be rebranded as Hotel Jen, starting with Traders Hotel Cuscaden Road on Sept 25. That 19-year-old hotel will be undergoing a renovation from November, and the three-part renovation is scheduled to finish in early 2016. It will remain open during this entire time and all Hotel Jen Singapore staff will hold on to their positions during the process.