Former nightlife rivals join hands for new all-in-one entertainment venue

$12m project in CBD will feature distinct concepts such as a pool and ultralounge

- Anjali Raguraman

They were behind some of Singapore's most storied, and since shuttered, nightlife and entertainment venues such as Pangaea, Attica, Filter and Bang Bang.

But now, seven nightlife mavens are combining their decades of know-how in the business to put together an all-in-one, day-tonight venue that they hope will shake up an entertainment scene that has lost its shine since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Centre of the Universe, or Cotu, sits on the 38th and 39th floors of Central Business District (CBD) skyscraper CapitaGreen and features several distinct concepts a welcome lounge, pool, restaurant, cocktail bar and an ultralounge.

The five venues take up 17,500 sq ft (1,626 sq m).

The $12 million project, which is under construction, is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The founders comprise husband-and-wife team Joshua Schwartz and Sarissa RodriguezSchwartz, known for establishments such as Pangaea, Bang Bang and LuLu's Lounge, and Mr Phillip Poon and Mr Cedric Chong, known for venues such as Filter, Mink and Providence Kuala Lumpur.

The group of nightlife veterans also comprises Mr Cher Ng, cofounder of Zouk Kuala Lumpur and Trec, and current chief executive of Formula One after-party Amber Lounge; Mr Mikey M.S, co-founder of Clarke Quay establishments Attica and Le Noir; and Mr M. Sanjivan, co-founder of Abriza and Barouv rooftop bars.

Speaking exclusively to The Sunday Times, the co-founders said they unanimously agreed that the unique space, a former luxury gym overlooking the heart of the CBD, was the biggest draw for them to either re-emerge, come out of retirement, or add to their existing slate of venues and projects.

Mr Chong said the pandemic "wiped out" a lot of nightlife establishments. While larger venues with deep pockets and backers such as Zouk and Marquee survived many smaller ones with more niche offerings bit the dust.