CHANGI Airport's 27-year-old Terminal 1 will undergo a $500 million upgrading to rejuvenate its interior and finishes.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Monday signed a contract with Takenaka Corporation, which will complete the upgrading work by the third quarter of 2011.

When ready, passengers can look forward to a new two lane-wide departure kerbside canopy which will provide more shelter for drop-offs, two new skylights to allow natural light into the terminal building and 15 more retail and, food and beverage outlets.

There will also be a new public viewing gallery, a centralised departure immigration area, a large piazza area in the centre of the departure transit mall with seats for passengers, and new outdoor areas with water features and plants.

A high glass facade will also feature along the length of the Arrival Immigration Hall.

Another feature that is set to wow passengers and visitors will be the 'Orchid Library' in the departure check-in hall, which will display potted orchids in bloom.

The contract was signed by CAAS' Director-General & Chief Executive Officer, Mr

Lim Kim Choon and Takenaka Corporation's Managing Director, Mr Atsuyoshi Suzuki.