Enveloped by lush greenery, the two-level structure integrates old angsana trees into its design.

While it would have been easier to just chop down the four mature trees on the site, the Japanese-Singaporean architectural firm behind the project, KYTA, worked with the National Parks Board to build around the trees' branches and roots, careful to preserve nature.

The new extension, which took eight months to construct, was opened by Minister of State for Trade and Industry S.Iswaran on Monday.

Part of The Jewel Box houses the cable car station, two dining venues - Black Opal and Moonstone - and a retail store. The extension, where the former Altivo Bar used to be, is home to two new restaurants. Sapphire, on the first floor, serves international cuisine.

Diners here will enjoy a view of lush greenery as well as the Harbourfront area.

A specially constructed walkway has also been built so visitors can take pictures of the picturesque surroundings without disturbing diners.On the second floor is Empress Jade, a glass-enclosed restaurant serving contemporary Chinese food that will open at the end of the month. Its consulting chef is the acclaimed Singaporean Jereme Leung, who also runs the successful Whampoa Club in Shanghai and Beijing.

Ms Susan Teh, chief executive officer of Mount Faber Leisure Group which owns The Jewel Box, says the new extension has always been part of its strategic master plan. It is the second phase of the entire The Jewel Box transformation.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!