Zouk nightclub secures 5-year lease extension

SINGAPORE – Zouk Singapore, the Republic’s longest-running nightclub, has secured a lease renewal from landlord CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust that will keep the iconic venue’s doors open until 2031. Its new lease will commence in June 2026, following the expiration of its current agreement in May 2026.

The River Valley Road nightclub, which first launched in 1991 in Jiak Kim Street, is Clarke Quay’s anchor nightlife tenant and has long been one of Singapore’s defining nightlife establishments.

Mr Andrew Li, Zouk Group’s chief executive, told The Straits Times in an e-mail statement that there are no changes to the leasing terms regarding operating hours. But the company intends to extend the operating schedule for several of its venues, by increasing the number of operating days and daily operating hours.

The nightclub currently comprises three spaces: Zouk, its flagship; Capital, aimed at working professionals; and Phuture, aimed at young adults.

On what lies ahead for the venue, Mr Li said: “We believe that our new set-up and renovations will enable us to develop new verticals by integrating food and beverage offerings and live performances.”

He described these as additional revenue streams which also enhance the overall guest experience.

This strategy of diversification reflects

broader industry pressures

faced by nightlife venues in Singapore, including high operating costs, consumer preferences for sober experiences and

changing tastes among Gen Z

.

Mr Li previously told ST that 2022 marked the nightclub’s best year yet, due to post-Covid-19 revenge partying, though business has softened in subsequent years.

Zouk has also sought to transform itself through enhanced music and events programming, featuring sell-out international acts such as American DJ Illenium.

Its evolution also reflects broader changes in the CQ @ Clarke Quay area, which in 2024 completed its

$62 million rejuvenation project

into a day-and-night destination.

Zouk moved to its current location in 2016, after spending a quarter-century in Jiak Kim Street.

During that venue’s last night, an almost 300-strong crowd bid farewell to the old premises to the sound of

The Beatles’ Let It Be

as the house lights came on.