Back in May 2023, Singapore Airlines announced plans to refurbish some of its overseas lounges, bringing them up to the same elevated standard as its recently renewed facilities at Changi Airport Terminal 3. It was welcome news for regular visitors to one (or several) of the carrier’s 10 SilverKris lounges outside the Lion City.
Only a month later, Perth was unveiled as the first outstation to receive Singapore Airlines’ next-generation lounge design.
Since then, SilverKris lounges in London and Sydney have undergone lighter makeovers, but Melbourne is now confirmed as the next major upgrade, with a full relocation to an all-new space, expected roughly a year from now.
Melbourne getting an all-new SilverKris lounge
Earlier this week we attended the grand reveal of the all-new First Class SilverKris Lounge at Changi Terminal 2, where Timothy Chua, SIA’s Vice President of Lounge Development and Inflight Operations, teased us with the news of an upcoming new lounge in Melbourne, Australia.
(Photo: MainlyMiles)
The main takeaway was that the Melbourne lounge would also receive SIA’s signature batik wall entrance, but Point Hacks was able to exclusively confirm with Mr Chua that in fact an all-new lounge is planned for the Aussie city.
That will be welcome news for the airline’s Melbourne regulars, as the facility moves out of the lounge “dungeon” in the basement of Terminal 2, hopefully to a light, airy space with the airlines’s latest design features.
Here’s what’s been revealed so far.
- It will be a “huge step up” from the current lounge
- Totally brand new build, in a new location – not in the basement!
- Build will start “soon”, but the exact new location has not been revealed
- 30% larger than the current lounge
- Opening towards the end of 2026, or in early 2027
A tended bar and live cooking stations are expected, as are new working options including the airline’s latest productivity pods.
(Photo: Flight Hacks)
The new build, new location aspect isn’t much of a surprise.
Point Hacks also revealed a few months ago, in a sit down with Melbourne Airport, that the area where the SilverKris lounge is currently located, alongside several other lounges including the Qantas Business Lounge and the Amex Centurion lounge, will need to become part of an expanded arrivals area in the coming years.
Melbourne Terminal 2 is getting a new central satellite area, and the level above the boarding gates is designed to accommodate some airline lounges.
Hopefully this can mean floor-to-ceiling window views for the future SilverKris lounge, similar to the Emirates Lounge in Melbourne.
(Photo: The Shutterwhale)
The Melbourne lounge is overdue a refresh
Last renovated over 12 years ago, in mid-2013, the Melbourne SilverKris lounge harks back to SIA’s much older lounge design aesthetic, and is certainly not a favourite among travellers thanks to its windowless basement location.
(Photo: Seeing the World in Steps)
The current Melbourne SilverKris lounge has both a First Class and Business Class section, and we expect this format will be retained in the new facility, with two out of five daily departures from the Aussie city currently featuring a First Class cabin, a total that was briefly hiked to three out of five flights earlier this year.
Here’s a summary of SIA’s overseas SilverKris lounges, including which were revamped with the ‘Home Away From Home’ design, and which have received an upgrade to the latest concept so far.
| Older concept |
‘Home away from home’ concept |
Latest concept |
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As you can see, only Melbourne and Taipei now stand out as those most in need of a refresh, so it’s a positive sign that at least one of those is in the works.
It’s also great news that the Melbourne SilverKris lounge will be getting the “Perth treatment” as an all-new facility, which is always a step up from the refreshed versions like those we now see in London and Sydney.
(Photo: Singapore Airlines)
Summary
The confirmation of an all-new SilverKris lounge for Melbourne is excellent news for regular travellers on the route, particularly those who’ve endured the current basement facility over the years.
A 30% increase in size, combined with Singapore Airlines’ latest design language and a move to what should be a much more pleasant location, promises a dramatic improvement over the existing ‘lounge dungeon’.
However, patience will be required. With an opening window of late 2026 to early 2027, travellers still face at least another year in the current facility before they can experience the transformation. That’s still a long time to wait when you’re making regular trips from Melbourne.
Still, given how popular the new Perth lounge has proven to be, and considering the success of the recent Changi renovations, the wait should be worth it.
Then it’s just Taipei to go!
(Cover Photo: MainlyMiles)
Hat-tip to Point Hacks.
“ Mr Chua admitted the Melbourne SilverKris Lounge was the ‘ugly duckling’ of the network”.
Has he been in the holding pen with prison food that’s the Bangkok lounge? I’ll take a priority pass lounge over the SQ there any day.
Love the trolly-like comment, “Max James”, which betrays that someone needs a reality check. Feel free to try any of LH groups SEN lounges in the German speaking world, BA Galleries First at London homebase, or Qantas biz lounges in Oz (with zero alcohol before noon). As a TPPS who spends money on SQ, it is perfectly adequate and the best star alliance lounge in BKK.
LOL @ RAY, clearly a survivor bias approach because you spent some money on SQ. you’re comparing apples to oranges. For Asia lounges the BKK SIA lounge is abysmal. Venture out to the TK lounge for some great Pide or to the Coral lounge for a free massage and better bar, less crowded, actual apron views and more than 1 toilet stall. Actually, don’t do that, please stay where you are.