Plans for constructing a 12-storey World Trade Centre (WTC) building were announced by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) in 1973. The centre was to be situated near the Jardine Steps jetty opposite the resort island of Sentosa. PSA’s initial plan was to house the WTC in a larger complex called the Singapore Maritime Centre. However, the project was scaled back and only the WTC was eventually built. The purpose behind the WTC was to link Singapore with the international network of world trade centres. In particular, the centre was to serve as the location of choice for trading firms, banks, foreign trade commissions, and government bodies involved in trade and industry.The $83 million WTC building was completed in 1978. Besides facilitating international trade, the centre aimed to combine commercial, recreational and marine terminal facilities under one roof. Soon after its opening, PSA established a ferry terminal within the building. This terminal would serve as the main disembarkation point for locals and tourists wishing to reach Sentosa from the mainland via the sea route.
