The building was designed by the architecture firm „Design Partnership“ involving Gan Eng Oon, William Lim and Tay Kheng Soon. With 411 shops, 226 offices, 68 residential units and entertainment services, the Golden Mile Complex is one of only a few realized “megastructures” as described by Reyner Banham. Propagating the Metabolist ideas of high-density usage and diversity, the “vertical city” stands in contrast with the modernist idea of the functional city zoning. The stepped profile not only reduces traffic noise in the upper apartments, it also provides the apartments with balconies and panoramic sea and sky views. 

Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament Ivan Png called the Golden Mile Complex a "vertical slum" and "national disgrace" in March 2006 and criticized that the owners act selfishly by adding extensions, zinc sheets, patched floors. Some residents have turned their balconies into an extra room. On 11 August 2018, 80% of the owners signed an agreement agreeing to sell the complex in an en-block sale.

Threatened by redevelopment. There is a petition to protect the building.