In Singapore, malls for shopping only are going out of style
While the announcement last week of the closure of a 40-year-old mall in Singapore’s Marina Bay district for redevelopment has caused an outpouring of sentiment among shoppers and tenants, experts say the prime real estate has to be updated into a mixed-use site to survive in the city state. Last Monday, property developer Singapore Land Group (SingLand) said in a statement that Marina Square,…
The closure of a historic mall in Singapore's Marina Bay district has prompted calls for the property to be redeveloped into a mixed-use site that caters to the evolving needs of shoppers and tenants. Singapore Land Group (SingLand) announced last week that Marina Square, which opened in 1986, will cease operations on March 31 to make way for a redevelopment project that will span until 2031.
The revamped mall will consist of luxury residences, serviced apartments, offices, and a four-storey shopping center. This new development will feature a 304-key hotel, a variety of food and drink options, pet-friendly amenities, and a wider selection of retail offerings. In addition, three new towers will be integrated into the site, including a 49-story residential tower with 204 luxury homes.
According to retail experts, the growing demand for experiences, community, and connection among consumers is driving the popularity of mixed-use developments worldwide. Master planner and lead designer of the project, Tina Qiu, highlighted that the original mall was designed in an "introverted" manner, focusing on internal attractions like department stores, bowling alleys, and cinemas.
In contrast, the new design will incorporate sports facilities, gardens, covered bridges, and public seating areas to better connect with pedestrians and the surrounding environment.
Such redevelopment projects are becoming increasingly common in Singapore, as seen with the planned transformation of Union Square and Tanglin Shopping Centre. These developments are supported by the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) Scheme, which encourages the rejuvenation of older commercial buildings into innovative and diverse urban environments.
The shift towards mixed-use developments reflects a broader trend globally, as retailers seek to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the growing competition from e-commerce outlets. In Singapore, several major department stores have either ceased or reduced their operations in recent years, further emphasizing the need for innovative retail spaces that cater to a wider range of needs and preferences.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
