{
  "id": 5524112,
  "title": "Marina Square through the years: A timeline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/marina-square-through-the-years-a-timeline",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-04T08:43:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/marina-square-shopping-mall-history-heritage-6360001"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Marina Square, a popular shopping destination in Singapore, has undergone significant changes since its inception over four decades ago. The mall, located in the Marina Bay area, was developed through land reclamation works that began in 1971 and were completed in 1977. The first phase of the project created a site known as Marina Centre, which was eventually renamed Marina Square in 1983 after a name dispute with authorities.\n\nUpon opening in 1986, Marina Square boasted about 59,000 square meters of retail space and became the largest shopping complex in Southeast Asia. The mall featured four department stores, including outlets of homegrown retailer Metro and Japanese chain Tokyu, as well as a supermarket and approximately 220 shops. The iconic Golden Village cineplex, with a seating capacity of nearly 2,000, was also part of the development.\n\nThroughout the 1990s, Marina Square adapted to the evolving consumer landscape by shifting its tenant mix. Tokyu's outlet closed in 1993 and was later replaced by The Sale Store, which was later succeeded by Kmart Metro in 1994. In response to growing competition from neighboring malls, Marina Square invested in entertainment offerings, constructing the Marina Leisureplex in 1996. This complex housed a six-screen Golden Village cineplex, along with various food and beverage outlets, such as McDonald's and Long John Silver's.\n\nA major renovation took place in 2004, during which Singapore Land Group (SingLand) reorganized the mall into themed zones. Groove Nation, aimed at younger shoppers, was introduced, as well as other zones catering to different demographics. The mall also welcomed new anchor tenants like Giant hypermarket, Carl's Jr, Longines, and Edox. In 2008, the first Formula 1 race in Singapore showcased the mall's central location, as spectators gathered at its outdoor areas.",
  "summary": "With Marina Square set to close for redevelopment, CNA looks back at the mall's beginnings and how it evolved over its four decades.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Singapore",
        "title": "Marina Square through the years: A timeline",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/marina-square-through-the-years-a-timeline-5525649",
        "published": "2026-09-04T08:43:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}