Singapore’s Shopping-Only Malls Lose Ground to Mixed-Use Developments

Last Monday, property developer Singapore Land Group (SingLand) announced that Marina Square, which was completed in 1986, will close on March 31 for a redevelopment that includes luxury residences, serviced apartments, and offices with a gross floor area of more than 360,000 sq m.

The revamp, slated for completion in 2031, will include a 304-key hotel near the Marina Bay area, and Marina Square will be refreshed into a four-storey shopping centre offering a wider variety of food and drink options and pet-friendly environments, according to SingLand.

Three new towers will be integrated into the site, including a 49-storey residential tower hosting 204 luxury homes, while offices will occupy eight floors of a new mixed-use tower, providing around 13,000 sq m of lettable space.

Local media reported that the news of Marina Square’s closure drew disappointment from shoppers and tenants alike. Parents lamented the loss of the shopping centre known for its indoor playgrounds and children’s retail outlets, while tenants said they were shocked by the short notice.

Retail experts point out that consumers today are increasingly seeking experiences, community, and connection, and this shift is fueling the growth of mixed-use developments around the world.

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