City Square Mall Completes S$50 Million Revamp As Singapore’s First Eco Mall Evolves Into Community Hub with New Playgrounds and An Eco Mama Mascot

City Developments Limited (CDL) has officially unveiled the completed S$50 million Asset Enhancement Initiative (AEI) for City Square Mall, marking a new chapter for the development which first opened in 2009 as Singapore’s first eco mall.

The launch was officiated on 10 March by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, with Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng, Mayor of Central Singapore District, and Mr Sherman Kwek, CDL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, also in attendance.

The extensive, phased revamp which began in September 2023 has transformed the mall at Farrer Park into a more vibrant and inclusive community hub.

A key highlight of the transformation is CONNECT @ City Square Mall, a dedicated community space spanning approximately 15,000 square feet across Level 4 and Basement 2.

Developed in partnership with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), this first stop service brings together five social service agencies to provide support for children and families.

These agencies include the Counselling and Care Centre, Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre, Kampong Kapor Community Services, Singapore Children’s Society and The Salvation Army, offering programmes that range from mental health talks to family counselling and early intervention support.

The AEI has also significantly enhanced the mall’s retail and dining offerings.

By gaining approximately 26,000 square feet of additional Gross Floor Area through reconfiguration and the Community & Sports Facilities Scheme, CDL has been able to introduce a curated tenant mix featuring 21 unique brands and new to market concepts.

Level 4 has been transformed into Gastro Square, a 24,000 square foot dining destination now home to concepts like Chef Vo Quoc Vietnamese Cuisines by Master Chef Vo Quoc and Xiao Jiao Tian serving traditional Sichuan cuisine. Other new dining options across the mall include The Fat Sparrow, Sanook Kitchen and Daydream Desserts. The revamp has been well received by the market, with the mall achieving nearly 100% committed occupancy following the completion of the works.

Complementing the new indoor spaces, the adjacent City Green park has been enhanced with refreshed landscaping and two new nature inspired playgrounds, creating a 49,000 square foot urban oasis for families.

Staying true to its legacy as an eco mall, sustainability was central to the refurbishment.

Upcycled and repurposed materials were used extensively, with lift lobbies featuring decorative materials made from bamboo chopsticks and PET bottles, while old handrails were repurposed into benches. The CDL MicroForest has been expanded, and the mall is targeting to become the first in Singapore to achieve certification under the Singapore Environment Council’s Eco Spaces framework by 2026.

Adding a playful touch to its green message, the mall also debuted its new mascot, Eco Mama, an adorable green globe character designed to encourage eco conscious habits.

The launch event itself paid tribute to the site’s rich history as the former New World Amusement Park, which stood there from 1923 to 1987.

Guests were treated to nostalgic performances and push carts serving traditional snacks, alongside modern celebrations that included the premiere of a “Transformation Journey” video and a lion dance by the Silver Pride Lion Troupe, whose members are aged 60 to 85.

The mall also set two new Singapore Book of Records achievements: the Largest Display of Sequin Art and the Largest Art Display of Recycled Milk Bottles.

Multi-disciplinary architectural firm, RSP, served as the mall’s Project Architect and C&S Engineer for this multi phase transformation, with M&E Engineering by Squire Mech (SM), supporting CDL in revitalising this landmark development. Members of the project team were present at the launch to celebrate the milestone and the successful completion of the project, marking a meaningful moment to see the refreshed spaces come to life alongside their client and collaborators.