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Shopping malls in Singapore are constantly evolving, but occasionally a transformation feels like more than just a refresh.
I attended the unveiling of the newly revamped City Square Mall earlier this week, and walking through the updated spaces felt less like visiting a retail centre and more like exploring a community hub designed for everyday life. From family-friendly green spaces to new dining concepts and wellness services integrated directly into the mall, the transformation reflects how malls are increasingly becoming places where people gather, connect and spend time together.
After experiencing the refreshed spaces myself, I already know I will be bringing my family here soon.
Following a S$50 million Asset Enhancement Initiative (AEI) led by City Developments Limited (CDL), City Square Mall has officially unveiled its revamped spaces, introducing new dining concepts, community facilities and sustainability features that reinforce its role as a neighbourhood hub in the Farrer Park precinct.
The phased redevelopment began in September 2023 and was completed in early 2026, marking a new chapter for the mall that first opened in 2009 as Singapore’s first eco-mall.
A mall designed around community
One of the most significant additions to the refreshed mall is CONNECT @ City Square Mall, a dedicated community wellness space designed to support children and families.
Located on Level 4 and Basement 2, the approximately 15,000 square foot facility brings together five social service agencies under one roof to provide accessible counselling, family support and wellness programmes.
The initiative was developed in partnership with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and includes the following organisations:
- Counselling and Care Centre
- Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre
- Kampong Kapor Community Services
- Singapore Children’s Society
- The Salvation Army
These organisations offer programmes focused on mental health support, family relationships and early intervention services for children and youth.
By integrating social services directly into the mall environment, CONNECT aims to create a more accessible support ecosystem where families can seek help and resources in a familiar community setting.
According to CDL Group CEO Sherman Kwek, the goal is to transform City Square Mall into a community-centric destination that serves families beyond retail.
New dining experiences and lifestyle concepts
Food has always been central to the Singapore mall experience, and the revamp significantly expands City Square Mall’s culinary offerings.
Through space optimisation, the redevelopment added approximately 26,000 square feet of additional Gross Floor Area, allowing for more dining and retail concepts across the mall.
The refreshed tenant mix includes 21 new and unique offerings, balancing established brands with local and new-to-market concepts.
New dining highlights include:
- Chef Vo Quoc Vietnamese Cuisines
- Xiao Jiao Tian Sichuan Cuisine
- Daydream Desserts
- The Fat Sparrow
- Hummus House by Pita & Olives
- Kok Sen Restaurant, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient
A major new feature is Gastro Square on Level 4, a 24,000 square foot dining destination that brings together international cuisines in an open, social setting.
Beyond dining, the space will also host events, workshops and live performances, turning it into a lively social hub rather than just a food destination.
Green spaces designed for families
One of the most noticeable changes during my visit was the expanded outdoor and community spaces integrated into the mall.
The refreshed design introduces several new communal areas, including:
- Green Square (Basement 1)
- City Green park (Level 1)
- Gastro Square (Level 4)
- Discovery Square (Level 5)
Among them, City Green stands out as a 49,000 square foot urban park integrated with the mall, featuring refreshed landscaping and two nature-inspired playgrounds designed for children and families.
These spaces are designed not only for leisure but also to host community activities such as seasonal markets, local vendor fairs and pop-up events that bring neighbourhood residents together.
Sustainability remains at the heart of the mall
City Square Mall’s original identity as Singapore’s first eco-mall continues to shape its redevelopment.
Sustainability features were integrated throughout the renovation, including the use of upcycled materials such as bamboo chopsticks, bubble wrap and PET bottles in interior design elements.
Even handrails removed during renovation were repurposed into benches and feature walls, reinforcing the mall’s commitment to reducing waste.
Several sustainability initiatives are also located within the mall grounds.
At City Green park, visitors can find the CDL MicroForest, a compact urban forest designed to support biodiversity and help moderate urban temperatures.
Nearby is the CDL EcoTrain, Singapore’s first decommissioned SMRT train cabin repurposed into a climate education hub that hosts eco-workshops for families and youth.
The mall also houses the Singapore Sustainability Academy (SSA) on its roof terrace, a zero-energy facility that has hosted more than 1,500 sustainability events and training sessions since its opening in 2017.
Celebrating heritage while looking ahead
The official launch event also paid tribute to the site’s history.
Before City Square Mall existed, the land was home to the New World Amusement Park, a popular entertainment destination that operated from 1923 to 1987.
To celebrate this heritage, the launch featured a nostalgic programme that included performances of 1960s songs and traditional snacks such as teh tarik, pineapple drinks and kacang puteh served from push carts.
The celebration also unveiled the mall’s refreshed logo and introduced Eco Mama, a new mascot designed to promote eco-friendly habits in a fun and engaging way.
Two new Singapore Book of Records achievements were also unveiled at the mall:
- The largest display of sequin art, measuring 7.2 metres by 4 metres
- The largest art display made from recycled milk bottles, created using 400 bottles donated by shoppers
A refreshed destination for everyday life
Today, City Square Mall houses more than 200 retail, entertainment and lifestyle stores across 455,000 square feet of space, including family favourites such as Decathlon, Don Don Donki, FairPrice Supermarket and Golden Village, alongside more than 70 food and beverage outlets.
Located directly above Farrer Park MRT station, the mall continues to serve as a convenient destination for families and neighbourhood residents alike.
With expanded dining, new green spaces and community wellness facilities integrated into the mall environment, the refreshed City Square Mall reflects how retail spaces are evolving into places where people gather not just to shop, but to connect, learn and spend time together.
And after seeing it firsthand, it already feels like a place many families will return to again and again.
Learn more at https://www.citysquaremall.com.sg/.
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