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What’s new at City Square Mall after $50 million renovation.

City Square Mall embarked on a $50 million upgrade in September 2023. / PHOTOS: TA.LE

• The renovated City Square Mall incorporates upcycled chopsticks, PET bottles and timber into its design.
• A $50 million upgrade introduced a new atrium, expanded F&B options like Gastro Square and experiential offerings such as Giggle Jungle.
• The mall aims to be a "third place" for the community with features like the CDL EcoTrain, a climate education hub in a repurposed train carriage.

SINGAPORE – How can a 16-year-old mall stay top of mind for shoppers who have increasingly turned to e-commerce for their retail needs?

City Square Mall, off Kitchener Road near Farrer Park MRT station, is leaning into the idea of a mall as a third space outside the home and office or school.

A $50 million upgrade for the mall, which is owned and managed by City Developments Limited, began in September 2023. The idea was to use spatial upgrades to attract a new tenant mix.

A mall spokesman says: “We sought to create a space that extends beyond retail transactions, and which can be a vibrant ‘third place’ where the community can come together.”

The upgrade includes a new look for the atrium space that encompasses Levels 2 to 4. Parts of these levels were extended to create dynamic curves and layers, replacing what was previously a square and staid atrium.

The zones are occupied by new food and beverage tenants, such as sweets cafe Daydream Desserts and casual modern Australian restaurant The Fat Sparrow.

The mall’s F&B offerings have also been expanded. The foodcourt on Level 4 has been relocated to Basement 3. It has been replaced by Gastro Square – a 24,000 sq ft, more upscale food “neighbourhood”. Tenants include the first mall outlet of Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and local zi char institution Kok Sen Restaurant. 

The gross floor area at the renovated mall covers 730,000 sq ft.

City Square Mall, which is already known for its suspended net playground attraction, Airzone, is also doubling down on offerings for all ages.

Gastro Square is an upscale food “neighbourhood” within the mall. / PHOTO: TA.LE

One new tenant is Giggle Jungle by Yooland, an indoor playground with a jungle-themed adventure concept. 

The CDL EcoTrain at City Square Mall. / PHOTO: CITY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

The idea of a third space extends into the mall’s outside area as well. Next to the mall playground is the CDL EcoTrain, a decommissioned SMRT train cabin that now functions as a climate education hub. 

It is not just a cool architectural feature. Interactive displays and exhibits also fill the interior, and the space hosts workshops and events around issues of climate and sustainability.

The CDL EcoTrain at City Square Mall has interactive displays and exhibits. PHOTO: CITY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

These are co-created with Just Keep Thinking, Singapore’s largest science, nature and sustainability social media platform, to engage all ages, especially children aged four and above.