UNION SQUARE CONDOMINIUM
Former Central Square Condo Review . Havelock Road Singapore
By City Developments (CDL) . Request Updates
By City Developments (CDL) . Request Updates
Here we review the upcoming Union Square Residences. This is the residential component of a new iconic mixed-use development under the URA Strategic Development Incentive Scheme.
It is being built on the site of the former Central Square along Havelock Road, alongside the redevelopment of the former Central Mall next door. The regeneration exercise complements the revitalisation of the Singapore River planning area.
Central Mall and Central Square Location near Singapore River
The Union Square condo is expected to offer roughly 366 city-centre homes, when completed. The developer behind this project is a local heavyweight property player, City Developments Limited (CDL). It will be CDL’s third enhancement initiative in Singapore’s central district.
Note: This is NOT an advertisement for sale.
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Union Square Residences . Background
CDL is redeveloping its Central Mall properties and the surrounding area into an ambitious large-scale mixed-use development. This follows its acquisition of Central Square beside Central Mall, at a cost of SGD$315 million.
Central Square, at 20 Havelock Road, was a leasehold commercial + residential development. It comprised serviced residences and commercial spaces, that included office and retail units. The remaining land tenure at the time of acquisition was around 72 years. This will be topped back up to a fresh 99 years for the redevelopment.
Central Square . Site of Union Square Residences . Fort Canning Park in Background
Through its wholly-owned unit CDL Constellation, CDL agreed to acquire the site from DBS Trustee Limited (a trustee of Far East Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust) for SGD$313.2 million in December 2021. On top of that, they paid another SGD$1.8 million for the reversionary leasehold interest from OPH Riverside Pte Ltd.
The transaction also included an incentive payment of up to SGD$18 million if certain conditions were met by 31 December 2023, including obtaining planning approval for residential use.
CDL already owned the 81,660 square feet Central Mall site that comprised the freehold 7-storey Central Mall (Office Tower), and an adjacent cluster of conservation shophouses on a 99-year leasehold site with a remaining lease of roughly 71 years.
Central Mall Singapore by CDL
These sites are located at the corner of Magazine Road and Havelock Road, close to the Central Business District. They sit near three MRT stations – Clarke Quay on the North East line, Chinatown (interchange station on the Downtown and North East lines), and Fort Canning station on the Downtown line.
Central Mall Conservation Shophouses
CDL is redeveloping all three sites under the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) Scheme. The Outline Permission for the redevelopment into a mixed-use project allows for serviced apartment, hospitality, and commercial components. They will yield a Gross Floor Area (GFA) uplift of 67% to approximately 735,500 square feet, from the previous GFA of 441,650 square feet.
CDL worked closely with the authorities to enhance the viability of the redevelopment scheme as well. This entailed adding in a residential component called Union Square Residences.
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Union Square . Development Components Summary
✤ Union Square Residences
1 block of 34-storey and 40-storey high tower housing 366 residences, with commercial units at the 1st and 2nd storey
✤ Union Square Central
1 block of 20-storey high office tower with commercial units on 1st storey and rooftop
✤ Commercial
Commercial units on 1st, 2nd and 3rd storey of conservation buildings
✤ Co-living
Est. 100 rooms in 1 block of 3-storey new building and on 2nd & 3rd storey of conservation buildings, with commercial units on 1st storey
This mixed development is served by three MRT stations – Clarke Quay station, Chinatown station, and Fort Canning station.
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Register interest for updates here.
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Union Square Singapore . Rationale
The naming of this project was apparently inspired by Union Square in Manhattan, New York, with which it supposedly shares common traits.
For a start, both have early 19th century origins as an intersection of residential, commercial, and entertainment enclaves around a popular pedestrian neighbourhood.
And just as Union Square in Manhattan is best explored on foot, so will pedestrians and cyclists here enjoy the dining and retail scene at the conservation shophouses lining the car-free streets of its Singapore namesake.
CDL believes that in time, the transformation of Union Square and its sensitive integration of two modern towers with the surrounding heritage shophouses, will rejuvenate the historic precinct between Fort Canning Park and Pearl’s Hill.
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The Union Square Condo . Transforming the CityScape
The Group Chief Executive Officer of CDL, Mr Sherman Kwek, said, “The strategic acquisition of Central Square crystallises our master plan to shape the precinct’s transformation into a new and vibrant lifestyle hub. This rare placemaking opportunity augments our role in rejuvenating the Singapore River precinct and aligns with our enhancement strategy to unlock the latent value. In-principle approval has been obtained for lease top-up to a fresh 99 years based on the Outline Permission 2 Payable to DBS Trustee Limited (a trustee of Far East Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust) of our matured assets.”
The Redevelopment Site Location Plan . Courtesy of Google
He added that, “With the enlarged site, we can take a multi-faceted approach to the planning and design of the entire area and shape the public realm to maximise value for all stakeholders in this precinct. The Central Mall and Central Square redevelopment project marks our third rejuvenation initiative in the Central Area to transform the cityscape.”
CDL has an established track record for delivering mixed use developments and large scale projects. Within the CBD itself, this is just one of three mixed-use rejuvenation projects that they are currently involved in.
Another is on the site of the former Liang Court close by, just across the Singapore River. This is being transformed into an integrated project jointly with CapitaLand, as part of the Singapore River One pilot Business Improvement District.
It will comprise Canninghill Square with retail and F&B outlets, CanningHill Piers with 696 residential units, 192 units of serviced apartments under the Somerset brand, and a 475-room hotel operated by Marriott International under the Moxy brand.
Canninghill Piers across Singapore River from Union Square Residences
And under the CBD Incentive Scheme too, CDL has started on the redevelopment of the former Fuji Xerox Towers. Located at 80 Anson Road, it will be rebuilt into Newport Plaza, a 45-storey mixed-use project. There will be retail and office components (Newport Tower), and a residential component that includes the 246-unit Newport Residences.
Newport Residences at 80 Anson Road . By CDL . Developer for Union Square Condo
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Register interest for updates here.
Project FactSheet
| Name | Union Square Residences |
| Developer | City Developments Limited (CDL) |
| Status | Condominium (Foreigners eligible to buy) |
| Address | 20 Havelock Road Singapore 059765 |
| District | 02 |
| Plot Ratio | 2.8 |
| Site Area | 13,824.8 sq m / 148,810 sq ft • Central Mall (Office Tower) . 30,150 sq ft • Central Mall (Conservation shophouses) . 51,510 sq ft • Central Square . 67,150 sq ft |
| Tenure | 99 Years Leasehold |
| Lead Architect | Aedas Pte Ltd |
| Resident Architect | ADDP Architects LLP |
| Landscape Consultant | Coen Design International |
| Project ID | 2nd Edition Pte Ltd |
Union Square Residences Floor Plans
The Union Square condo floor plans are not available yet. Kindly drop us a note below if you wish for the Union Square floor plans to be emailed to you once ready.
The Union Square Residences Site Plan
The Union Square condo site lies within the historic part of Singapore’s CBD, close to banks of the Singapore River. As such it is mainly surrounded by low to mid-rise older buildings.
The site itself is an elongated, rather irregular rhomboid shape land parcel. It is an island site, surrounded by roads and lanes.
Its main long frontage faces south-south-west to Havelock Road, and the old court buildings and some HDB flats.
On the other three sides are small lanes. Solomon Street to the north-west, Cummings Street to the north-east, and Keng Cheow Street to the south-east.
Across these are low-rise buildings. However under URA’s Master Plan, they are zoned for higher plot ratios than they are currently built at. Whilst the Union Square Residences site is zoned for 2.8 plot ratio, the others go up to 3.6.
As for the Central Mall site across Solomon Street, that CDL will be redeveloping at the same time, the plot ratio goes even higher, to 5.6.
Union Square Residences Site Location Map . Source Google Maps
So we can expect the views to be fairly tight on most sides. Except perhaps those facing south-west out to Havelock Road, and Upper Cross Street beyond that.
Union Square Residences Showflat · Viewing
The Union Square condo showflat is not open for viewing yet. Please drop us a line below if you wish to be kept updated on when the Union Square showflat opens.
Showflat Unit Types
✤ 2 Bedroom + Study
✤ 3 Bedroom Premium
✤ 4 Bedroom Premium – Private Lift
Union Square Residences Prices · Unit Types
UNIT TYPES . SIZES
| Unit Desc | Type | No. of Units |
Strata Area (sq m) |
Strata Area (sq ft) |
| 1 Bedroom | A | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 1 Bedroom + Study | AS | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 2 Bedroom | B | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 2 Bedroom + Study | BS | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 3 Bedroom | C | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 3 Bedroom Premium | CP | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 4 Bedroom Premium | DP | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Sky Suite (5-Bedroom) | SS | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Penthouse (5-Bedroom) | PH | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Total Number of Units | TBA | |||
Floor areas stated includes any Voids, Patios, Balconies, Terraces, A/C Ledges.
THE UNION SQUARE PRICE RANGES
Neither indicative pricing nor price list is available yet. Please drop us a note below if you wish to be kept posted on the prices ranges when finalised.
About the Developer
Union Square Singapore will be developed by City Developments Limited, one of the most well-known and reputable local property players.
Canninghill Piers near Union Square Residences . Mixed-Use Project by CDL + Capitaland
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About City Developments Limited (“CDL” or the “Group”)
City Developments Limited is a leading global real estate company with a network spanning 104 locations in 29 countries and regions. Listed on the Singapore Exchange, the Group is one of the largest companies by market capitalisation. Its income-stable and geographically diverse portfolio comprises residences, offices, hotels, serviced apartments, retail malls and integrated developments.
With over 55 years in real estate development, investment, and management, the Group has developed over 48,000 homes and owns around 23 million square feet of gross floor area in residential for lease, commercial and hospitality assets globally.
CDL’s portfolio of luxury homes in the city includes Nouvel 18, New Futura, Gramercy Park, St Regis Residences, Boulevard 88, Irwell Hill Residences, Amber Park, and Cliveden @ Grange. It is also well-versed in the mixed development arena, with projects such as Canninghill Piers, Piccadilly Grand, and South Beach with South Beach Residences.
South Beach Residences by CDL . Developer for this Union Square Condo
CDL Track Record . Examples Over the Years
For details on City Developments, see www.cdl.com.sg (opens in new window).
Union Square Condo Location · Features
- Location.
Union Square is located in a historic part of Singapore’s downtown, close to, and between Clarke Quay and Chinatown. Clarke Quay is a riverside lifestyle precinct that is being revitalised under the Singapore River Planning Area redevelopment. A unique heritage site with old conservation shophouses and warehouses that have transformed into delightful F&B outlets and retail spaces.
It is also not far from Orchard Road, and the Raffles Place / Marina Bay / Shenton Way business and financial district.
- Shops, F&B, Supermarkets, Banks.
Given that it is part of a mixed development with its own retail mall, residents will have access to the shops and F&B outlets right next door. The mall, to be called Union Square Central, replaces the original Central Mall. In addition, we have the old conservation shophouses at Union Square, that will offer some very interesting dining and retail experiences.
This Union Square Residences location is also within walking distance of several retail precincts. One of the most notable of these is the brand new Canninghill Square that is being built across the river along Clarke Quay, accessible via Ord Bridge. This will have a wide retail mix, with lots of shops and dining outlets, besides its own hotel.
Artist’s Impression . Canninghill Square and the Singapore River Lifestyle Corridor
By way of contrast, a short walk south brings residents to a very different type of shopping experience. Here we have People’s Park Centre, People’s Park Complex, and People’s Park Food Centre, with their diverse offerings. As well as the old shophouses and lanes of Chinatown itself.
- Lifestyle Amenities.
The Union Square location being close to Clarke Quay, is also close to the Singapore River Lifestyle Corridor. This stretch, besides Clarke Quay itself, includes Robertson Quay upriver, and Boat Quay downriver. The three are entertainment hotspots, offering a wide selection of places to hang out at. From pubs and bistros to speciality cafes, from wine bars to hotel restaurants and riverside alfresco dining, as well as art houses.
They combine to create an attractive relaxing ambience with a cosmopolitan vibe. To this mix, the conservation shophouses and refurbished godowns around here add their character and charm too. Altogether, it is little wonder that this place draws the after-work crowd, to hang out and relax with colleagues or friends.
- Schools / Educational Institutions.
Surprisingly considering its CBD-fringe location, it is actually within 1 km of the ever popular River Valley Primary School. It is also within 2 km of others, like St Margaret’s School (Primary) at Wilkie Road, and Alexandra Primary School.
Besides that, the Union Square Residences location is pretty close to a few institutes of higher learning. Such as School of the Arts (SOTA), and the SMU (Singapore Management University) campus at Bras Basah, as well as the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School at Outram.
- Nearest MRT Stations.
This development is within easy walking distance of three MRT stations. The closest are Chinatown interchange station on the North-East and Downtown lines, and Clarke Quay station on the North-East line, both about 4 to 5 minutes walk away.
From Chinatown, the line goes next to Telok Ayer, Downtown, and Bayfront stations. That ride takes between 5 to 10 minutes, which is convenient for residents working around the city centre.
In addition, there is the Fort Canning station on the Downtown line too, across Clarke Quay. For those who decide to drop off at Canninghill Square for a bit of shopping or to grab a bite, before walking back home.
- Accessibility & Connectivity.
The Union Square location sits at the fringe of the CBD, in the Core Central Region (CCR). It is within a 10 minute drive radius of Tanjong Pagar, Marina Bay, and Raffles Place. That makes it attractive for residents who need to drive in to work.
This place also has the advantage of quick access from the expressway network islandwide, via the Central Expressway (CTE).
For those so inclined, it is fairly safe and easy to walk or cycle downtown too. A promenade runs along the Singapore riverbank, that goes down to Boat Quay and Raffles Place.
Clarke Quay at Singapore River
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