Welcome to Singapore’s Central Business District.
The Central Area, also called the City Area, and informally The City, is the city centre of Singapore. Located in the south-eastern part of the Central Region, the Central Area consists of eleven constituent planning areas, the Downtown Core, Marina East, Marina South, the Museum Planning Area, Newton, Orchard, Outram, River Valley, Rochor, the Singapore River and Straits View, as defined by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The term Central Business District (CBD) has also been used to describe most of the Central Area as well, although its boundaries lie within the Downtown Core.
The Central Area surrounds the banks of the Singapore River and Marina Bay where the first settlements on the island were established shortly after the arrival of Raffles in 1819. Surrounding the Central Area is the rest of the Central Region. The Central Area shares boundaries with the planning areas of Novena to the north, Kallang to the north and north-east, Tanglin to the north-west and west, Bukit Merah to the south-west and Marine Parade to the east. The south-easternmost limits of the city is enclosed by Marina Barrage, where the mouth of Marina Bay meets the Singapore Strait.
Districts
The Residential areas of the City Centre are divided into different districts.
They are mainly
District 1 – Raffles and Marina Area
District 2 – Tanjong Pagar Area
District 6 – Beach Road Area
Live Work and Play
The concept of live, work and play within the Singapore’s business districts was pioneered by Far East Organization when it first launched ICON in 2003. Boasting 646 apartment units spread across two towers, this integrated development features a selection of bars, restaurants and other conveniences at its ICON Village, located directly below the residences. A hotel-like reception with artwork, paintings and a concierge service greets residents and visitors at the lobby. The clubhouse on the 31st floor houses the Jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym and pavilions, which all have breathtaking views of the city and the Indonesian islands to the south. “I chose to live in ICON because it is right smack in the heart of the city while being a stone throw’s away from the many historical shophouses and places of interest,” says James Lin, a resident at ICON. “In addition, there are plenty of dining options – from high-end restaurants at ICON Village and Club Street to hawker centres.”
Accompanying the ICON, the are other apartments that have come up over the vicinity. The Clift at McCallum street is just opposite the Telok Ayer Food Market. The Lumiere is located over at near the MAS Tower. Altez, a 62 Storey Apartment also by Far East Organization is linked to the ICON Village. Beside it is Skysuites@Anson. 76 Shenton is located behind M Hotel, with seaviews in most of the units.
In the Marina, Raffles and Bugis Area, there are new mixed developments that have been constructed. Namely Guoco Tower at Tanjong Pagar, Marine One over at Marina Bay and also Duo over at Bugis, both being developed by collaboration between the Singapore and Malaysia Government.
The concept of mixed-use developments is not new to many and this is a trend that the government is moving towards to better utilise our land use. This is evident from the CBD Incentive Scheme that was being announced at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Draft Master Plan 2019. This is part of the plan to rejuvenate the city centre by encouraging building owners to convert existing office developments in the Central Business District (CBD) to mixed-use developments. It is an effort to encompass the philosophy of Live, Work and Play into the lifestyle of hustling office workers.
So what is a mixed-use development? It is a type of urban development strategy to further enhance our living environment. Usually, it is a combination of residential and commercial spaces in one but it can also be integrated into other developments.
The Millennial generation is often looking for greater flexibility in their lifestyle and striking a balance between work and play; therefore, they often have a higher demand for better amenities near both where they work and live. Our society is also exerting pressure to drive for a more liveable, green and friendly environment. Thus, mixed-use developments are the solution to the demand for millennials and the society and government’s drive for a better environment.
Culturally Cool
Culture, and plenty of it, has made the Singapore Central District a hot real estate destination among the well-heeled young professionals. Within walking distance to condo developments like ICON, Eon Shenton, Lumiere and The Clift are rows and rows of well-preserved shophouses governed by the URA’s conservation guidelines. Some of these are homes to clan houses, which served as welfare centres for the Chinese immigrants who first arrived in Singapore in the 18th century and built the city into what it is today. To give thanks for their safe passages to Singapore, places of worship for Chinese and Indian Muslim immigrants were erected along Telok Ayer Street. Formerly part of the coastline, Telok Ayer Street is still home to Thian Hock Kheng Temple and Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre. These architectural gems continue to draw locals and tourists , helping to preserve the legacy of immigrants long gone.
Wine and Dine
High-end bistros, restaurants and bars line the entire stretch of Club Street and Ann Siang Hill. A favourite watering hole among expatriates and well-heeled locals, the area is home to Da Paulo, Jerry’s Barbeque and Grill, Yin & Yang Bar, IndoChine, Bar sa Vanh, Beaujolais Wine Bar, Spizza, Shots and The Screening Room, to name but a few.
