Johor Bahru City Square, the shopping mall directly connected to the Sultan Iskandar checkpoint, has begun a major transformation that will introduce hotel apartments, a health and wellness hub, and over 300 retail outlets by late 2027.​
The multi-phase asset enhancement initiative started in Nov 2025 and is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027, according to Allgreen Properties, the mall’s owner.​
Expansion and New Features
The mall’s retail space will expand from 547,076 sq ft to 568,927 sq ft, adding more than 20,000 sq ft of shopping area. Key additions include a 15,000 sq ft children’s adventure park, a 41,300 sq ft health and wellness hub, and a large-format event space.​
Hotel apartments above the existing mall are set to open by the second quarter of 2028.​
The number of retailers will increase from the current 247 to over 300, featuring anchor tenants and speciality stores organised across themed floors, including Fashion and Athleisure, Home and Hobbies, and International Fashion and Cosmetics.
New food precincts offering international cuisine and local favourites will also be introduced.​
Some tenants, including Popular bookstore and Mr DIY, moved out of their retail spaces on City Square’s upper levels earlier in 2025 to facilitate renovation works.​
Strategic Positioning for RTS Link
The revamp is timed to capitalise on the anticipated rise in cross-border retail demand driven by the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link), which is expected to begin operations in Dec 2026.​
Expert Analysis
Mr Tan Wee Tiam, executive director of Olive Tree Property Consultants, told The Straits Times that the wellness hub and hotel apartments can become City Square’s magnets for drawing visitors.​
The hotel apartments may attract international visitors from China, India and Indonesia who plan to visit Singapore but are priced out by higher hotel rates in the Republic.
His firm has observed such visitors choosing accommodation in Johor Bahru while crossing the border to visit Singapore’s integrated resorts.​
“It could be a double-win for retail in JB and Singapore because those staying close to the checkpoint would likely have plans to visit and spend in Singapore as well,” he said.​
Sustainability Upgrades
The redevelopment will include sustainability and digital upgrades such as energy-efficient cooling systems, smart parking, enhanced connectivity and waste management improvements.​
Competitive Landscape
Opened in 1999, City Square has been a central retail landmark for Johor Bahru residents and Singaporean day-trippers due to its location steps from the Johor Bahru-Singapore Causeway. In recent years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, City Square faced competition from newer malls, including Mid Valley Southkey and Paradigm Mall.​
Johor Bahru’s top-tier malls already have hotels attached, including Hyatt Place at Paradigm and St Giles Southkey at Mid Valley.​
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