Liang Court Site To Be Closed Down & Redeveloped Into Mixed-Use Residential

Liang Court has been facing issues for quite a while now.

Saizeriya, arguably one of the most attractive business in the mall, closed down on 17 Nov 2019.

Kinokuniya, one of the mainstays of the mall, also left in April 2019.

Media reports portrayed the mall to be in its sunset phase, with more than half of its stores shuttered and people rarely straying to the upper levels.

Well, if you have fond memories of the mall, this might be one of the last few times you can visit.

Because It’s Going To Be Redeveloped

On 21 Nov 2019, it was reported that the Liang Court Site is going to be redeveloped.

The site includes Liang Court, Novotel Singapore Clark Quay hotel and the Somerset Liang Court Singapore Apartments.

One of the reasons for Liang Court’s decline could be the lack of human footfall in the area.

With this redevelopment, footfall and pedestrian accessibility to the Singapore River is expected to increase.

So What’s Going To Be There?

With a total gross floor area of 100,263 square metres, the developers are hoping to have:

• A commercial component
• One hotel
• And a serviced residence

Of course, it’s not set in stone yet as they’re still seeking approval for their proposed development.

The hotel will have 460 to 475 rooms and will operate under the Moxy brand by Marriott International.

The serviced residentials will retain the Somerset branding and operate with a hotel licence under Ascott Reit.

And to sweeten the deal, the developers said they plan to help “rejuvenate” the river promenade surrounding the development area.

There will also be a direct link from the redeveloped site to Fort Canning MRT Station.

If everything goes smoothly, the developers said the new development will be open in phases from 2024.

Tenants Feared Moving Out Of Liang Court

Back in Jun 2019, when City Developments (CDL) and CapitaLand first bought over Liang Court, tenants within the mall were afraid of having to move out.

Then, both CDL and CapitaLand said that they will focus on the “daily operations of the mall”.

TNP visited the mall’s tenants and interviewed 18 out of the 80-plus tenants within the mall.

Most of them heard rumours of having to move out of the mall due to major renovations.

Some business owners were worried about losing customers and wonder if they’ll follow them to their new location.

 “I understand the need for relocation and my entire team will go together. I hope the customers will follow us. Business here has been quite stagnant.”

The mall has been facing challenges from nearby retail malls like Plaza Singapura and 313Somerset, most of which have better dining options and retail mix.