Special Highlight: Jalan Anak Bukit Integrated Mixed-use GLS Site Mixed-use GLS Site

Special Highlight: Jalan Anak Bukit Integrated Mixed-use GLS Site Mixed-use GLS Site

By PropNex Research and editorial

Beauty World, an endearing neighbourhood with laidback charm is about to get livelier. Located at the door-step of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Beauty World is set to undergo an exciting makeover that will transform the precinct into a green urban village, bringing a new lease of life to the area.

A key catalyst of this rejuvenation will be the upcoming commercial and residential development in Jalan Anak Bukit. The 3.22-hectare site was launched for sale under the Government Land Sales programme in June 2020. It was awarded via a dual-envelope tender system to a joint consortium comprising of Far East Organization and Sino Group in August 2021. They placed the highest bid of $1.028 billion, which works out to a land rate of $989.4 psf per plot ratio.

Source: Google Maps, PropNex Research

The Jalan Anak Bukit project, envisioned to be a mixed-use integrated transport hub, will be an iconic development that will boost transport connectivity and inject more vibrancy to the precinct. The 99-year leasehold project - near the Beauty World MRT station - will offer attractive homes, commercial space, lush landscaping, a bus interchange, and interesting public areas. When completed, it will become a dynamic lifestyle destination and a community and social hub in the area.

New centrepiece of Beauty World

With a maximum gross floor area of 96,551 sqm (about 1.04 million sq ft), the upcoming Jalan Anak Bukit integrated development is sizable. Of that space, up to 20,000 sqm (about 215,000 sq ft) can be devoted to commercial uses. In addition, the site can potentially yield 845 new residential units, attracting new households to area and creating a new urban heartbeat in Beauty World.

The mention of Beauty World brings to mind the cluster of dated shopping complexes which were built in the 80s, that still stands today, such as Beauty World Centre, Beauty World Plaza, Bukit Timah Centre, and Bukit Timah Plaza. Back in the day, Beauty World was a popular market and shopping destination with hundreds of stalls selling anything from fresh produces, to household wares, stationery and textiles. It was also a venue for getai performances and Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations in the 1960s.

Today, Beauty World – which still retains an old-world charm and 80’s nostalgia – still draws in visitors thanks to the array of eateries in the area, as well as the pristine Bukit Timah Nature Reserve where Singapore’s highest hill can be found. In the years to come, Beauty World will have a new centrepiece when the Jalan Anak Bukit development is completed.

Urban sanctuary

A feature of the renewal plan is to create an environment with seamless connection to surrounding developments and enhance the sense of greenery, which in turn helps to promotes active lifestyle and an appreciation of nature. Future residents will likely feel that they are coming home to a green haven, with the Jalan Anak Bukit development being set against the 163-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This nature reserve enjoys high visitorship, with many hikers having trekked up the Bukit Timah Hill which stands at 163 metres. Officially declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in October 2011, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is treasure trove of native biodiversity.

Nature lovers, hikers and cyclists, rejoice. With the completion of the Coast-to-Coast trail, the upcoming completion of the Rail Corridor and Rifle Range Nature Park, the Beauty World area will offer some serious rest and recreation from the rush of city life. Still to come as well is the 11-km Bukit Timah-Rocher Green Corridor which will link up Bukit Timah to Kallang Riverside Park. The new linear park along the Bukit Timah Canal is envisioned as a trip through a riverine forest, with elevated sky parks and lush streetscape.
Anchored in a verdant environment, the Jalan Anak Bukit project will appeal to those who seek a sense of connection with nature, embracing a moment of quietude as the mood lifts and the stress of modern life melts away. Fun loving families will also enjoy taking their kids to these parks and forest to foster nature appreciation.

What to eat and where to shop?

After hitting the nature trails, how about settling into one of the many popular eateries in Beauty World for a hearty meal? In fact, the area is food-laden, often inspiring posts on a number of food blogs.

The upcoming Jalan Anak Bukit development will be near to a range of dining options, including those along Cheong Chin Nam Road which feature halal Indian food joint Al-Azhar, Boon Tong Kee chicken rice, Joo Seng Teochew Porridge, and BBQ Box amongst many others. Nearby Chun Tin Road adds to the F&B selections such as Thai Central, Domino’s Pizza, and the retro-looking Ng Kim Lee Confectionery that sells delightful bakes and traditional sweet treats. If K-food calls, there are many Korean restaurants in the Beauty World area to satiate your cravings, be it sizzling BBQ, or a steaming pot of army stew.

Food aside, other amenities are not far away from the Jalan Anak Bukit site too. There is the Beauty World Food Centre and Giant supermarket at Beauty World Centre, and the Bukit Timah Market across the road. A short drive from Jalan Anak Bukit is The Grandstand in Turf Club Road – a 1 million-sq ft lifestyle destination that opens up a wealth of food, shopping, health, and leisure offerings.

In addition, another integrated development, The Linq At Beauty World – which is expected to be completed in the next few years – will provide more retail stores and restaurants via 53 commercial units in its retail podium

Connectivity and convenience

Earmarked as a transport hub, the Jalan Anak Bukit project, will provide a new bus interchange that will be linked to the Beauty World MRT station via an underground pedestrian link. This will offer improved connectivity between the Downtown Line and bus services, enhancing the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Downtown Line takes residents to many attractions, popular schools as well as the financial district. The Botanic Gardens, Little India, Bugis arts district, Suntec City, Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay Financial Centre, and Chinatown are all just a short train ride away.

Meanwhile, there are numerous schools around the Jalan Anak Bukit area and along the Downtown Line in Bukit Timah. These include Methodist Girls’ School Primary and Secondary, Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School, Bukit Timah Primary School, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Hwa Chong Institution, National Junior College, Singapore International Korean School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore University of Social Sciences, and the
Dimensions International College (Bukit Timah Campus).

About the developers

Far East Organization is the largest private property developer in Singapore. Since its establishment in 1960, Far East Organization has developed over 780 developments in the residential, hospitality, retail, commercial, and industrial sectors, including 55,000 private homes in Singapore. Some of its newest projects in Singapore include Woodsquare, The Village Hotel Sentosa, The Outpost Hotel, The Barracks Hotel, as well as One Holland Village Residences which is also a joint venture with Sino Group, its sister company, and Sekisui House.

Sino Group is one of the leading real estate developers in Hong Kong. Established in the 1970s, it has developed more than 250 buildings to date. Their core business encompasses the development of residential properties, offices, industrial and retail properties for sale and investment in China (Hong Kong and Mainland), Singapore and Australia. Widely diversified, the Group comprises private companies as well as three listed companies.