Discover Woodlands: The Northern Powerhouse
Discover Woodlands: The Northern Powerhouse
Get ready for a new chapter in the Woodlands' story as this northern gem undergoes significant transformation. With strategic urban planning and government initiatives, Woodlands is steadily growing into a key economic hub in Singapore.
A VISIONARY TRANSFORMATION
Once characterised by its quiet residential areas and industrial estates, Woodlands is shedding its "ulu" (remote in Malay) image. Imagine a vibrant future where Woodlands takes centre stage as the largest economic hub in the North of Singapore. As part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) long-term plans to rejuvenate Woodlands, more than 100 ha of prime land will be transformed to create new residential, business, industrial, research and development, and innovation spaces. This transformation will also cater to its growing population, currently over 250,000 residents, leading to the need for more infrastructure and amenities closer to home.
Woodlands is poised to become a thriving ecosystem for the Agri-Tech, Food, Digital Technology, and Cybersecurity sectors. This growth is driven by key developments in the Agri-Food Innovation Park, Senoko Food Zone, Sungei Kadut Eco-District, and Punggol Digital District. As the Woodlands Regional Centre expands into the largest business node in the North, it will serve as the strategic heart of this burgeoning network, establishing Woodlands as the Northern powerhouse of Singapore.
CONNECTIVITY BOOST
From "ulu" to urban, new transport links are connecting the North seamlessly to the rest of Singapore. The government's commitment to connecting this regional centre is evident in these major projects:
- Largest Integrated Transport Hub (ITH): Woodlands boasts Singapore's largest ITH, seamlessly linking the bus interchange with Woodlands MRT station on the North-South Line and Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). The TEL cuts travel time from Woodlands South to Orchard to just 35 minutes.
- North-South Corridor (NSC): Set for phased completion from 2027, the NSC will be Singapore's longest Transit Priority Corridor, spanning 21.5 km, connecting the Northern region to the city centre, prioritising walking, cycling, and public transport.
- Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link: The Johor Bahru (JB)-Singapore RTS Link, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will serve 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. In five minutes, this light rail will provide fast, comfortable access between Woodlands North Station and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
COMMERCIAL BUZZ
An AI-generated artistic interpretation representing the conceptual vision described in the article. This image does not depict a real place or event.
Rethink what you know about Woodlands. This precinct is now a vibrant centre of commercial activity, attracting investments and fuelling development:
- Land Development Potential: There is strong confidence in Woodlands' growth, evidenced by active bidding for residential and commercial sites by the private and public sectors. The sale of a private residential land parcel at Champions Way for S$294.9 million and the high demand for public housing projects underscore the area's appeal. A notable highlight is the "white site" in the Woodlands Regional Centre. This 2.75-ha mixed-use site offers the potential to develop approximately 115,747 sqm (1.25 mil sqft) of gross floor area (GFA), with at least 45,000 sqm (484,400 sqft) dedicated to office space and the rest for retail, entertainment, and residential uses.
- Cross-Border Partnership: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in January 2024, aims to boost cross-border trade and mobility. This partnership may include special tax arrangements and passport-free travel within the SEZ.
EMBRACING THE FUTURE AT WOODS SQUARE
At the heart of Woodlands' exciting transformation sits Woods Square, a premier mixed-use development comprising 494 units of office space, 39 retail units, and a childcare centre. Jointly developed by Sekisui House, Far East Orchard, and Far East Organization, Woods Square is linked to its neighbouring Causeway Point mall, Woodlands Civic Centre and the Woodlands MRT station.
Woods Square is a hive of activity, attracting forward-thinking companies to its various office spaces ranging from modern office units to loft offices sized between 47 to 1,914 sqm (506 to 20,604 sqft). Management consultancies, engineering, and IT firms now call Woods Square home, alongside trading companies. Far East Organization has also moved its satellite operations here, occupying an expansive 6,800 sqm (73,200 sqft) across three floors in Tower 2.
According to caveats lodged in URA's REALIS, Woods Square's average sales price has increased from about $1,811 psf in 2016 to $2,169 psf in 2024. Currently, 208 units have been sold. The remaining leased units are also highly sought after, with a 96% occupancy rate.
AWARD-WINNING DEVELOPMENT
Woods Square's excellence has not gone unnoticed. It has received international recognition, winning the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards 2022 (Gold Winner, Office Category) and the Best Office Development Singapore title at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021.
WOODLANDS: A PROMISING FUTURE
Woodlands is transforming into a dynamic, well-connected regional centre. Whether you're a business looking to expand or an investor seeking opportunities, Woodlands offers promising potential.
To learn more about opportunities in Woodlands or to schedule a viewing of Woods Square office units, please call 6534 8000 or WhatsApp 9712 2344. For more details, visit our Woods Square page or submit an enquiry here.
