With the completion of several new residential and commercial developments within the new Paya Lebar Central including Paya Lebar Square, One KM, and more, Paya Lebar is fast becoming an ideal place to live, work and play.
As part of the government’s decentralisation strategy, commercial hubs outside the city centre have been established over the past few years to provide job opportunities closer to homes, and to reduce congestion and travelling times to and from the city centre.
In the 2008 Draft Master Plan, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) identified Paya Lebar Central as one of the commercial hubs to be developed outside the city centre. The other areas are Tampines Regional Centre, Jurong Lake District and Woodlands Regional Centre.
Vibrant commercial and lifestyle centre
When complete, Paya Lebar will offer plenty of opportunities for new businesses with the development of Paya Lebar Central, a new 12ha sub-regional centre located at the fringe of the city-centre. The 5.5 million sq ft space, which will comprise a a mix of office, retail and residential developments, as well as attractive public spaces, will not only bring more jobs, but lifestyle options to those living within the area.
Moreover, the area next to Paya Lebar MRT Interchange has been earmarked for a new public plaza. This will serve as the bustling heart of Paya Lebar Central, a lively focal point for commuters, shoppers, executives working in the area and residents.
Currently, the area is shaping up well with the completion of new developments such as Paya Lebar Square, One KM and the Workforce Development Agency’s Lifelong Learning Institute.
Paya Lebar Square, which is conveniently located right above Paya Lebar MRT Interchange, is a unique commercial development comprising a 10-storey premium-grade office tower and a three-storey retail podium. One KM, on the other hand, is a three-storey knowledge-and-education themed mall offering a slew of lifestyle, dining and edutainment options. The mall is located along Tanjong Katong Road, right across Paya Lebar MRT Interchange station.
In addition to the introduction of new commercial developments, the distinctive local identity will be enhanced with the future Wisma Geylang Serai and a new pedestrian mall and plaza space along Geylang Road.
Good connectivity
Whether by foot, public transportation or by car, those living and working in Paya Lebar will get to enjoy utmost convenience as the area is well served by major expressways – PIE and the ECP – as well as major roads like Sims Avenue, Paya Lebar Road and Changi Road.
For those who rely on public transportation, there is the Paya Lebar MRT Interchange station, which offers a direct connection to stations on both the Circle Line and East West Line.
Getting around Paya Lebar Central itself will be a breeze for pedestrians with the addition of more connected covered walkways, underground walkways and overhead bridges. The walk along Geylang Road will also be more exciting with outdoor kiosks and delicious aromas wafting from cafes.
Developments to look at
Sims Urban Oasis, a 1,024-unit condominium by GuocoLand at the junction of Sims Drive and Aljunied Road was the best-selling residential project in February 2015, according to an OrangeTee report citing the latest URA data.
A total of 112 units out of the 200 launched were sold at a median price of $1,397 psf, which translates to a take-up rate of 56 percent. And it’s easy to see why Sims Urban Oasis is popular among home buyers and investors. The project’s location enjoys wide accessibility and a host of excellent in-house facilities. In addition, experts say that investors are interested to earn a spot in this area before it becomes a busy and highly developed activity hub in the near future.
Image: Artist’s impression of Sims Urban Oasis. (by GuocoLand)
Article and images contributed by Michelle Yee.
