Remember the good old days when Johor Bahru City Square was buzzing with shoppers, bargain hunters and hungry Singaporeans? Well, if you visit today, you might find yourself wondering — what on earth happened to this once-crowded shopping paradise?
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Located just a short walk from the Johor Bahru checkpoint, JB City Square has long been a favourite destination for Singaporeans heading across the Causeway. Whether it was grabbing a quick meal, shopping for clothes or simply enjoying a weekend getaway, this mall was almost always part of the itinerary.
But step inside today, and things look surprisingly different!
Where Have All the Shops Gone?
Instead of bustling corridors and colourful shopfronts, visitors are greeted by renovation hoardings, empty retail spaces and sections that look almost deserted.
Even the once-lively central atrium appears unusually quiet, with large portions undergoing construction.
Has City Square lost its magic? Not quite!
The shopping mall is actually undergoing a massive makeover, with its transformation targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Thankfully, it isn’t completely deserted. Familiar names such as Burger King, Lavender and Empire Sushi are still around to satisfy hungry shoppers, while other retailers continue operating during the renovation.
A Bigger, Better City Square Is Coming!
The redevelopment promises more than just fresh paint and shiny floors.
Plans include over 300 retail outlets, refreshed shopping and dining areas, a 15,000 sq ft children’s adventure park and a spacious health and wellness hub.
Imagine stepping into a rejuvenated City Square filled with new restaurants, exciting shops and family-friendly attractions!
Of course, the real test will be whether these new offerings can tempt Singaporeans to return regularly.
But What About the Upcoming RTS Link?
Here’s where things become even more interesting!
The much-anticipated Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, connecting Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, is now targeted to begin passenger operations in February 2027, subject to final testing and approvals.
Credit to : Asia One
And with City Square conveniently located near the JB checkpoint area, the improved cross-border connection could bring another wave of shoppers into the city centre.
There’s just one little catch — the RTS is expected to start operating before City Square’s renovation is fully completed!
Can City Square Regain Its Former Glory?
For now, visitors will have to put up with some renovation barriers and quieter shopping corridors.
But behind those temporary walls, a new chapter is taking shape.
Will JB City Square become the bustling shopping paradise Singaporeans once loved, or will newer malls continue stealing the spotlight?
One thing’s certain — this familiar JB landmark is preparing for a big comeback, and 2027 could be the year everything changes!
Planning a JB shopping trip? City Square remains open during renovation, although individual shop openings and access routes may change.
