Retail opportunities abound in 4 Orchard Shopping Belt sub-precincts

These sub-precincts will undergo redevelopment and have seen a growing presence of brands.

Opportunities for retail thrive within the sub-precincts of the Orchard shopping belt, encompassing Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and Tanglin.

According to JLL, redevelopment initiatives in Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and Tanglin, and the presence of luxury brands and flagship stores in Orchard, render these sub-precincts prime investment hotspots.

The Orchard and Somerset sub-precincts recently saw the opening of flagship chains of sports apparel brand Nike and Italian fashion brand United Colors of Benetton, respectively.

Luxury brands like jeweller Dejade, Louis Vuitton, furniture retailer Prelude Living, and shoe retailer Christian Louboutin also opened stories.

“The growing concentration of luxury brands and flagship stores in the Orchard and Somerset sub-precincts has reinvigorated the Orchard shopping belt's reputation as an internationally renowned shopping destination that attracts domestic shoppers and foreign tourists,” JLL said.

“We expect new capital investments will reap the benefits of the continued rejuvenation along these stretches of the Orchard shopping belt and Singapore's growing pool of affluent consumers,” JLL added.

Apart from housing more luxury and flagship stores, the Somerset and Orchard sub-precinct also boasts activity-based attractions.

Trifecta, an action sports facility situated between Somerset Skate Park and Killiney Road, opened its doors in October 2023.

In the heart of Orchard Road, Lendlease Global Commercial REIT will launch a 3,000-person indoor multifunctional event space, hosting concerts, events, and innovative food concepts.

Meanwhile, the Dhoby Ghaut sub-precinct is poised to attract families with its transformation, integrating green spaces into its revitalisation efforts.

According to JLL, Dhoby Ghaut will see an integration of a 500-metre pedestrianised stretch between Buyong Road and Handy Road along Orchard Road. 

“As part of plans to create a ‘lush green corridor’ along Orchard Road, the 1.3-hectare Istana Park will be expanded by about three times, creating space for potential offerings such as a family-friendly play area, interactive water features for children and a new sheltered all-weather event space for families. These initiatives will be completed progressively from 2025 onward,” JLL reported.

The Tanglin sub-precinct will also see a wave of redevelopments. There are five particular redevelopment initiatives which JLL believes will offer retail opportunities.

One of the three is Tanglin Shopping Centre. JLL said the freehold strata-titled commercial complex acquired by Pacific Eagle Real Estate will likely be redeveloped as a mixed-use project featuring office and retail components.

Currently, the 12-storey complex comprises retail and office units from the second basement level to the sixth storey of the main complex's podium block built in the 1970s, office units from the seventh to the 12th storey of a tower block added in the 1980s, and an eight-storey car park annexe.

Ming Arcade will also undergo redevelopment. JLL said the asset’s new landlord, Royal Group of Companies plans to redevelop the seven-storey commercial complex with three basement levels for hotel use.

Lastly, JLL said Hotel Properties Limited’s (HPL) Orchard Road assets, Forum The Shopping Mall, voco Orchard Singapore, and HPL House can be redeveloped into a comprehensive mixed-use project comprising retail, office, hotel and residential components.

HPL received provisional permission from the URA to redevelop its Orchard Road assets under the Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) Scheme. The three combined freehold and 999-year leasehold sites span 150,000 sq ft.