It’s impressive how Singapore still manages to squeeze new shopping malls within its limited land space – Punggol Coast Mall and Icon Link@ClubStreet are two that just opened this year. Meanwhile, the shiny new complex that is Geneo has just been unveiled over at the west side of Singapore, offering those working and studying at Kent Ridge a new haunt instead of the usual campus spaces or hospital retail wing.
Don’t brush Geneo off as just another shopping mall, though, because it’s so much more. Think of it as a much larger Westie cousin of Punggol Digital District. This mammoth of a mixed-development complex – a mega lifestyle hub, if you will – comprises a total of five sleek buildings that are home to offices (including Shopee’s), wet labs, coworking spaces, serviced apartment residence Citadines Science Park which is also open for short staycation bookings, and of course, food and retail options.
Some confirmed standout food and beverage brands at Geneo include Olive & Peach, a new-to-market café specialising in coffee and focaccia sandwiches; Great Nanyang Heritage Café with old-school favourites; a Hawkerlab food court; Western-Thai fusion restaurant Citrus Kitchen; healthy DIY bowl kiosk Grains & Co.; Taiwanese eatery Xi Men Jie; Ha-Jun Korean; and Swensen's Unlimited with its buffets. Of course, you’ll also come across the usual chain outlets like Subway, Fun Toast, Pasta Express, Luckin Coffee, and Putien.
Connecting all five buildings is a high-ceilinged event plaza with tall wooden arches that resemble that of Europe’s grand cathedrals, and a 300-seater amphitheatre for performances and other activations. This area is conveniently linked straight to Kent Ridge MRT station along the yellow Circle Line.
Craving a pocket of calm amidst all the spreadsheets and lab work? Pop out for a breather at The Seed, a little green haven within Geneo that’s as much of a recreational garden hangout as it is a biological conservation site. Pick a chair and recline under the shade of trees as you admire the flowers and ginger plants all around.
Geneo is already open to the public, though some tenants may not be fully operational at the moment. Find out more about Geneo.
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