Union Square Residences

Hot on the tails of Norwood Grand, CDL’s most recent launch that saw a remarkable take-up rate of 84% at Champions Way, Woodlands, is the same developer’s upcoming upscale launch in the Central Area known as Union Square Residences (USR). With 366 residential units, 134 co-living quarters, 65 commercial units (both F&B and retail), as well as a 20-storey tower of Grade A Offices, USR is set to transform the Clarke Quay area with this exciting integrated concept that allows one to work, live and play all within this cool enclave.

**Architectural mix of the vintage and modern**

A marriage between the old and new, USR is a seamless blend of uber modern energy-efficient green buildings juxtaposed with historic conservation shophouses that form a unique mixed development. It is the first of its kind to achieve BCA’s Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Certification, and is yet another accolade on top of the developer’s consistent Rank 1 grading for construction workmanship quality (CONQUAS - Construction Quality Assessment System) for its new builds over the recent years.

The architectural facade of this soaring development alone is a showstopper meant to knock one’s socks off with its first impressions. The two towers, one commercial and one residential, the latter up to 40-storeys, feature a distinctive u-shaped profile that represents the union of the two distinctive areas - Singapore River and the Central Business District. Merchant Road would also be pedestrianised, allowing one to enjoy the bustling Union Square with its diverse F&B offerings, and the charming Clarke Quay surrounds, on foot.

**Dry kitchen with cabinetry and MDI stone countertop**

The varied unit types, from the 463 sqft 1-bedders, to the 2476 sqft 5-bedroom sky suites and 4833 sqft penthouse, would offer lovely views of the city skyline. Worthy of special mention is the 1518 sqft 4-bedder, whose rooms would all offer awe-inspiring views of the Marina Bay Sands and spectacular fireworks displays on special national holidays. Because the architect has designed the layout to take advantage of the panorama, the living and dining areas would be a portrait layout, that would also offer a good efficiency of space.

The 1066 sqft 3-bedder should be a popular unit type, with the provision of both the wet and dry kitchens with ample countertop space, a good-sized master bedroom and bathroom and a squarish, usable balcony space. The dry kitchen comes with aesthetic cabinetry installed with sleek LED strip lighting and greyish see-through glass doors. The counter-tops are made of MDI (Mineral Design Innovation) engineered stone from Spain that is anti-bacterial and anti-stain, and it is the same material used generously for the large format tiles for flooring, and for the backsplash in both the kitchens and the bathrooms. The 743 sqft 2-bedder plus study showflat also looks very liveable with a good width for its living and dining areas, an L-shaped kitchen, and a generously-sized master bedroom that can comfortably fit a king-sized bed with 2 side tables, together with a spacious master bathroom. The common bedrooms, by comparison, are generally a tad smallish at 8.9 sqm, but the smaller floor plates would also imply a more accessible price quantum.

**Sky Pool overlooking the Singapore River**

Facilities-wise, the Sky Pool, Sky Gym and Clubhouse are all situated on the 34th storey, offering gorgeous views of the Singapore River and its quaint conservation shophouses. The third level houses yet more amenities including a Lap Pool, a Kids’ Clubhouse, a Lounge and a Yoga and Steam Room, all meant to maximise the residents’ enjoyment. USR, with its deluge of food and entertainment options within the enclave and around, would also appeal to the urbanite who wants to embrace a vibrant lifestyle that would be the envy of outsiders. There is no other location so central, that is also conveniently served by 3 MRT stations within walking distance.

As USR sits at the fringe of the CBD, it is an attractive rental location for locals and expats alike who may work nearby, and this is a strong consideration for investors who want to maximise their rental yield and minimise the downtime when their units may be untenanted. The estimated average of a $3200+ psf price tag also means the entry-price for a 1-bedder would be about $1.4M to $1.5M, a 2-bedder may be priced around $2.1M and up, and a 1066 sqft 3-bedder would be around $3.2M thereabouts. The diverse price ranges should suit the affordability of many buyers, for own stay and investment alike. In essence, CDL’s third rejuvenation initiative in the Central Area to transform the cityscape (the first being Canninghill Piers, and the second, Newport) should prove to be a resounding success indeed, when it reaches TOP in early 2029.

Nava Grove