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Compass One

Compass One is a suburban shopping mall situated in the town centre of Sengkang, Singapore, at 1 Sengkang Square. Originally developed by Frasers Centrepoint and opened as Compass Point on 1 August 2002, it was integrated with the nearby Sengkang MRT/LRT station and residential developments. The mall spans a gross floor area of approximately 24,000 square metres across eight levels, housing over 200 stores including anchor tenants such as Cold Storage supermarket and Kiddy Palace toy store. In 2015, Real Estate, the real estate investment arm of Prudential's Investments, acquired full ownership of the property for around S$80.3 million after Frasers Centrepoint exited the . The mall closed for an 11-month renovation starting October 2015 and reopened on 1 September 2016 under its current name, Compass One, with 50 new retailers added, including electronics chain and eyewear store Owndays. The revamp emphasized family-friendly features, such as enhanced dining options and connectivity to public transport, catering to Sengkang's young demographic. Compass One continues to serve as a key retail hub for the community, offering a mix of , food and beverage outlets, and services, with recent updates including the 2024 reopening of the Kopitiam inspired by the area's fishing port heritage. Managed by , it remains a vital part of the integrated , accessible via multiple lines and bus services.

Overview

Location and Site

Compass One is situated at 1 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545078. Its geographical coordinates are 1°23′32″N 103°53′43″E. The mall occupies a central position in the suburban town centre of New Town, a planned in northeastern developed by the (HDB). It is adjacent to residential developments such as the Compass Heights , providing direct access for nearby residents. The is also in proximity to Sengkang Riverside Park, within walking distance, enhancing the area's recreational offerings. As part of a , Compass One integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric, including the adjacent and LRT stations on the North East Line and LRT network, as well as serving the needs of the town's extensive estates. This connectivity supports the daily lives of over 260,000 residents in as of 2020.

Physical Characteristics

Compass One is an eight-level shopping mall located in , , with a gross floor area of approximately 24,000 (258,000 sq ft). Developed by Frasers Centrepoint, the mall was constructed at an initial cost of S$230 million in 2002 values, marking a significant in suburban . The facility accommodates approximately 200 stores across its levels, including four anchor tenants that serve as key draws for shoppers. This scale supports a diverse range of and offerings, contributing to the mall's operational in a residential-heavy area. The post-renovation layout has slightly adjusted the net lettable area while maintaining the overall structural footprint. Originally designed as Singapore's first suburban mall with a "learning" theme, it featured educational panels and programs for young families; post-2016 renovation, it emphasizes family-oriented spaces. This conceptual focus integrates retail with interactive elements to enhance visitor engagement beyond traditional shopping.

History

Development and Opening

The development of Compass Point, now known as Compass One, formed a key component of the broader expansion of Sengkang New Town, which began in the late 1990s under the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to accommodate growing residential needs in northeastern Singapore. This planning phase integrated commercial amenities with public housing and transport infrastructure to foster a self-sufficient suburban community. Construction of the mall proceeded in tandem with the adjacent and LRT stations, as well as the Compass Heights condominium, creating an interconnected town center hub. The project emphasized seamless urban connectivity, with the mall's design aligning directly with the transport nodes to support daily commuter and resident access. Compass Point officially opened on 1 August 2002, marking a milestone in 's maturation as a vibrant . Conceived as a thematic suburban mall targeting young families in the burgeoning neighborhood, it prioritized educational retail outlets, community event spaces, and family-oriented amenities to cater to the area's demographic of new homeowners. Positioned as Singapore's first learning-themed mall, Compass Point featured educational displays, informative posters, and dedicated zones for interactive learning activities, which helped draw initial footfall primarily from nearby residents seeking convenient, family-focused shopping experiences. This approach aligned with the mall's role in supporting Sengkang's community-building efforts during its early years.

Ownership Changes and Renovation

Compass Point, as the mall was then known, closed on 26 October 2015 for a comprehensive renovation following the announcement of ownership changes. The mall had originally been developed as a joint venture between Frasers Centrepoint Limited and M&G Real Estate, with M&G holding a majority stake since 2002. In December 2015, M&G Real Estate acquired the remaining 18.99% stake from Frasers Centrepoint for a total consideration of S$80.3 million (including S$19.6 million in cash and S$60.7 million in novated intercompany loans), finalizing the buyout in February 2016 and becoming the sole owner. Frasers Centrepoint subsequently ceased management of the property. Following the closure, the mall was temporarily renamed 1 Mall, but this was changed to Compass One in May 2016 after receiving public criticism. The renovation, costing an undisclosed amount, transformed the mall's interior over 11 months, replacing its original learning-themed design—featuring educational panels and nautical elements—with a modern, contemporary suburban retail aesthetic to better appeal to local families and shoppers. Key updates included an improved layout for enhanced customer flow, the addition of over 50 new retailers among a total of 180 specialty stores, and the introduction of a play deck on Level 4 with wet and dry playgrounds. The mall reopened on 1 September 2016 under its new name, Compass One, which management selected to retain a sense of familiarity while signaling a fresh start. These changes positioned Compass One as a more vibrant community hub, boosting its attractiveness to residents through diversified retail options and family-oriented amenities, including the relocated and expanded Public Library spanning two levels.

Design and Facilities

Architectural and Interior

Compass One features a modern mixed-use facade that seamlessly integrates with the adjacent and LRT stations, facilitating pedestrian flow and urban connectivity. The external structure employs extensive glass elements across its eight-storey profile, allowing natural light to penetrate the building and enhance visibility for surrounding public spaces. The interior layout centers around a multi-level atrium , with escalators connecting open communal spaces across four floors above ground. Following the 2016 renovation, a new atrium was introduced on the second level, while the original first-level atrium was repurposed into expanded areas with wider walkways and brighter color schemes to improve and ambiance. These updates also incorporated family-friendly zoning, including dedicated play areas and enhanced accessibility features. Thematic elements from the original 2002 design included subtle nautical motifs reflecting Sengkang's aesthetic, which have been retained in vestigial forms amid the evolution to a more versatile environment under the post-renovation "A Beautiful Blossom" concept. Sustainability features encompass basic energy-efficient and improved systems, contributing to the mall's achievement of a Green Mark Gold rating for reduced electrical, water, and waste consumption. No major additional green certifications have been noted beyond this standard. The overall capacity design is engineered for high footfall, with the eight floors—including four retail levels and four basement parking tiers—optimized for efficient vertical distribution of shopper traffic and vertical circulation via escalators and elevators.

Retail Tenants and Amenities

Compass One features four major anchor tenants that form the core of its retail offerings: the Cold Storage supermarket on Basement 1, providing a wide range of groceries and household essentials; Popular Bookstore on Level 3, offering books, stationery, and educational materials; Kopitiam food court on Level 4, serving local hawker-style cuisine with over 20 stalls; and the Sengkang Public Library spanning Levels 3 and 4, which serves as a key community resource. In October 2024, the Kopitiam food court reopened after a two-month renovation, introducing over 15 new hawker stalls and a design inspired by Sengkang's fishing port heritage. The mall houses over 200 stores and services, including approximately 180 specialty tenants focused on everyday needs and leisure. These encompass fashion outlets from local and international brands such as and Cotton On, electronics retailers like , and service providers including banks and clinics, reflecting a post-2016 revamp that introduced over 50 new tenants to diversify the mix with both regional favorites and global names. Dining options extend beyond the anchor to include casual eateries like and fast-food chains such as , primarily concentrated on Levels 1 through 4 to cater to quick meals and family outings. Community amenities enhance the mall's role as a neighborhood , with the 2,136 m² Public Library—reopened on 18 March 2017—featuring dedicated reading areas, a tween section, and programs for all ages to promote among residents. On Level 4, a children's play deck known as the Ninja Trail offers 17 interactive features, including wet and dry playground elements designed for ages 2 to 12, encouraging family visits and active play. Event spaces in the atrium and open areas host regular promotions, community gatherings, and seasonal activities, fostering . As the primary retail destination for Sengkang's estimated 267,600 residents in 2025, Compass One emphasizes accessible shopping and leisure, supporting daily necessities while integrating community-focused facilities to strengthen local ties.

Access and Connectivity

Public Transportation

Compass One is seamlessly integrated with Singapore's public transportation network, primarily through its direct connection to the MRT and LRT stations, facilitating easy access for commuters in the northeastern region. The mall is built directly above MRT station (NE16) on the North East Line, which provides services to key destinations such as Dhoby Ghaut and HarbourFront in central and southern . Adjacent to this is the LRT station (STC), the terminus for both the LRT and LRT lines, which serve residential areas in and with frequent automated services. These rail facilities opened concurrently with the mall's early operations in 2003, enhancing connectivity from the outset. Complementing the rail links, Compass One benefits from its integration with the Bus Interchange, located within the same complex, which serves as a major hub for and bus services. Key routes such as (to HarbourFront), 81 (to ), and 87 (to ) connect the interchange to central business districts and other town centers, with additional services like 83, 86, 159, and 163 providing local and express options to nearby estates and the city. This setup supports efficient mass transit for residents, with buses operating at high frequencies during peak hours to accommodate commuters from surrounding housing developments. Pedestrian connectivity is optimized through covered walkways that link the and LRT station platforms directly to the mall's entrances on Level 1 and Basement 1, ensuring sheltered and convenient access regardless of weather conditions. These climate-controlled pathways, integrated into the station's public areas, allow seamless transitions for shoppers and promote high reliance on , particularly among peak-hour users from adjacent residential areas.

Parking and Pedestrian Access

Compass One features multi-level underground across Basements 2 and 3, accommodating approximately 700 spaces available 24 hours daily. Standard rates in 2025 for cars are S$1.50 for the first hour, followed by S$0.80 for each subsequent 30-minute period, with no applied; motorcycles incur a flat fee of S$1.40 per entry, while heavy vehicles are subject to additional charges. Vehicle entry points are accessible from and Compassvale Road, facilitating convenient approach from surrounding thoroughfares such as East Way. A designated drop-off zone at Basement 1, located near the , allows for brief stops with a 15-minute . Pedestrian access to the mall is supported through multiple ground-level entrances linked by sidewalks and covered walkways from adjacent HDB estates in 's , including direct connections to residential developments like Compass Heights. Accessibility is enhanced with ramps, lifts, tactile guidance systems, and priority parking bays reserved for persons with disabilities.

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