Plaza Singapura major revamp till late 2028, future of some retail workers uncertain: CNA

Plaza Singapura is set to begin an estimated S$160 million major revamp in August 2026.

The change has left mall retail workers unsure about what their future holds, they told CNA on Jul. 2.

Earlier reports stated that Hong Kong dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan and cinema chain Golden Village would be shutting their doors as part of the revamp.

The major revamp to Plaza Singapura, as well as The Atrium@Orchard, was first revealed on Apr. 24 at CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust's (CICT) first-quarter 2026 business update.

Phases of works

The mall's first phase of works is set to take place from August 2026 to March 2027, according to a Jul. 1 circular from mall operator CapitaLand to tenants, as seen by CNA.

This would include reconfiguration of retail and food and beverage (F&B) units, the linkway on level one, bridge works on level three, as well as reconfiguration works on level seven.

The travellators at the car park and common areas would also have work carried out.

CNA reported that from March 2027 to March 2028, as part of the second phase, there would be work at the first and fifth levels, and the car park and common areas.

The mall's escalators and travellators would also be upgraded from July 2027 to April 2028.

From February 2028 to October 2028, the third phase would include retail and F&B units on the basement floors being reconfigured as well as works in the common areas.

Engaging tenants progressively: CapitaLand

CapitaLand said in the circular that the mall would remain operational and open for business as usual.

"General access within Plaza Singapura and to your premises will be maintained and efforts will be put in to minimise disruptions to your business operations," said CapitaLand.

Upon visiting the mall on Jul. 2, CNA noted that while no closure signs were seen, workers of at least 10 shops said they were unsure about their future.

Other observations included several shops being due to close prior to the revamp, with some storefronts on levels one, two and three boarded up.

Speaking to CNA, CapitaLand said it had been engaging tenants progressively on the revamp since the start of 2026, informing them of the timeline and scope before works commence.

CapitaLand has been "working closely" with tenants on "suitable options tailored to their business needs", its spokesperson said.

Workers unsure of future

Golden Village had earlier announced in a press statement that six cinema halls will host their final screenings on Aug. 2, 2026, while the remaining halls will continue operating right up to the cinema's final day on Aug. 16, 2026.

In response to whether the outlet would potentially reopen at the mall in the future, a Golden Village spokesperson told CNA that they "don't have any confirmed plans to share" at the time.

A Pandora manager told CNA that he had reportedly been informed of the details of the revamp works for the first time through the circular.

He said his management is deciding between leaving before the end of their lease in October or extending their lease until the end of the year.

An earlier report noted that Tim Ho Wan's last day of operations would be Jul. 12, 2026.

Difficulty of relocating shops within mall

Secret Recipe told CNA that its outlet on the third floor of the mall would permanently close after its last day on Jul. 27.

An employee said some of the staff have worked for 10 or 15 years.

A fashion shop employee, who declined to be named, said she would be leaving together with two other staff members before the revamp begins.

She told CNA that she has already secured another job.