Canninghill Piers Review – An Iconic Integrated Development

In the evening, Clarke Quay becomes a huge night bazaar where visitors can be lost in a maze of dining and entertainment outlets. Clarke Quay is very accessible as it is served by two MRT stations – Clarke Quay (North-East Line) and Fort Canning (Downtown Line).

Singapore River

Singapore River

Canninghill Piers overlooks the Singapore River, which meanders through Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, and provides the central artery for the area’s vibrant nightlife scene. But the river offers its visitors more than just a picturesque destination for food and drinks. It also offers boat tours where they cruise up and down the entire length of the river. Traversing from one end at Marina Bay to the other end at Robertson Quay, these boat rides offer many interesting sights along the way.

These include historically important bridges such as Clemenceau Bridge and Anderson Bridge, as well as well-known Singapore landmarks such as the Asian Civilisation Museum, statues of Sir Stamford Raffles and Merlion, and the Esplanade where its spikey roof resembles a durian.

Unsurprisingly, the area has grown into one of Singapore’s must-visit tourist destination.

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park

Today, Fort Canning Park features nine historical gardens - the Pancur Larangan, Artisan’s Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park, Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden and Armenian Street Park. Across Canninghill Piers is Fort Canning Park, an iconic hilltop landmark in Singapore that had witnessed several historical events. The hill was previously home to 14th-century kings' palaces and served as the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks. The decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942 was also made on the hill, in the Underground Far East Command Centre commonly known as Battle Box.

The park was originally known as Bukit Larangan, or 'Forbidden Hill' in Malay. The 18-hectare park now boasts a plethora of activities, ranging from historical artifacts to outdoor lawns for concerts, as well as rich vegetation for nature lovers. Within it lies the boutique Hotel Fort Canning.

Other National Parks

Besides Fort Caning Park, Canninghill Piers also enjoys proximity to two national gardens - the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens - Established in 1859, it is the oldest garden in Singapore. Covering an area of 74-hectares, it was inscribed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site on 4 July 2015.

Today, its mission includes providing botanical and horticultural support for the nation’s greening plans, a centre for plant taxonomic and biodiversity research, as well as a recreational and educational attraction.

One of its highlights include The National Orchid Garden. Located on its highest hill, the three hectares of carefully landscaped slopes provide a setting for over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, with about 600 species and hybrids on display.

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by the Bay – The Gardens by the Bay is led by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who have been involved in the greening of Singapore and had worked alongside international and local experts to develop the Gardens.

Famed for its iconic Supertrees as well as Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, it is a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry. Beside showcasing various beautiful plants and flowers from different parts of the world, it also seeks to educate visitors on seldom seen plant species in this part of the world.

They range from species in cool, temperate climates to tropical rainforests and habitats. There are different themes and plant exhibits over the course of the year to provide a visual treat to visitors.

Canninghill Piers - Next to The Central Business District (CBD)

Marina Bay Financial Centre

The Canninghill Piers is located just beside the Central Business District (CBD) where many multi-national corporations (MNCs) are located. As such, it is one of the most prestigious and sought-after areas to own a property in Singapore, especially for investment due to the large catchment of existing high-earning tenants.

In fact, it is within walking distance (less than 15 minutes) of Singapore's financial centre, the 4th largest in the world. Alternatively, there are River Taxis that ply the whole stretch of the Singapore River, offering an alternative and interesting mode of transport.

This provides a fascinating work, live and play environment where a wide range of amenities such as shopping centres, entertainment spots, eateries and many others are within easy reach.

Four Historical Districts Near Canninghill Piers

Canninghill Piers is situated close to of Singapore's four Historical Districts – Boat Quay, Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.

The proximity to these historically, culturally and architecturally rich areas will provide a unique living experience not found elsewhere in Singapore. These areas are characterised by predominantly two- and three-storey shophouses, ranging from the Early Shophouse Style and Transitional Shophouse Style to the Art Deco Shophouse Style.

These carefully conserved shophouses showcase their fascinating Asian heritage and culture no other structures can. Hence, they are subjected to the strictest form of building conservation guidelines to preserve their diverse facades, rich ornamentation and distinctive architectural styles.

Boat Quay

Boat Quay

Today, it has become a major entertainment district filled with touristy bars, shops and menu-clutching touts luring the masses into their riverside restaurants. It is especially popular with working executives who frequented the place to entertain clients or chill out after a hard day's work.Boat Quay was once Singapore's centre of commerce well into the 1960s, but the place subsequently fell into ruins as the trading businesses shifted elsewhere. In the late 1970s, the Singapore government started cleaning up the river and its sources of pollution. And in 1989, the area and its shophouses were gazetted for conservation while the river bank was developed into a pedestrian mall.

Chinatown

Chinatown

Chinatown, situated south of the Singapore River, is the original settlement of the Chinese community in Singapore. It is just one station from either the Fort Canning or Clarke Quay MRT station.

The area’s proud heritage has remained very much on display. There are ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museums and plenty of interesting sights to appreciate its old-world charm. Many of its shophouses with their original texture and fabric are largely intact, depicting the simple lifestyles of the early immigrant community.

The Chinatown of today is much-beloved for its blend of old and new, where traditional medicinal halls sit alongside bold new bars and trendy lifestyle shops.

Little India

Little India

Little India, as the name signifies, is a popular place for the Indian community in Singapore to congregate. It is bounded by Serangoon Road, Sungei Road and Jalan Besar. The place was once used for agriculture and later for cattle trade. There was once a racecourse too.

To this day, this enclave of rich culture and unique heritage has remained. Most of its built fabric of the late 19th century or early 20th century is still largely intact.

The district is a tantalising blend of new and old, with contemporary street art and hip eateries operating alongside age-old temples and vendors selling a tantalising mix of spices, silk, flowers and handicrafts.

Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque at Kampong Glam

Historically one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters, the Kampong Glam of today is a fascinating blend of tradition and trendy lifestyle, while colourful street art adds to its beguilement.

It is bounded by Ophir Road, Victoria Street, Jalan Sultan and Beach Road. Traditionally, it was a Malay residential area with ethnic-based activities around Arab Street. Its unique characteristic lies in its unique streetscape and the large open spaces of the Istana Kampong Glam, a national monument.

In many of its conserved shophouses, visitors can find merchandise such as Persian carpets, traditional fabrics, colourful textiles, jewellery and handicrafts. Along with them are funky cafes and exotic restaurants that attract a varied crowd. These include Lebanese food to Turkish and Middle Eastern delights, as well as shisha/hookah joints.

An Excellent Public Transportation Network

Fort Canning MRT Station

Canninghill Piers is located above the Fort Canning MRT station (Downtown Line). It is also a short 8 minutes' walk to the Clark Quay MRT station (North-East Line). As they are closely linked to several MRT interchanges – Chinatown, Raffles Place, City Hall and Dhoby Ghaut – they provide excellent connectivity and convenient access to many parts of Singapore.

According to a study by the Department of Real Estate, School of Design and Environment at the National University of Singapore, properties within 600m of MRT stations and near interchanges are found to be more highly valued.

Besides MRT stations, Canninghill Piers is also close to major expressways such as Central Expressway (CTE), Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). All of them are just a short drive away.

At the same time, there are many public buses plying Clemenceau Avenue and River Valley Road. This will provide residents even more transportation choices, which make car ownership less of a necessity.

With such an excellent transportation network, it will help to reduce the time spent on commuting to work, study or run errands. Hence, residents will have more time for themselves and family, leading to a better quality of life.

A Plethora of Shopping & Dining Options

Although Canninghill Piers will have its own shopping podium, that’s not all! At its doorstep is Clarke Quay – a popular and hip entertainment and shopping spot that offers good food and  a unique shopping experience.

For example, visitors can shop at the Royal Selangor Pewter or discover funky jewellery and knick knacks from pushcarts that line the street. More shopping spots can be found at Riverside Point and Clarke Quay Central Mall nearby.

Riverside Point - It is home to some renowned brands and independent stores where visitors will find a huge collection of apparels, homeware, souvenirs and all kinds of accessories. There are also a number of eateries where visitors can grab a meal before continuing with their shopping spree.

Clarke Quay Central Mall – A tad further away along Eu Tong Sen Street, it is connected to the Clarke Quay MRT station. Boasting a 5-story retail podium, it is home to a range of gastronomical delights ranging from authentic Japanese cuisines, Chinese specialties to Western fare.

There are also an array of eclectic shops offering fashion and accessories, electronic goods, gifts and novelties, beauty parlours and many more. Clarke Quay Central also participates in the yearly Singapore River Festival held between August to September, where visitors can look forward to a host of exciting family friendly events and performances by the river.

Robertson Quay And Mohamed Sultan Road - Robertson Quay used to be one of the three largest wharfs along the Singapore River. The other two being Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.

But since the 1990s, the area has been repurposed for hotel, commercial and residential uses. Today, it has been transformed into a hip place filled with restaurants, pubs, cafes, upmarket condominiums, offices and recreational facilities. One of its distinctive landmarks is the Alkaff Bridge that has been turned into a piece of colourful art.

At night, it is a gem of an entertainment spot by the Singapore River that offers a tranquil ambience for dining or just to chill out with friends. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted a flourishing community of expatriates and locals into the neighbourhood.