Robertson Opus Condo Review

The Robertson Opus Review: 999-Year Mixed Development at Robertson Quay

This is a property review of The Robertson Opus, a luxury mixed development located at Unity Street in vibrant Robertson Quay, Singapore’s prime District 9.

This 999-year leasehold project is a joint redevelopment of the former Robertson Walk and Fraser Place Robertson Walk sites by Frasers Property and Sekisui House. The approximately 26,371 sqm site will offer 348 residential units and 4,293 sqm retail space, providing an exciting mix of dining and entertainment options.

This aligns with the Singapore Government’s broader rejuvenation plans for the Singapore River Planning Area, which includes Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, which have witnessed two mixed developments being launched – Canninghill Piers and Union Square Residences.

The property review of The Robertson Opus will provide insights into the following:

Why Invest in The Robertson Opus?

  • Reputable Developers: Jointly developed by Frasers Property and Sekisui House, award-winning developers of FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence and many others.
  • Prime Location: Coveted District 9 address and situated in the heart of vibrant Robertson Quay along the historical Singapore River.
  • Upscale Facilities: Extensive facilities amid lush landscaping.
  • Beautiful Views: Panoramic Views of Singapore River and the city’s skyline.
  • Legacy Planning: Rare 999-year leasehold tenure ensures lasting value.
  • Transport Connectivity: Just a 7-minute walk to Fort Canning MRT station on the Downtown Line.
  • Proximity to CBD: A 5-minute drive to the Central Business District.
  • Amenities: Integrated with 4,293 sqm of retail space featuring F&B and entertainment options, plus more in the surrounding areas.
  • Shopping: A short drive to Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Chinatown, Dhoby Ghaut, and Orchard Road.
  • Recreation: A short walk to Fort Canning Park and convenient access to popular attractions like Merlion Park, Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, and many others.
  • Education: Within a 2 km radius of top schools and educational institutions such as River Valley Primary School, School of the Arts, and Singapore Management University.
  • Investment Potential: To benefit from the Singapore Government’s rejuvenation plans for the Singapore River area and Orchard Road.

A Brief Background of Robertson Quay

Robertson Quay is one of Singapore's most curious enclaves, where the whispers of history blend with a cosmopolitan, contemporary vibe.

Robertson Quay

Robertson Quay

In the past, it was a busy trading hub but has been transformed into a vibrant residential and lifestyle enclave popular with expatriates and professionals. Its unique charm lies with an interesting mix of trendy condominiums, low-rise apartments, and former warehouses that have been repurposed into upscale cafes, art galleries and gourmet restaurants.

Compared to Clarke Quay's livelier atmosphere, Robertson Quay has a more relaxed and calming feel. Residents also enjoy tranquil riverside promenades, lush greenery, jogging trails, and vibrant nightlife all within a short walk.

This unique blend of charm, convenient location, and lifestyle amenities makes Robertson Quay one of Singapore’s most desirable urban residential enclaves.

 

URA Master Plan for Singapore River Precinct

Singapore River and Clarke Quay

Singapore River and Clarke Quay

The Urban Redevelopment Authority's master plan aims to develop the Singapore River precinct into a vibrant waterfront lifestyle destination.

A key focus is to enhance the quality of waterfront city living, transforming the area into a central hub of activity by capitalising on its distinctive historic heritage and river frontage.

Some of the key components of the master plan include:

  • Enhanced Pedestrian Connectivity: A tree-lined 3km promenade along both river banks connecting the three distinct subzones – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. Bridges also enhance the public spaces, making them pedestrian-friendly. In addition, a comprehensive underground network with covered walkways and through-block links provides convenient, comfortable, and all-weather connections.
  • Promotion of Lively Public Areas: Encourage activity-generating uses such as retail and food & beverage at the first storey, particularly those facing the river. Outdoor Refreshment Areas along the promenade are also encouraged. Public areas must be accessible and well-landscaped to create vibrant precincts.
  • Integrated and Green Urban Fabric: New developments must complement the existing scale, character, and conserved heritage buildings. Landscaping, including sky terraces and roof gardens, is required for the greening of the city. Careful consideration must also be given to screen service areas and car parks away from the promenade to maintain an attractive streetscape.

 

About the Property Developers

The Robertson Opus is a collaborative effort between Frasers Property Limited and Sekisui House Ltd in a 51:49 joint venture. Both entities are recognised for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in real estate.

Frasers Property and Sekisui House have collaborated since 2011. They have leveraged their combined expertise and development capabilities to deliver various mixed-use and residential projects.

Frasers Property Limited: Headquartered in Singapore, it is one of Singapore’s leading real estate developers. Its portfolio spans across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Known for its well-planned, high-quality projects, some of its latest residential developments in Singapore include The Orie, Sky Eden @ Bedok and Parc Greenwich.

Sekisui House Ltd: A leading Japanese property developer established in 1960, it has a strong global presence and specialises in sustainable and technologically advanced housing solutions. This demonstrates its commitment to green and modern living. Some of its residential developments include One Holland Village, Seaside Residences, and Watertown.

 

What are the Prices for The Robertson Opus?

The prices for The Robertson Opus are not available yet. However, judging from the recent sale of Union Square Residences and Hill House nearby, The Robertson Opus is likely to sell at an average price of $3,300 psf to $3,400 psf.

Union Square Residences, a 99-year leasehold project, has transacted at an average price of $ 3,174 psf, while a 2-bedder at Hill House, a 999-year project, has been sold at $3,420 psf.

 

Where is The Robertson Opus Located?

The Robertson Opus Location

The Robertson Opus Map Location

The Robertson Opus is located at 11 Unity Street in the heart of Robertson Quay in Singapore’s prime District 9. Directly opposite it is UE Square, a residential cum commercial development.

The area is known for its convenience, seamlessly blending city living with waterfront appeal, cultural vibrancy, and a lively nightlife scene.

Sandwiched between Mohamed Sultan Road and Clemenceau Avenue, it offers a mix of lively bars, gourmet restaurants, and affordable local fare. It is also a popular place for a casual stroll or biking along the Singapore River.

In addition, it is near Singapore’s historical districts of Boat Quay and Chinatown, as well as the Civic District.

 

Amenities Near The Robertson Opus

Robertson Quay offers a seductive blend of diverse riverside dining and vibrant atmosphere. This attracts residents and visitors alike with its exquisite food, lively atmosphere, and scenic allure along the Singapore River.

  • Culinary Delights: An extensive range of cuisines, from sophisticated French bistros and lively Mexican restaurants to genuine Japanese sushi and traditional Italian foods, offers a varied dining experience. Numerous restaurants have alfresco dining for a leisure meal while enjoying the evening breeze.
  • Evening Entertainment: At sundown, bars and pubs come alive for socialising after a hard day’s work.
  • Cultural and Recreational Experiences: Art lovers can visit art galleries like STPI, while the colourful Alkaff Bridge offers a lovely walk.
  • River Cruises: Glide along the Singapore River to enjoy captivating city views and historical landmarks.
  • Shopping Options: Shopping centres such as CQ @ Clarke Quay and Clarke Quay Central along the Singapore River offer a diverse retail experience. More shopping and lifestyle options will be available when Canninghill Piers and Union Square Residences, both mixed developments, are completed. In addition, Chinatown and Orchard Road are just a short bus ride from The Robertson Opus.
Robertson Quay Riverside Dining

Robertson Quay Riverside Dining

CQ @ Clarke Quay Shopping

CQ @ Clarke Quay Shopping

Leisure and Recreational Options Near The Robertson Opus

Residents of The Robertson Opus enjoy convenient access to a variety of recreational options. These include the following:

  • Fort Canning Park: A short walk from the development, it offers a nature-inspired play area with log obstacles, slides built into the slopes, climbing nets, and swings. Its sandy ground encourages creative play for children of all ages.
  • Jubilee Park: Located at the foot of Fort Canning Park, it features open lawns for play, water play areas for children, providing a fun day out for families.
  • Leisure Attractions: Numerous attractions are just a short bus or train ride away. These include ArtScience Museum, the National Gallery of Singapore, Merlion Park, and many more.
Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park

Jubilee Playground at Fort Canning Park

Jubilee Playground at Fort Canning Park

Schools and Educational Institutions Near The Robertson Opus

Residents of The Robertson Opus enjoy plenty of educational options. For children entering Primary 1, several primary schools are located within a 2 km radius, providing them priority admission under the Ministry of Education’s distance-based allocation system. These schools are:

  • River Valley Primary School.
  • Alexandra Primary School.
  • Anglo-Chinese School (Junior).
  • Cantonment Primary School.
  • St Margaret Primary School.
  • Zhangde Primary School.

For older students, some of the secondary schools nearby include:

  • Crescent Girls’ School.
  • Gan Eng Seng Secondary.
  • Outram Secondary School.
  • School of the Arts (SOTA).
Alexandra Primary School

Alexandra Primary School

School of the Arts (SOTA)

School of the Arts (SOTA).

For tertiary education, the Singapore Management University and the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) are just one stop away from Fort Canning MRT station.

Singapore Management University (SMU)

Singapore Management University (SMU)

University of the Arts (UAS)

International Schools

The Robertson Opus presents a compelling opportunity for investors due to its strategic location near numerous international schools, which will drive strong rental demand from expatriate families.

Moreover, given its proximity to the Central Business District and Marina Bay Financial Centre, a ready pool of tenants is available.

In view of the substantial 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) imposed on foreign purchasers of private residential properties in Singapore, most non-residents are expected to opt for renting rather than buying, further underpinning the project's rental prospects.

Below are some of the international schools nearby that offer a wide range of international curricula:

  • Dimensions International College (River Valley Road).
  • Furen International School (Claymore Hill).
  • Knightsbridge House International School (Jalan Bukit Merah).
  • HWA International School @MSQ Campus (Raffles Boulevard).
  • ISS International School (Preston Road).

 

Investment Potential of The Robertson Opus

The Robertson Opus offers several compelling investment factors that will appeal to property investors and homeowners. Here’s a recap:

  • A coveted District 9 address.
  • A 999-year development for legacy planning.
  • URA’s rejuvenation plans are expected to underpin property values.
  • A quaint and pleasant living environment beside the historical Singapore River.
  • Highly convenient location near a wide range of amenities.
  • Proximity to major shopping areas such as Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, City Hall, and Marina Bay.
  • Excellent transport connectivity, with Fort Canning MRT station nearby.
  • Proximity to the Central Business District and Marina Bay Financial Centre ensures a ready pool of tenants.

 

Comparative Market Analysis

Nevertheless, let’s conduct a comparative market analysis of a sample of properties in Robertson Quay to assess The Robertson Opus’ investment potential.

This will involve assessing the average price trends (psf) of four properties to gain an insight into The Robertson Opus’s investment potential. These four Properties are:

Robertson Opus - A Comparative Market Analysis of Condos Nearby

A Comparative Market Analysis (Average Price Trends)

Project Tenure Launch Date Average Price Gain Since Launch (psf)
River Place 99-year leasehold April 1997 +89.14%
The Pier at Robertson Freehold April 2003 +188.53%
Rivergate Freehold February 2005 +183.55%
Watermark Robertson Quay Freehold March 2005 +179.27%

The data above indicates that properties in Robertson Quay have shown strong capital appreciation over the long term. The Pier at Robertson has performed the best (+188.53%), while River Place has the lowest appreciation rate (+89.14%).

However, a caveat is that River Place is the oldest of the four properties. As a property ages, the rate of capital appreciation usually tapers off, especially for 99-year leasehold developments as their leases run down.

Hence, The Robertson Opus, being a 999-year development in the same area, is well-positioned to benefit from similar long-term value growth.

 


 

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Posted in Core Central Region, New Properties.

Lance Kuan is an Associate Marketing Manager at Huttons Asia Pte Ltd, one of the largest property agencies in Singapore (Registration No. R062704Z).

With almost 30 years of experience in banking, investment and market analysis, Lance Kuan now find immense pleasure helping others in property investment and asset progression.

His blog - Sg Home Investment - offers essential property reviews, research, guides, and a wide range of resources to help buyers make an informed investment decision. Please feel free to WhatsApp Lance Kuan if you have any queries about the real estate market in Singapore.