The stretch of land along the Singapore River where Liang Court once stood has undergone one of the most significant transformations in the Clarke Quay precinct. The closure of the Liang Court shopping centre in 2020 and the subsequent redevelopment into the mixed-use integrated development known as CanningHill Piers and CanningHill Square marks a new chapter for this riverside location. This article traces the redevelopment story from the initial announcement to the phased opening in 2024 and 2025, covering the master plan, architectural vision, residential component, and the evolving retail and dining landscape.

The End of an Era: Liang Court's Closure and the Announcement

Liang Court, a shopping centre that opened in 1984, had long been a fixture of the Clarke Quay area, housing the flagship Meidi-Ya supermarket and a mix of Japanese restaurants and retail outlets. By the late 2010s, the complex had aged significantly, and its retail offering struggled to compete with newer malls nearby. In 2018, the site's owner, a joint venture between CapitaLand and City Developments Limited (CDL), announced plans for a comprehensive redevelopment. The existing Liang Court complex, along with the Novotel Clarke Quay hotel and the Somerset Liang Court serviced residence, would be demolished to make way for a new integrated development.

The official announcement came in July 2019, when CapitaLand and CDL revealed that the entire 1.1-hectare site would be redeveloped into a mixed-use project comprising two residential towers, a hotel, a serviced residence, and a new retail and dining podium. The project was initially referred to as the Liang Court redevelopment before being officially named CanningHill Piers. The total development cost was estimated at approximately S$1.4 billion.

The Master Plan and Architectural Design

The redevelopment was designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm UNStudio, in collaboration with local firm Architects 61. UNStudio, based in Amsterdam, is known for its futuristic and sculptural designs, and the CanningHill Piers project is no exception. The master plan sought to create a seamless connection between the Singapore River, Fort Canning Park, and the surrounding urban fabric.

The design philosophy centred on three key principles: connectivity, porosity, and vertical integration. The development's podium, which houses CanningHill Square, is designed as a series of stepped terraces that rise from the riverbank towards Fort Canning Hill. This creates a visual and physical link between the water and the hill, allowing pedestrians to walk from the riverfront up to the park. The podium's architecture features a distinctive wave-like roof canopy made of aluminium fins, which provides shade and shelter while referencing the flowing water of the Singapore River.

The two residential towers, named CanningHill Piers, rise to 48 and 24 storeys respectively. The taller tower, Tower 1, reaches a height of 180 metres and offers panoramic views of the river, the city skyline, and Fort Canning Park. The shorter tower, Tower 2, is oriented to maximise views of the river and the surrounding low-rise heritage buildings. The towers are clad in a combination of glass and metal panels, with a colour palette that blends warm bronze and cool grey tones.

Key Design Features

  • Riverfront Promenade: A new 300-metre-long public promenade along the Singapore River, with seating areas, landscaping, and direct access to the water.
  • Sky Gardens: Each residential tower features sky gardens at various levels, offering residents communal spaces with greenery and views.
  • Heritage Integration: The design incorporates references to the site's history, including the preservation of a historic banyan tree and the use of materials that echo the nearby shophouses.
  • Pedestrian Bridges: Two new pedestrian bridges connect the development to Fort Canning Park and the Clarke Quay MRT station.

Residential Component: CanningHill Piers

The residential component of the development, CanningHill Piers, comprises 696 units. These range from one-bedroom apartments of approximately 500 square feet to four-bedroom penthouses of over 2,000 square feet. The launch of the residential units took place in November 2021, with prices starting from around S$1.8 million for a one-bedder and reaching over S$6 million for larger units. The average price per square foot at launch was approximately S$2,800, reflecting the premium location and the quality of the development.

The units are designed with a focus on indoor-outdoor living. Each apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and smart home systems. The larger units include private lifts and dual key layouts. The development also offers a full suite of facilities, including a 50-metre lap pool, a gym, a function room, and a children's play area. The facilities are spread across the podium's roof terraces and the sky gardens.

Sales of the residential units have been strong. By early 2023, over 80% of the units had been sold, with strong demand from both local upgraders and foreign buyers, particularly from China and Indonesia. The project is expected to receive its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in phases, with the first residents moving in by late 2024.

Hotel and Serviced Residence: Moxy and Somerset

In addition to the residential towers, the development includes two hospitality components. A 243-room Moxy hotel, part of Marriott International's brand, occupies the lower floors of the shorter residential tower. Moxy is a millennial-focused brand known for its playful, social atmosphere and compact rooms. The hotel's public spaces include a bar, a co-working lounge, and a rooftop terrace with views of the river. Room rates are expected to start from around S$200 per night, positioning it as a mid-range option for business and leisure travellers.

The second hospitality component is a 200-unit Somerset serviced residence, operated by The Ascott Limited. This replaces the former Somerset Liang Court serviced residence that was demolished. The new Somerset units range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, designed for extended stays. The serviced residence includes its own pool, gym, and concierge services. Rates are expected to start from around S$300 per night for a studio.

CanningHill Square: The Retail and Dining Podium

The retail and dining component of the development is named CanningHill Square. It occupies the podium levels, with a total net lettable area of approximately 100,000 square feet spread over three storeys. The retail mix is designed to cater to both residents and visitors, with a focus on F&B, lifestyle, and community spaces.

The anchor tenant for CanningHill Square is a new concept from the Japanese supermarket chain Meidi-Ya. The new store, which opened in early 2025, is significantly larger than the previous Liang Court outlet, at approximately 20,000 square feet. It features a full supermarket section, a fresh food counter, a deli, and a retail area for Japanese groceries, cosmetics, and household goods. The supermarket also includes a food hall with several Japanese restaurant concepts, including a sushi counter, a ramen bar, and a matcha café.

Other confirmed tenants include a mix of casual and fine-dining restaurants. Among the notable openings are a riverside outlet of the popular local chain PS.Cafe, a branch of the Japanese whisky bar The Single Cask, and a new concept from the Michelin-starred Labyrinth chef, Han Li Guang, called Born. The dining options are complemented by a number of lifestyle and retail stores, including a bookstore, a fitness studio, and a spa.

The retail podium is designed to be a destination in itself. The stepped terraces create multiple outdoor dining areas with views of the river and the park. The wave-like canopy provides shade, making the outdoor spaces usable even in Singapore's tropical climate. The development also includes a 1,500-square-metre public event space at the riverfront, intended for markets, performances, and community events.

Retail and Dining Highlights

  • Meidi-Ya Supermarket & Food Hall: 20,000 sq ft, Japanese grocery and dining.
  • PS.Cafe: Riverside outlet with all-day dining.
  • The Single Cask: Japanese whisky bar.
  • Born: New concept from chef Han Li Guang.
  • Book Bar: A combined bookstore and wine bar.
  • Ritual Gym: A boutique fitness studio.
  • ESPA: A luxury spa with river views.

Timeline and Phased Opening

The redevelopment of the Liang Court site has been a multi-year process. The timeline is as follows:

  • 2018: Announcement of redevelopment plans.
  • 2019: Demolition of Liang Court, Novotel Clarke Quay, and Somerset Liang Court begins.
  • 2020: Construction of the new development begins.
  • 2021: Launch of CanningHill Piers residential units.
  • 2024: Moxy hotel and Somerset serviced residence open.
  • 2025: CanningHill Square retail and dining podium opens, with Meidi-Ya as anchor tenant.

The phased opening allowed the hospitality components to start operating before the retail podium was fully completed. This strategy helped to build footfall and create a sense of activity in the area before the main retail launch. The Moxy hotel and Somerset serviced residence began welcoming guests in mid-2024, while CanningHill Square officially opened its doors in March 2025.

Impact on the Clarke Quay Precinct

The completion of CanningHill Piers and CanningHill Square has had a significant impact on the Clarke Quay precinct. The development has added a new residential population to the area, which had previously been dominated by hotels and serviced residences. This has increased the demand for amenities and services, and has helped to revitalise the riverfront.

The new retail and dining options at CanningHill Square have also complemented the existing offerings in the area. The development provides a more upscale and family-friendly alternative to the nightlife-focused Clarke Quay nightlife and dining scene, while also connecting to the more laid-back Robertson Quay walk and cafes. The pedestrian bridges and the improved riverfront promenade have made it easier to walk between the various quays, enhancing the overall connectivity of the area.

The development has also strengthened the link between the Singapore River and Fort Canning Park. The stepped terraces and the sky gardens provide a visual and physical connection, encouraging visitors to explore both the river and the hill. This has been further supported by the opening of a new entrance to Fort Canning Park from the development, which provides direct access to the park's walking trails and historical sites.

Comparison with the Former Liang Court

The transformation from Liang Court to CanningHill Piers is a stark one. Liang Court was a low-rise, inward-facing shopping centre with a dated design and a limited retail mix. CanningHill Piers, by contrast, is a high-rise, outward-facing development that prioritises connectivity, greenery, and a diverse range of uses. The new development is more than double the height of the old complex, and its gross floor area is significantly larger.

However, some elements of continuity remain. The presence of Meidi-Ya as an anchor tenant preserves a link to the site's history as a hub for Japanese groceries and dining. The new Meidi-Ya is a much larger and more modern store, but it retains the same focus on quality Japanese products. Similarly, the Somerset serviced residence brand continues, albeit in a new building with upgraded facilities.

For a more detailed look at the history of the original Liang Court, including its opening in the 1980s and its role in the Clarke Quay area, refer to our article on Liang Court's history from the 1980s to 2020.

Future Prospects and Community Integration

Looking ahead, CanningHill Piers and CanningHill Square are expected to become a key part of the Clarke Quay precinct. The development's mix of residential, hotel, and retail uses creates a vibrant, 24-hour environment. The public spaces, including the riverfront promenade and the event plaza, are designed to host community events and activities, which should help to build a sense of place.

The development also benefits from its proximity to Fort Canning MRT station on the Downtown Line, as well as Clarke Quay MRT station on the North East Line. This makes it easily accessible from across the island. The pedestrian connections to Fort Canning Park and the riverfront also make it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area.

The retail mix at CanningHill Square is expected to evolve over time, as the development matures and tenant leases are renewed. The focus on F&B and lifestyle is likely to continue, but there may be opportunities for new concepts, including pop-up stores, art galleries, and co-working spaces. The development's management has indicated a desire to create a