Listed property group City Developments (CDL) clinched the Top Developer Award for the ninth consecutive year at the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2025. It also received the Sustainable Developer Award, marking a double win that reinforces CDL’s leadership in quality and sustainability.

“Being the only developer to achieve this milestone reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative developments that create lasting value,” says Chia Ngiang Hong, group general manager of CDL. “It’s a testament to the trust of our customers and partners, the dedication of our employees, and the strong relationships we’ve built with stakeholders for over 60 years.”

CDL also picked up multiple project awards for Union Square, its upcoming mixed-use development on Havelock Road, and The Orie, a high-rise condominium jointly developed with Frasers Property and Sekisui House.

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Chia attributes CDL’s success to its willingness to undertake complex, large-scale mixed-use projects such as The Quayside Isle in Sentosa Cove, South Beach along Beach Road (in a joint venture with IOI Properties Group),and Sengkang Grand Residences and Mall (in a joint venture with CapitaLand Development). These were secured through the government land sales (GLS) under the two-envelope tender system, which emphasises design and concept over price.

“We focus on areas where our developments can uplift and transform the surrounding precinct,” says Chia.

Unlocking value in ageing assets

Beyond GLS sites, CDL actively redevelops its own ageing assets through the URA’s incentive schemes. “What sets CDL apart,” Chia explains, “is our ability to unlock hidden value in underutilised assets by reimagining them for today’s and tomorrow’s lifestyles.”

A case in point is Union Square, a redevelopment of the former Central Mall and Central Square. The project will comprise 366 residential units, a Grade-A office tower, a co-living component, and retail and F&B spaces — revitalising the Singapore River precinct. Launched last November, the project is 37% sold at an average price of $3,197 psf, based on caveats lodged.

Similarly, NewPort Plaza (the redevelopment of Fuji Xerox Towers on Anson Road) will feature luxury residences, serviced apartments, offices, and retail within a 47-storey tower in Tanjong Pagar. “Both Union Square and NewPort Plaza exemplify how we bring together residential, retail, hospitality, and community uses in a synergistic way,” says Chia.

In May 2024, CDL acquired Delfi Orchard en bloc for $439 million. The group already owned 84% of the strata-titled commercial and residential units in the mixed-use development prior to the acquisition.

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The neighbouring 656-key Orchard Hotel Singapore and Claymore Connect mall are currently held by CDL Hospitality Trusts, which acquired them on a 75-year lease from July 19, 2006. However, CDL has retained the freehold reversionary interest in both properties.

With the acquisition, CDL now controls a prime cluster fronting Orchard Road — including Orchard Hotel Singapore, Claymore Connect and the adjoining Delfi Orchard — enabling the group to “unlock the full potential of this prime freehold asset”, noted group CEO Sherman Kwek in a statement. The company is exploring potential redevelopment under the URA’s Strategic Development Incentive Scheme in the near future.

In the meantime, Chia says the focus is on optimising and “sweating” the assets to maximise income. “This ensures we generate strong returns in the near term while maintaining optionality for longer-term repositioning,” he adds.

Legacy of placemaking

Since its founding in 1963, CDL has honed the art of executing complex urban developments — from design and approvals to stakeholder engagement and construction, says Chia. “By embracing a multi-generational perspective, we align our large-scale, mixed-use projects with Singapore’s urban transformation goals to uplift entire precincts,” he explains.

CDL’s footprint along the Singapore River and River Valley neighbourhood has helped shape the area through residential developments such as the 175-unit Tribeca (completed in 2010), the 201-unit The Pier at Robertson Quay (2006), and the 540-unit Irwell Hill Residences (2024).

For more than half a century, it has also defined the riverfront skyline with hospitality landmarks such as the 311-room Copthorne King’s Hotel (early 1970s), the 549-room Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel (1999) and the 360-room Studio M (2010).

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“The Singapore River and River Valley precinct has always held a special place in CDL’s development journey,” Chia reflects. “Each generation of projects allows us to reimagine and rejuvenate the district while enhancing its charm and connectivity.”

That legacy continues with its new generation of mixed-use developments — CanningHill Piers, Union Square Residences, and the upcoming Zyon Grand.

Large-scale, mixed-use projects are not just about real estate; they are opportunities for placemaking and to create vibrant ecosystems, adds Chia.

Zyon Grand: New landmark in the Zion Road–River Valley area

Previewed on Oct 8 and set to launch on Oct 25, Zyon Grand will offer 706 units starting from $2,689 psf. The residences are housed in two 62-storey towers atop a retail podium directly linked to Havelock MRT Station.

The site was awarded to CDL and Mitsui Fudosan for $1.107 billion ($1,202 psf per plot ratio or ppr) in April 2024 — a figure notably below three nearby sites that were transacted between $1,304 and $1,420 psf ppr.

“Our bid reflects CDL’s conviction in Singapore’s long-term fundamentals and the site’s unique locational attributes,” says Chia. “It’s at the doorstep of Havelock MRT, near Great World, the Singapore River, and Tiong Bahru’s heritage and food scene — making it one of the most desirable districts for residents and investors alike.”

Zyon Grand will also pioneer Singapore’s new SA2 long-stay serviced apartment category, offering 350 units in a 36-storey block. “It aligns with our broader vision of building a recurring income platform,” Chia adds.

Since venturing into the living sector in 2019, CDL has built a sizeable and diversified portfolio across the private rented sector (PRS) and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) segments, with assets in Singapore, Japan, and the UK. As at June 30, 2025, this global living portfolio comprises 7,850 PRS units and PBSA beds, with a combined gross development value of $3.9 billion.

Pioneering new lifestyles and sustainability

CDL has long been at the forefront of creating new urban lifestyles. In 2004, it launched The Sail @ Marina Bay, a 1,111-unit condo in Singapore's new Downtown and the tallest residential tower in the city at the time — setting a benchmark for inner-city living.

It was followed by St. Regis Residences Singapore, the city-state’s first hospitality-branded residences adjoining the 299-room St Regis Singapore Hotel. The 173-unit luxury condo made its debut in May 2006.

Today, CDL’s portfolio spans all market segments, including executive condos (ECs). In August 2025, the group secured two EC sites — at Woodlands Drive 17 and Senja Close — for $782 psf ppr and $771 psf ppr, respectively, adding 726 new units to its development pipeline.

Recent ECs such as the 512-unit Lumina Grand (launched in January 2024) and the 639-unit Copen Grand (launched in 2022) have been fully sold, reaffirming strong demand. “ECs remain a compelling alternative to private condominiums, supported by a steady pool of eligible buyers and limited supply,” says Chia.

Sustainability continues to anchor CDL’s philosophy. Lumina Grand, for instance, incorporates passive cooling, low-carbon materials, and energy-efficient systems, while Norwood Grand in Woodlands features biophilic landscaping and apartments with flexible study spaces.

“Homebuyers today prioritise comfort, wellness, and liveability,” Chia observes. “Post-pandemic shifts have influenced our designs — with more adaptable layouts, communal spaces that foster interaction, and green features that promote well-being.”

For CDL, the twin wins at the EPEA 2025 attest to more than just its track record — they reflect a legacy built on foresight, innovation, and responsibility. As the group continues to evolve with the city, its mission remains unchanged: to create enduring spaces that enhance communities and contribute to a more sustainable Singapore.

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