At the corner of Bukit Timah Road and Farrer Road, a stone’s throw away from the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, stands Serene Centre. Built in the 1980s, the four-storey mixed-use development features an eclectic mix of cafés, eateries, and retail outlets on the first two floors that have become well-loved fixtures in the neighbourhood.

The freehold development sits on a 32,225 sq ft site, with a gross floor area of 47,475 sq ft. While the retail outlets occupy the first two floors, the upper floors are designated for residential use.

In February 2024, the development was sold for $105 million to Apricot Capital, the family office of David Teo, founder of instant beverage maker Super Group. Homegrown co-living operator The Assembly Place (TAP) was subsequently appointed to manage the property. Since then, Serene Centre has been undergoing extensive refurbishments that include the conversion of the apartments into co-living spaces and a refresh of the retail areas.

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The updated property will feature 86 serviced apartments on the upper floors, complemented by communal facilities such as kitchens, utility rooms and lounge areas. Besides having access to the retail offerings at Serene Centre, residents will also be close to several other lifestyle amenities.

Located in the prime Bukit Timah neighbourhood, the development is a four-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens MRT Station, an interchange for the Downtown and Circle lines. Adjacent to Serene Centre is Cluny Court, which has several cafés and eateries, while Adam Food Centre, located across the road, offers a diverse mix of hawker stalls.

Serene Centre marks TAP’s first venture into retail mall management. “This move is in line with our longer-term growth strategy as we continue to expand on our co-living concepts,” says Eugene Lim, founder and CEO of TAP, in a February 2024 press release.

Desmond Sim, CEO of Realion (OrangeTee & ETC) Group and a member of the judging panel for the EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2025, says the decision to transform Serene Centre into a co-living development is “unsurprising.”

He believes Serene Centre’s proximity to lifestyle amenities and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, along with its strong connectivity, will be a major draw for professionals working in the CBD as well as city-fringe areas such as one-north.

Already, the development has also generated buzz among the public. At the EPEA this year, Serene Centre was voted the People’s Choice for co-living projects, garnering 51.4% of the total votes.

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"We are heartened to receive the People’s Choice Award for Serene Centre - a mixed development with co-living serviced apartments," says TAP's Lim.. Together with the asset owner, Apricot Capital, Lim intends to turn the new Serene Centre into "an iconic development along Bukit Timah" that will continue to serve the neighbourhood's residents.

Comfortable co-living units

At the heart of Serene Centre’s transformation is a design intended to revitalise the building while preserving its unique charm. Spearheaded by OWAA Architects, the refurbishment introduces modern architectural elements that utilise timeless materials such as brick and concrete. The combination breathes new life into the building’s façade while retaining a classic look and feel.

In the retail areas, improvements include a revamp of the outdoor spaces and additions that enhance accessibility, such as ramps and a dedicated drop-off area. At the mall entrance, a metal frame adds a unique decorative touch, while internal common areas will sport updated interiors.

On the upper floors, the co-living apartments feature functional layouts that support both short- and long-term stays. Each fully-furnished room features a private attached bathroom, a wardrobe, and a study table, while residents also have access to a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry amenities and lounge areas. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a reception area, and housekeeping services.

The interiors have a calm, contemporary aesthetic that makes each unit feel bright and cosy. Units are equipped with digital locks, providing secure, keyless access for residents. The property also features 24-hour CCTV surveillance, and smart systems are integrated into facility management, allowing for efficient maintenance and streamlined operations.

Building community

Beyond the revamped spaces, equally integral to the improved Serene Centre is its focus on community. Residents at Serene Centre will enjoy regularly curated events designed to foster interaction and build a strong sense of camaraderie among residents, including fitness classes, social mixers, fun workshops, and more. Other perks include discounts and benefits with select retailers and eateries.

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Realion’s Sim sees the emphasis on community as a common thread across all TAP properties and one of its biggest strengths. “Their business model functions on the community they’ve created through their app and other initiatives,” he adds.

He also notes that TAP has successfully leveraged community-building across other co-living concepts, including its student housing project, Campus by The Assembly Place. Located on Lorong J Telok Kurau, the 426-bed Campus is a joint venture between TAP and Apricot Capital.

The project is located on a 103-year leasehold site that the joint venture partners purchased in 2022 for $40 million. Following extensive refurbishments, the property opened in 2023 and achieved an occupancy of over 90% within six months.

Sim believes Serene Centre, slated to launch in the coming months, will see similar success. “Having seen how The Assembly Place transformed the Telok Kurau site, I will not be surprised to see that happening for Serene Centre, too.”

Check out the latest listings for Serene Centre properties