Revamped immersive Bukit Batok Library inspired by scenic Little Guilin, exceeds 29,000 sq ft

EdgeProp Singapore

/ EdgeProp Singapore

March 29, 2026 10:08 AM SGT

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The library's Sound Cave at the second storey surrounds listeners in Bukit Batok's serene ecology and urban environment. (Photo: National Library Board)

Bukit Batok Library has reopened in the renovated West Mall, with double the space and immersive aural and visual experiences, including a new soundscape developed in collaboration with property developer Singapore Land Group (SingLand).

Originally located on the third floor of the mall, the library has expanded to include spaces on the first, second and third floors. It has taken up the second-storey unit previously occupied by department store Tom & Stefanie, which closed in 2024.

The library’s size has doubled to over 2,700 sq m or more than 29,063 sq ft, with almost twice the number of seats available for patrons.

Inspired by the serene Little Guilin quarry at the nearby Bukit Batok Town Park, the library is designed as a calming sanctuary amid the buzz of daily life, the National Library Board (NLB) announced on March 27. It aims to encourage patrons to read, reset and recharge.

Different areas within the library floors are connected by unique sound and sensory experiences, which aim to promote mindfulness.

The reopened Bukit Batok Library - escalator from Level 1 entrance

The escalator from the level one entrance of the Bukit Batok Library. (Photo: National Library Board)

This is the first time NLB is using sound in a library to complement and enhance the reading and discovery experience, through the many sound-related features and sanctuary-like spaces, said Melissa Tam, NLB chief executive.

“With a bigger space and enhanced facilities at Bukit Batok Library, we hope to make reading and discovery even more joyful and engaging for Bukit Batok residents,” she added.

Visitors are welcomed by the SingLand Soundscape, which has three bespoke soundtracks by Singaporean artist Mervin Wong. Starting from the first storey and flowing into the second storey, these soundtracks incorporate ambisonic field recordings of everyday sounds captured around Bukit Batok.

Certain areas of the SingLand Soundscape also feature curated audio and visual material from NLB’s collections that bring the shared memories of the town to life.

Developed in collaboration with Singapore Land Group, the SingLand Soundscape invites patrons to discover and connect with more Singapore stories. It comprises the Sound Cave, Time Caverns, Sound Library, and Sound Pavilion.

Chan Yien Mei, general manager for commercial (retail) at SingLand, said the real estate company is proud to support the revamped library “as a vital, vibrant and accessible third place for the community — a welcoming environment beyond home and work, where residents can connect and grow”.

Libraries today play a crucial role in providing access to knowledge and heritage, as well as in shaping inclusive places that foster belonging and shared experiences, Chan noted.

Through this partnership, SingLand is contributing to placemaking efforts that bring the Bukit Batok story to life, Chan added.

The new Infinite Shelves installed at popular collections at the Bukit Batok Library

"Infinite Shelves", installed along selected popular collections such as travel, health and adult fiction, extends the physical bookshelves into interactive displays showing NLB's e-book collection. (Photo: National Library Board)

The reopened library also introduces omni-channel offerings that enable patrons to browse and access more resources beyond the physical collections, such as e-book recommendations.

Owned and operated by SingLand, the five-storey West Mall started its asset enhancement initiative (AEI) in 2023.

In June 2025, the first and main phase of the AEI was completed. This included a new facade and an improved “front yard” — with the former open-air space upgraded to a large, sheltered event plaza suited for a range of community engagement activities.

A new basement dining wing, Eat@W, was also unveiled then. With over 20 F&B and retail outlets, it was converted from about 22,000 sq ft of the original carpark space at the basement one level.

West Mall's upgrades included covered access to Bukit Batok MRT Station and a new facade. (Photo: SingLand website)

West Mall now spans 204,900 sq ft of net lettable area and still has two basement carpark levels with 219 carpark lots and electric-vehicle (EV) charging available.

SingLand in December 2025 said it intends for West Mall to cater to the higher expectations of the evolving communities in Bukit Batok, Hillview and Tengah, and will continue reviewing the tenant mix.

The mall is located next to Bukit Batok MRT Station and the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. It is also patronised by the nearby community of Hillview, which includes the 572-unit Hillview Regency, the 564-unit Midwood and the 341-unit Hillhaven project which launched in early 2024.