JCube, a popular shopping mall in Jurong East, is set to cease operations in August 2023. CapitaLand Development (Singapore) (CLD) announced on Tuesday that JCube will close on Aug 7, ending its seven-year run as a shopping destination in the neighbourhood. It will make way for a new residential development that will include commercial space on the first and second storeys.

The news of the closure caught many JCube tenants and staff by surprise. Some found out from social media, while others received an email from CLD. However, one tenant had prior knowledge of the closure, even before signing the contract. Mr Noelle Kok, the owner of local food and beverage outlet, Yung Yung, was aware of the closure when he opened shop in JCube’s basement in mid-January. He said that the closure was not shocking to him, as the contract was supposed to end in late April.

In a media release, CLD stated that it is working closely with existing tenants of JCube and providing them with the JCube Condo necessary support to ensure a smooth handover of the premises. CLD also sent notices via registered mail and email to the authorised representatives of JCube tenants before issuing a news release to the public.

Many employees at JCube were sad to hear the news, as they have been part of the neighbourhood for many years. Ms Shima, a 29-year-old sales assistant at The Cake Shop, had worked at the mall for more than five years and lives nearby. Michael Chong, an outlet executive at pawn shop ValueMax, said that he would miss the mall, as he has passed by it almost every day for many years.

The proposed redevelopment of JCube was first hinted at in July 2022, when the Urban Redevelopment Authority published a proposed amendment to the masterplan on rezoning the site from commercial to residential with commercial. The redevelopment is targeted for completion in 2027 and a sales launch is expected in the second half of 2023.

JCube’s closure is a sad loss for the Jurong East neighbourhood. However, it is hoped that the new development will bring fresh opportunities and a new shopping experience for residents in the future.

The news of JCube mall, located in Jurong East Central, ceasing operations on August 6, 2023, has come as a surprise to many. This is because the mall, which houses a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment outlets, as well as Singapore’s only Olympic-size ice-skating rink, has been a popular destination for locals for a number of years.

The reason for the mall’s closure is to make way for a 40-storey residential development by CapitaLand’s CLD. The new development, which is expected to be completed in 2027, will include commercial space on the first and second storeys. It will also be linked to the Jurong East MRT interchange station, Westgate, and IMM Building via J-Walk, which is a covered elevated pedestrian network in the district.

The Jurong Lake District development is expected to become Singapore’s largest business district outside the central area, with the potential of providing about 100,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes between 2040 and 2050.

The closure of JCube has come as a disappointment to many, particularly those who frequent the mall’s ice-skating rink. The closure of the rink will mean that many skaters would lose a key practice venue, and has potentially put a stop to the dreams of some competitive skaters. Sport Singapore has said that it is working with the respective national sports associations for ice sports on plans for alternative facilities to support their athletes’ training needs.

Businesses occupying the premises of JCube are also facing uncertainty, with the rental of other malls potentially being higher. In response, CapitaLand has said that it is providing the necessary support to ensure a smooth handover of the premises.

As JCube prepares to bid farewell in August 2023, many are looking forward to the completion of the new residential development. The new development is expected to provide new homes, businesses, recreational facilities, and amenities to the Jurong Lake District, and is expected to be launched for sale in the second half of 2023.