ElaineIf you’ve ever been to Johor Bahru (JB) for a weekend of shopping, massages, and cheap eats, chances are your first stop was Johor Bahru City Square. Perched right beside the checkpoint, the mall has long been the go-to hangout for Singaporeans looking for a quick retail fix across the border. Now, after nearly three decades, this JB icon is about to get a serious glow-up.
Also read: A Guide to Johor Bahru City Square Mall for Singaporeans Going to JB
What’s changing
Image credit: Johor Bahru City Square
Starting in November 2025, Johor Bahru City Square (or City Square JB, as most call it) will undergo a large-scale transformation under its asset enhancement initiative. The revamp is expected to wrap up by late 2027—but don’t worry, the mall will stay fully open during the works. The goal? To bring back the buzz and give travellers a reason to linger a little longer.
The refresh will see the mall expand its total floor area by over 20,000 square feet, bringing it to almost 570,000 square feet of space. More than 300 retail outlets will eventually fill its updated halls, alongside upgrades in sustainability features like energy-efficient cooling systems and improved waste management. But that’s just the start.
New additions to look forward to
Among the biggest highlights are three major additions: Hotel apartments built right above the existing mall, a massive 41,300-square-foot health and wellness hub and a 15,000-square-foot children’s adventure park, set to bring more family-friendly fun into the mix.
The entire complex will also sport a refreshed façade facing Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, the side visible from the Causeway. This will ensure it remains one of the first landmarks travellers see when crossing from Singapore.
Why this matters for Singaporeans
Image credit: citysqjb Official Website
For many Singaporeans, City Square has always been the most convenient place to eat, shop, and unwind without venturing too far from the border. But over the years, newer malls like Mid Valley Southkey and Paradigm Mall have drawn some of that crowd away with sleeker offerings. The upcoming makeover looks set to change that.
Once the new hotel apartments open, City Square could become even more attractive for short weekend getaways. Especially with the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link scheduled to begin operations in December 2026. Travellers will be able to hop across the border by train and stay right above one of JB’s most recognisable malls.
Also read: 10 Best Cake Shops in JB For The Ultimate Sweet Escape
A reimagined JB icon
Image credit: citysqjb Official Website
City Square’s revamp represents more than just a facelift. It’s a strategic bid to keep pace with Johor Bahru’s rapid growth and evolving visitor trends. Once completed, the upgraded mall will blend shopping, dining, leisure, and accommodation under one roof. It will redefine the cross-border retail experience for years to come.
For now, the mall remains open as usual. But the next time you step off the Causeway and into City Square, expect to see hints of change. Signs that JB’s beloved mall is on its way to becoming a full-fledged lifestyle hub for both locals and Singaporeans alike.
