SearchDhoby Ghaut, which lies along the eastern end of Orchard Road, stands as part of Singapore’s lively city center. The place is home to various retail outlets and offices, making it a dynamic lifestyle destination for tourists and Singaporeans alike. With iconic landmarks, such as Plaza Singapura, The Cathay, Istana Park, and MacDonald House, all located within the surrounding area, Dhoby Ghaut is constantly abuzz with activities every day of the week.
However, Dhoby Ghaut’s past was drastically different from the glitzy shopping district we are familiar with today. The large drain beside Handy Road used to be part of a freshwater stream, and washermen utilized the area to wash and dry laundry. That was how the estate got its name, as Dhoby Ghaut means washerman’s place in Hindi.
As Orchard began its transformation into the renowned shopping street Singaporeans recognize today, Dhoby Ghaut was swept up along this redevelopment. The construction of Plaza Singapura in 1974, which quickly became the most popular shopping mall in the seventies, ushered in further development that cemented the area as many Singaporeans’ favorite shopping destination.
Its prestige has led to the rise of numerous condominiums and private housing in the estate to entice those who cannot resist the allure of living near the Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore. Furthermore, there seem to be no signs of this stopping anytime soon as several more projects are in the pipeline. This is good news for the various investors looking to secure a new property in the area. If you are one of them, it is crucial for you to do your research before committing to a new house. So before you plan to sell your property and relocate, let us share what you can expect when you buy a new home in Dhoby Ghaut.
What to expect from Dhoby Ghaut
In a bid to enhance the green spaces in Singapore’s city areas, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced a partnership with The National Parks Board (NParks) to transform the signature shopping street along Orchard Road into a lush green corridor.
As part of this ‘Bring Back the Orchard’ initiative, there are plans to combine Istana Park with Dhoby Ghaut Green and Penang Road Open Space into a redesigned park, forming a new green sanctuary in the Orchard area. A section of this new park will be catered to families, with plans for a rustic nature play garden where children can explore and interact with nature. There is also a water play area planned for kids to have fun and cool off on a warm, humid day.
The other areas of Istana Park can be utilized for various lifestyle programming or for the different retail establishment to present their exciting offerings in a park setting. This is part of a joint effort by various parties to enliven the estate and bring about a greater vibrancy to Orchard and its surrounding areas.
This announcement by the URA has led to various developers launching new condominium projects in anticipation of growing demand by the public. One of the projects worth mentioning is Haus on Handy, which is expected to be completed by 2023. This condo is located in a prime area and is within a 5-minutes walking distance from Dhoby Ghaut MRT. It is also surrounded by numerous well-established amenities, such as Plaza Singapura and The Cathay. With a wealth of dining and entertainment options available at your fingertips, you will no longer have to travel far to satisfy your cravings or catch a movie.
Amenities on offer
With all the new developments in Dhoby Ghaut, there is a need for greater accessibility to meet the anticipated rise in crowd level. Thankfully, Dhoby Ghaut is home to three existing MRT lines, the North-South Line, North-East Line, and Circle Line. Additionally, Jalan Besar MRT station, which connects to the Downtown Line, is only a 10 minutes walk away from Dhoby Ghaut. The accessibility of this area will only improve in the near future with the addition of the Thomas-East Coast Line, with Orchard MRT station serving as an interchange between this new train line and the North-South Line.
Dhoby Ghaut is also surrounded by good schools, such as Singapore Management University (SMU), St Margaret’s Primary School, Schools of the Arts (SOTA), and Stamford Primary School, which offers educational programs that cater to the different age ranges. This is undoubtedly good news for families, as their kids need not travel far for their studies.
Conclusion
Convenience has become a buzzword for many Singaporeans when house hunting in recent years, and few places offer greater accessibility than Dhoby Ghaut. If your mind is made up and you are committed to buying a new property in this area, then you should engage the services of a property agent to assist you.
At Selling Singapore, we understand that buying a new property is only one half of the equation. You will also be actively looking for buyers for your existing home. Allow us to provide you with peace of mind by assisting you in both matters. With over 45 years of combined experience, you can place your faith in our seasoned agents’ ability to sell your condo or home fast. You can contact us at 8157 4855 for a quick catch-up session so we can better understand your needs.
