Singapore’s newest residential township at Turf City is not just about homes — it’s about how people live, move, and interact daily. One key detail that many buyers overlook, but developers and planners understand very well, is the emphasis on mixed-use developments, particularly commercial spaces integrated at the first storey of residential projects.
This planning approach will play a crucial role in shaping Turf City into one of Bukit Timah’s most liveable and future-ready estates.
👉 For the full masterplan context, read:
Turf City Redevelopment 2025 – Everything You Need to Know
🛍️ What Does “Commercial at First Storey” Mean?
Recent GLS sites released at Dunearn Road are zoned for residential use with commercial at the first storey. This means that while the upper floors are homes, the ground level will be activated with:
- Cafés and bakeries
- Convenience stores and grocers
- Childcare centres and enrichment schools
- Clinics, gyms, and daily services
Instead of isolated condo blocks, residents will enjoy street-level vibrancy — a hallmark of successful integrated townships.
🚶♂️ Everyday Convenience, Right at Your Doorstep
For families and working professionals, convenience matters more than ever. With shops and services located directly below or beside residential blocks, daily routines become effortless:
- Morning coffee without driving out
- Childcare drop-offs within the estate
- Groceries picked up on the way home
- Less reliance on cars
This aligns perfectly with Turf City’s car-lite planning philosophy, especially with the upcoming Turf City MRT Station on the Cross Island Line.
👉 Related:
Turf City MRT – A Game Changer for Bukit Timah
🌿 Supporting a Walkable, Green Neighbourhood
Mixed-use planning encourages walking — and walking reduces traffic, noise, and carbon emissions. At Turf City, this is amplified by:
- Green connectors and shaded walkways
- Nature trails linking residential clusters
- Proximity to the upcoming Turf City Nature Park
Residents can move between home, shops, MRT, and green spaces without crossing busy roads or driving.
👉 Read more:
Turf City Nature Park Announced at Bukit Timah
🏡 Why This Matters to Property Values
From an investment perspective, developments with integrated commercial components often enjoy:
- Stronger rental demand
- Higher tenant retention
- Better long-term value resilience
Tenants — especially expats and young families — actively seek homes where daily needs are within walking distance. Over time, this translates into pricing premiums compared to purely residential projects.
👉 See why demand is rising:
Why Turf City Will Be Singapore’s Next Investment Hotspot
🏫 A Natural Fit for Families in Bukit Timah
With Turf City located in Singapore’s premier education belt, ground-floor commercial spaces can also support family life through:
- Preschools and enrichment centres
- Family clinics and wellness services
- Casual dining for school-day routines
This complements the estate’s proximity to top schools such as Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High, and Methodist Girls’ School.
👉 Related:
Why Families Are Eyeing Turf City for Their Next Home
📈 Learning from Successful Integrated Towns
Singapore’s most successful estates — from Bishan to Punggol — share one trait: active ground floors. Retail and services at street level create:
- Safer, livelier environments
- Stronger community interaction
- Higher overall desirability
Turf City is applying these lessons from day one — but with the added advantage of Bukit Timah’s prestige, greenery, and MRT connectivity.
📢 Conclusion
The inclusion of commercial spaces at the first storey is not a small planning detail — it is a deliberate strategy that will define how Turf City feels and functions. By blending homes with everyday amenities, Turf City is set to become a walkable, vibrant, and highly liveable township in the heart of Bukit Timah.
For buyers and investors alike, this mixed-use approach strengthens Turf City’s long-term appeal — not just as a place to stay, but as a place to truly live.
