SINGAPORE - Suburban mall Compass Point in Sengkang, which closed in October last year for a facelift, has been given a new name closer to the original when it reopens to the public later this year.

The revamped Compass One will feature an enlarged public library over two levels, more than 50 new retailers and newly-improved amenities such as a children's playground, the mall's owner, M&G Real Estate, announced in a press release last week.

The mall was in the news last December when it held a naming contest on social media, with the winner awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

But the name that was picked - 1 Sengkang Mall - was criticised for being boring and lacking in creativity. Many also requested that the mall retain its original name.

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On why the management decided on the second name change, M&G told The Straits Times that it had been getting a lot of feedback from its customers who "miss the old name and want it back".

"So we have put Compass back in the name. But we also wanted to stick with our original plan to give the mall a new name to reflect a fresh, lively and vibrant experience that is going to be a step up from its predecessor," a spokesman said.

"So we have mixed the old and the new with Compass One. One is the address of the site and also reflects our ambition to make this the best shopping experience in the area."

In its press release, M&G revealed that 90 per cent of the retail space in the mall have been leased to tenants, well ahead of its targeted opening in the third quarter.

Supermarket chain Cold Storage, food court operator Kopitiam and the Sengkang Public Library will remain the anchor tenants in Compass One.

Mr Erle Spratt, manager of M&G's core Asia real estate investment strategy, said: "The substantial investment we have made to refurbish and upgrade the mall as well as acquiring full ownership demonstrates our long term confidence in the Sengkang suburban retail market.



The Sengkang Public Library will be enlarged and take up space on two levels. PHOTO: ST FILE



"Closing the mall for the works shows our determination to deliver the improvements safely and efficiently to minimise inconvenience for residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with retailers serving the Sengkang community and to welcoming back the residents of Sengkang when Compass One reopens later this year."

M&G Real Estate, the real estate fund management arm of M&G Investments, took full ownership of the mall in February. It had previously owned a majority stake since 2002.