Coronation Square Mall: The New Retail Powerhouse Set to Transform Johor Bahru City Centre

The upcoming Coronation Square Mall is positioned to become one of Johor Bahru’s most significant retail and lifestyle landmarks. As part of the RM5-billion Coronation Square integrated development, the mall will anchor the rejuvenation of the Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC), aligning with the city’s ongoing transformation under the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) and the broader Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Spanning approximately 1.2 to 1.25 million sq ft, Coronation Square Mall will be the largest retail complex in central Johor Bahru, setting a new benchmark for shopping, hospitality, and cross-border commerce.

A Flagship Mall Within an Ambitious Integrated Development

The Coronation Square masterplan combines modern architecture, urban convenience, and high-density commercial vibrancy. The entire development comprises:

• A mega-scale lifestyle mall

• Premium Grade A office towers

• A new international hotel operated by CapitaLand’s hospitality arm

• Residential towers (fully sold in earlier phases)

• A medical and wellness hub

• A central plaza and open public spaces

The mall serves as the heart of this integrated ecosystem, designed to create a live–work–play hub that redefines Johor Bahru’s urban core. With retail as its anchor component, Coronation Square aims to bring back life, footfall, and commercial energy to JBCC — an area traditionally dominated by offices and government buildings.

World-Class Retail Vision Through CapitaLand Investment (CLI)

One of the strongest drivers behind the project’s retail vision is CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), a globally recognised leader in retail development and asset management. CLI brings decades of experience operating some of Asia’s most successful malls, including Plaza Singapura, Raffles City, and IMM Singapore.

Through its joint collaboration with Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd, CLI is expected to:

• Curate an international-standard tenant mix

• Introduce strong anchor brands and destination retailers

• Activate lifestyle precincts such as F&B boulevards, family entertainment hubs, and premium retail wings

• Strengthen the mall’s appeal to Singaporean shoppers and tourists

This partnership positions Coronation Square Mall not merely as a neighborhood shopping centre, but as JBCC’s flagship regional mall, capable of attracting brands and experiences not typically found in Johor Bahru.
 

Strategically Connected to the RTS Link — A Game Changer for JB Retail

One of Coronation Square Mall’s biggest competitive advantages is its direct integration with the Bukit Chagar RTS Link station. This connection places the mall at the gateway of the cross-border commuting route between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

Once the RTS Link is operational, more than 40,000 passengers per hour will be able to travel between Woodlands North (Singapore) and Bukit Chagar (JB) — dramatically increasing footfall and tourism potential.

The mall will benefit from:

• Daily inflow of Singaporean shoppers

• Higher purchasing power entering JBCC

• Quick weekend tourism from Singapore

• Strong demand for dining, entertainment, and specialty retail

• Increased pedestrian activity throughout the city centre

This transit-oriented positioning makes Coronation Square Mall one of the most strategically located retail projects in Malaysia, comparable to malls attached to major rail hubs in Singapore, Tokyo, or Hong Kong.

Catalyst for Johor Bahru’s Urban Renewal

Johor Bahru City Centre has undergone rapid change over the past five years, with major investments in transport, public spaces, and real estate. Coronation Square plays a pivotal role in this transformation, helping to rejuvenate key urban corridors through:

1. Diversifying Land Use

The surrounding area, once dominated by offices, hospitals, and low-activity zones, is being revitalised with homes, hotels, and retail attractions.

2. Attracting Lifestyle and Tourism Demand

With its proximity to the Johor Bahru Heritage Quarter, Sungai Segget Riverwalk, KOMTAR JBCC, and R&F Marina, the mall will serve as a seamless extension of JB’s emerging tourism belt.

3. Supporting the JS–SEZ

As Johor and Singapore deepen economic integration, retail, hospitality, and lifestyle services will see rising demand — positioning Coronation Square Mall as the primary commercial hub for professionals, investors, and visitors transiting through the special economic zone.

A New Benchmark for Retail, Dining, and Entertainment in JBCC

Coronation Square Mall aims to introduce a more premium and experiential retail model. Potential features and zones include:

• Flagship international fashion brands

• Premium lifestyle and beauty stores

• A large-format supermarket or hypermarket

• A multi-screen cinema or entertainment anchor

• An F&B street with indoor–outdoor dining concepts

• Fitness and wellness centres

• Family-friendly play zones and edutainment centres

The mall’s design emphasises natural light, wide circulation, open plazas, and an urban street-feel retail experience — creating an inviting, modern environment for shoppers and visitors.

Projected Completion and Market Impact

Construction of Coronation Square Mall is expected to begin in 2026, with an estimated completion timeline between 2028 and 2029, depending on final approvals and rollout. Upon completion, the mall is expected to deliver:

• Increased property values around the JBCC

• Higher rental demand for office and residential units

• Greater business activity in hospitality, tourism, and F&B

• A stronger city centre identity for Johor Bahru

• Improved cross-border attraction for Singapore residents

With the RTS Link, JS-SEZ, and sustained urban renewal momentum, Coronation Square Mall is well positioned to become the defining retail and lifestyle destination of central Johor Bahru.

Conclusion: A New Era for Johor Bahru’s City Centre

Coronation Square Mall is more than just a shopping complex — it is a transformative urban catalyst. With over one million square feet of retail space, direct integration with the RTS Link, world-class tenant curation by CapitaLand, and its central role within the Coronation Square master development, the mall is poised to elevate Johor Bahru’s city centre into a vibrant, internationally competitive destination.

As JB continues its rapid evolution into a modern metropolis aligned with Singapore’s economic orbit, Coronation Square Mall will serve as a key anchor shaping the future of retail, lifestyle, and urban living in the region.