Singapore’s one-north district stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation and high-tech industries. Conceived in the early 2000s by JTC Corporation, this sprawling hub encompasses eight distinct precincts, each tailored to foster collaboration and growth in sectors like biomedical sciences, information and communications technology (ICT), and media. Unlike traditional business parks dedicated to single industries, one-north thrives on a dynamic ecosystem that encourages cross-sector synergy—a crucial element for research and knowledge-driven enterprises.
Over the past two decades, the Singapore government has consistently allocated about 1% of its GDP annually to research and development (R&D). This unwavering investment has borne fruit, with one-north evolving into a vibrant community of over 400 leading companies and 800 start-ups, collectively employing around 50,000 knowledge workers. The district has attracted upwards of $8 billion in investments, solidifying its reputation as a burgeoning “Silicon Valley” of the East.ERA
A prime example of one-north’s success is Biopolis, the district’s inaugural cluster dedicated to biomedical R&D. Serving as a collaborative platform for both private and public scientific communities, Biopolis houses research institutes and laboratories for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Notably, Wilmar International established its global headquarters here, and in 2014, Procter & Gamble unveiled a $250 million innovation center within the precinct. The recent completion of Biopolis Phase 6, known as Elementum, in December 2023, adds a 12-storey facility offering semi- and fully-furnished laboratories, catering to the growing demand from smaller firms seeking ready-to-use research spaces.
Beyond its role as a research hub, one-north embodies the “work-live-play-learn” philosophy. The Wessex Estate, for instance, provides housing options, including conserved black-and-white bungalows, for professionals working in the vicinity. The district also boasts co-living spaces, serviced apartments, hotels, and condominiums, fostering a sense of community among its diverse inhabitants. Educational institutions like INSEAD Asia Campus, ESSEC Business School, and Unilever’s training center at Nepal Hill further enrich the “learn” component of this integrated ecosystem
One-north exemplifies Singapore’s strategic vision of nurturing a knowledge-based economy. By seamlessly integrating research, business, residential, and educational facilities, it has cultivated an environment where innovation flourishes, and enterprises thrive. As it continues to evolve, one-north stands poised to reinforce its position as a pivotal player in the global high-tech and innovation landscape
Biomedical, sciences and research
Biopolis was the first precinct to take shape in one-north, and it set the stage for the district’s reputation as a hub for biomedical research and development. Designed to foster collaboration between the private and public sectors, it houses research institutes and labs for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, making it a key player in Singapore’s life sciences scene.
Beyond just big-name corporations, Biopolis also caters to specialised research institutes focused on areas like neuroscience, immunology, and pre-clinical trials. It’s no surprise that global heavyweights have made their home here—Wilmar International set up its global HQ in Biopolis, and in 2014, Procter & Gamble pumped $250 million into its innovation centre within the precinct.
The latest addition to this ecosystem is Biopolis Phase 6 (Elementum), completed in December 2023. This 12-storey biomedical science facility offers both semi- and fully-furnished labs, addressing the growing demand for ready-to-use research spaces. This setup is especially beneficial for smaller firms working in the supply chain of MNCs, allowing them to be in close proximity for seamless collaboration.
While Biopolis is the go-to hub for biomedical sciences, Fusionopolis serves as the nerve centre for ICT, physical sciences, and engineering R&D. It’s home to a mix of organisations, high-tech firms, and government agencies, including Linden Research (the creators of the 3D virtual world Second Life), Thales Technology Centre, A*STAR, and the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA). Gaming hardware giant Razer has also established its SEA headquarters here, cementing Fusionopolis as a key innovation hub beyond just life sciences.
Corporate HQ and Start Up Central
Mediapolis is the beating heart of Singapore’s infocomm and media scene. It’s home to major production studios, including Mediacorp Campus and Infinite Studios, a massive 1.2-hectare soundstage facility. The district also features ALICE@Mediapolis, a privately developed smart business park designed for start-ups and established media firms looking for a dynamic and sustainable workspace.
Right across from Mediapolis sits Grab’s massive 9-storey headquarters. Spanning over 42,000 square metres, the Grab HQ houses around 3,000 employees, a cutting-edge R&D centre, and the first-ever GrabMerchant centre—a dedicated space to support Grab’s growing network of business partners.
Just next door, LaunchPad and Ayer Rajah have established themselves as the go-to precincts for start-ups, incubators, and companies in emerging industries. LaunchPad, often called the cradle of Singapore’s start-up scene, was designed as a testing ground for new ideas. The concept of clustering similar businesses together fosters a highly collaborative environment, allowing entrepreneurs to share resources, connect with ecosystem partners, and scale up faster.
The results speak for themselves—some of Singapore’s biggest start-up success stories, including Carousell, 99 Group, ShopBack, and IglooHome, all took off from LaunchPad. With a thriving mix of start-ups, venture capitalists, and accelerators, it remains one of the best places in Singapore to turn an idea into reality.
Institutes of Higher Learning
The one-north precinct is well-connected by two MRT stations—Buona Vista and one-north, making it easy to get around. Surrounding these stations, as well as key areas like Biopolis, Media Circle, and Rochester Park, you’ll find a variety of amenities catering to both professionals and residents.
Education and innovation go hand in hand at one-north, thanks to its proximity to top institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Polytechnic. With a strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing and collaboration, businesses—especially those in R&D—can easily tap into talent, research, and expertise from these institutions. This close-knit ecosystem fosters industrial-academia partnerships, helping companies stay ahead in innovation while providing students and researchers with real-world industry exposure.
Singapore Science Park
Nestled within the greater one-north district, Singapore Science Park is a key hub for R&D, biomedical sciences, and tech innovation. Home to over 350 multinational corporations, companies, and research labs, it’s one of Asia’s most prestigious addresses for cutting-edge industries. Its strategic location—close to major research institutions, universities, and Singapore’s thriving start-up ecosystem—makes it an attractive base for companies like Defence Science Organisation National Laboratories, TÜV SÜD PSB, AT&T, the Institute of Microelectronics, and Crimson Logic.
Right now, Singapore Science Park is in the midst of a transformation. The goal? To evolve from a traditional business park into a vibrant work-live-play precinct. The first step in this journey was the completion of Geneo Phase 1 in December 2023, followed by the opening of Citadines Science Park Singapore in February 2024. Once Geneo is fully completed in 2025, the total working population in the precinct is expected to surge from 12,000 to around 21,000.
Despite all the buzz around one-north and Singapore Science Park’s development, companies here have faced challenges in attracting top talent. The main roadblocks? Limited housing options nearby and an underdeveloped transport network, which have made daily commutes less convenient for workers. However, with ongoing improvements and new residential projects in the pipeline, this is set to change, making the precinct even more attractive for businesses and professionals alike.
Current Housing Supply in One North
Right now, one-north has only five condominiums, making private housing here highly exclusive. Two of these are new launches—Blossoms By The Park (275 units, launched in 2023) and The Hill @ One-North (142 units, launched in 2024).
The older developments include One-North Residences (405 units) and The Rochester Residences (366 units), both launched in 2007, while One-North Eden (165 units) entered the market more recently in 2021. Homeowners in these developments have seen strong capital appreciation, in line with one-north’s growth as a thriving innovation hub.
Among them, One-North Residences has experienced the most impressive price appreciation, with median PSF prices surging 72.1% since launch. More recently, One-North Eden’s prices have climbed 29.3% since its 2021 debut, reflecting growing demand for homes in this dynamic precinct.
Chart 1: Price performance of condos in one-north
Source: URA as of 24 Feb 2025, ERA Research and Market Intelligence
Need for Greater Housing Supply to support One North workforce
For years, one-north has been known primarily as a workplace, home to both local and international firms. However, with only five condominiums in the entire precinct, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) recognized the need for more housing. A larger residential population will not only help support the workforce but also bring life to the district, turning one-north into a true work-live-play-learn hub. To enhance connectivity, the area will also see improved cycling paths and covered walkways, making first-mile commutes more seamless.
With more homes in one-north, landlords will also benefit from the area’s strong tenant demand. The precinct attracts a steady pool of lecturers, researchers, foreign students, and expats working in its high-value industries, providing a reliable source of rental income.
The next wave of residential development in one-north will take place in Media Circle, within Mediapolis. So far, URA has released three non-landed residential sites here. One has already been awarded (now Bloomsbury Residences), while the other two remain open for tender. In total, these future projects will add up to 1,185 units to one-north’s housing supply. Depending on demand, more residential sites could be introduced in the future, potentially as mixed-use developments, further integrating homes with commercial and retail spaces.
Recent land bids at Media Circle
The site at Media Circle (Parcel A) recently closed with three bids, the highest coming from a joint venture between Qingjian Realty, Forsea, and Hoovasun. Their winning bid of $1,037 psf ppr is approximately 13% lower than the $1,191 psf ppr secured for a similar site last year. This strategic move reflects a defensive approach, allowing more flexibility to respond to potential shifts in market conditions.
The lower bid can be partly attributed to the fact that, unlike Bloomsbury Residences, Media Circle (Parcel A) will have its commercial component integrated into the common areas of the development, which will eventually be managed by the MCST. This factor likely influenced the price drop. However, it’s important to note that this lower land price may not necessarily translate into lower selling prices. With interest rates likely to stay elevated and construction costs rising, the final price tag could still be on the higher side.
Additionally, having both the Media Circle site and Bloomsbury Residences developed by the same team allows for a more cohesive design vision, ensuring better integration with the surrounding developments and creating a more seamless living environment for future residents.
To Conclude
The addition of new residential developments in the precinct will contribute to the ongoing rejuvenation of one-north, potentially transforming Media Circle into a dynamic mixed-use district. A larger residential population will naturally drive upgrades to the transport infrastructure, including more frequent feeder buses to connect residents to amenities and MRT stations.
Looking ahead, the Budget 2025 announcement includes plans to refresh public biosciences and med-tech research infrastructure in the greater one-north area. This will attract additional investment to provide state-of-the-art facilities, foster collaboration across Singapore’s research community, and accelerate the commercialization of new technologies. With these investments, one-north and Singapore Science Park are poised to remain key hubs for high-tech industries, continuing their evolution as thriving work-live-play-learn business precincts.
As the workforce in one-north expands, so too does the need for more housing. This offers a promising opportunity for investors to acquire property in the area and capitalize on future growth, while benefiting from the strong tenant pool for steady passive rental income.
Curious about what one-north has to offer prospective homeowners and tenants?
Reach out to Dominic Choa Real Estate today to explore the opportunities available!
