SINGAPORE – A fresh communal hangout space, new food options, plus an upgraded public library. Visitors to West Mall in Bukit Batok can enjoy most of these experiences now, with more updates to come in the next 12 months.

The mall, which is owned and operated by Singapore Land Group (SingLand), is in the final stages of an asset enhancement initiative that began in 2023. 

In June 2025, it unveiled the first and main stage of the enhancement, which includes an improved “front yard” with a fresh facade and a new basement wing, EAT@W. 

Some 22,000 sq ft of the original basement one carpark space was converted into lettable area for EAT@W, which features more than 20 new F&B and retail options. The mall is now 205,000 sq ft, and still has two basement carpark levels

The tenants include new-to-market dining concepts such as Gochiya, which offers single serves of teppanyaki, and the first outlet of halal-certified Japanese restaurant Hatsumi Donburi & Soba in Singapore’s west.

Also at EAT@W is the first heartland outlet of Jo Ju Bang, which began as a Korean kimbap kiosk at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

EAT@W is next to the original basement space. But shoppers can also arrive via a new escalator connecting it to the mall’s “front yard”, which has also been revamped to provide direct, sheltered access to Bukit Batok MRT station.

Previously, this was an open-air space which sometimes hosted pop-up events under temporary tentage.

Now, there is a proper awning and a small seating area. The seating is a mini-version of the steps at Star Vista mall in Buona Vista, which have become a popular hangout spot for shoppers.

Mr Sean Wong, assistant general manager (commercial) for SingLand, tells ST: “The development of (this “front yard” space) was in line with the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s vision to create more inclusive and endearing public spaces.

“We have alr...