Home by the Singapore River in District 9

At River Modern, work, school and play unfold just steps from home — all set against the tranquil backdrop of the Singapore River. Presented by Menu HOME BY THE SINGAPORE RIVER IN DISTRICT 9 Content share and bookmark MELODY TAN 20 Feb 2026 09:17AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. At River Modern, work, school and play unfold just steps from home — all set against the tranquil backdrop of the Singapore River. MELODY TAN Within River Valley’s residential enclave, daily life unfolds with ease. Groceries, playgrounds and morning school walks are moments from home, while the bustle of Singapore’s shopping and entertainment belt, Orchard Road, is only a short hop away.Long regarded for its blend of city conveniences and family-friendly amenities, the neighbourhood is now welcoming a luxury 99-year development by GuocoLand. River Modern — the latest addition following the developer’s well-received Martin Modern — rises from River Valley Green, beside the Singapore River and within close reach of the city centre.Mr Cheng Hsing Yao, group CEO of GuocoLand, said the site stands out for its combination of riverfront living and connectivity, being directly linked to Great World MRT station and set next to the Singapore River and Kim Seng Park. “The location is very rare. It’s probably one of the last pieces of land with direct river frontage,” he said. “The area is tranquil and quiet, but at the same time, it has strong connectivity, with easy access to shopping, entertainment and work.” Great World MRT station is directly connected to River Modern, offering residents convenient access to the Thomson-East Coast Line. (Photos, artist's impressions: GuocoLand Singapore) RARE RIVERFRONT TRANQUILITY MEETS CITY CONVENIENCE River Modern brings together two seemingly contrasting qualities: the energy of city living and the calm of a private residential setting.With the reputable River Valley Primary School next door, younger children can enjoy slower mornings, while older ones benefit from the independence of walking to school. The development is also near Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), Alexandra Primary School and St Margaret’s Primary School — a plus for families with school-going children.For working adults, the Thomson-East Coast Line ensures easy connectivity. After a long day, the sense of homecoming begins even before residents reach their front door. River Modern’s private lobby is accessible directly from Great World MRT station, creating a seamless transition from city to home. Retail therapy, dinner plans or a spontaneous movie night are never far away. Directly connected to River Modern, Great World mall offers a range of family-friendly shops, services and dining options, with Golden Village cinemas adding to the mix.Robertson Quay’s laid-back riverside scene is a pleasant seven-minute walk from home, offering outdoor cafes, restaurants and boutique hotels that provide a gentler counterpoint to the city’s busy rhythm. A little further along is New Bahru, a creative cluster housed in the former Nan Chiau High School, where art spaces, dining spots and wellness offerings sit side by side. And when friends from abroad visit — or when the craving for hawker fare strikes — Zion Riverside Food Centre sits five minutes away on foot.Orchard Central is a six-minute drive from River Modern, while well-loved eateries along Killiney Road — from hawker classics to plant-based staples and international cuisine — are about a 10-minute stroll away.River Valley also offers pockets of greenery at every turn. Families can cycle along the river while joggers can enjoy the peaceful stretches of Kim Seng Park. With a bit of luck, residents may even spot the neighbourhood’s resident otters along the riverbank. A cycling and pedestrian bridge at Kim Seng Park runs along the Singapore River close to River Modern. ELEVATING EVERYDAY COMFORTS AT HOME City living need not mean compact spaces. At River Modern, more than 60 per cent of the 455 units are three- and four-bedroom configurations, while even the two-bedroom units offer generous, flexible layouts.Mr Cheng said that there is strong emphasis on long-term liveability. “We think about how occupants will live in the space — not just today, but in the long term.” Spaces are kept regular in shape and proportion, while some units include a flex room that can serve as a study, hobby space or helper’s room, or be integrated into a larger kitchen once its walls are removed.One collection of four-bedroom units stands out for its expansive floor area of about 170 sq m (1,830 sq ft) and wide, open frontages. “Designed to give a sense of luxury, these homes support a lifestyle centred on everyday relaxation and entertainment,” said Mr Cheng. “It’s like having a stack of penthouses within one development.” A 50m infinity pool with spa alcoves and loungers opens towards the Singapore River. River Modern is developed by GuocoLand, known