Marine Parade MRT Station, coded TE26, is a cornerstone in the latest phase of Singapore’s rapidly expanding Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL). Opened to the public on 23 June 2024 after a decade of anticipation and development, this underground station is more than just a transportation hub—it is a symbol of connectivity, resilience, and thoughtful integration with community identity.
Strategically situated beneath Marine Parade Road, the station provides direct access to prominent landmarks like Parkway Parade, Roxy Square, and I12 Katong. Its location is not merely geographical—it represents the heart of a vibrant neighborhood that blends history, commerce, and urban living.
Engineering Ambition Meets Urban Necessity
The construction of Marine Parade MRT Station reflects Singapore’s characteristic precision in urban planning. First announced in 2014 and awarded to Samsung C&T Corporation the following year, the project came with significant engineering challenges. The contract, valued at S$555 million, included constructing nearly 2 kilometers of bored tunnels and a new drainage system—a feat made more complex by the need to divert underground utilities.
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| Image source: Wikipedia, 2024 |
The station’s progress was not untouched by global events. The COVID-19 pandemic caused inevitable delays, pushing the station’s opening into 2024. However, its eventual completion and the subsequent open house drew the attention of dignitaries such as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, reaffirming the station’s significance to both local and national stakeholders.
Architectural Design: Where Function Meets Form
What distinguishes Marine Parade MRT from other stations is its commitment to blending utility with aesthetic and environmental considerations. Designed as a Civil Defence shelter, the station balances security with user comfort. It features an island platform and is equipped with six entrances to efficiently distribute commuter flow.
Innovative hybrid cooling fans supplement traditional air-conditioning systems, striking a balance between comfort and sustainability. The green-paneled interior, star-shaped ceiling lights, and sea-inspired motifs are more than stylistic choices—they are conscious nods to the area’s former identity as a coastal precinct. The subtle wave designs and tree-inspired hues echo the natural beauty that once defined Marine Parade’s shoreline.
Cycling into the Future
In a bold step toward embracing green mobility, Marine Parade station is among the first MRT stops in Singapore to offer underground bicycle parking. With 364 dedicated lots, wider lifts, and bike-friendly stairs, the station actively encourages a cycling culture. This initiative not only alleviates congestion but also aligns with the national movement towards a car-lite, eco-conscious society.
Art-in-Transit: A Cultural Reflection
Public art within transit spaces often serves to humanize infrastructure, and Marine Parade station delivers this with creative flair. The highlight is WALK by Ang Sookoon—a bronze sculpture placed outside the station that evokes childhood nostalgia and local history. Modeled after a malleable block of plasticine, the piece subtly captures the themes of transformation, memory, and identity.
Complementing this is a striking mural by Mural Lingo, celebrating the cultural mosaic of the Katong and Joo Chiat communities. With visual references to shophouses, community centers, and familiar characters, the mural serves as both a historical record and a visual love letter to the area’s multicultural roots, ranging from Peranakan to Eurasian influences.
A Contested Link: Delays and Business Concerns
Despite the station’s largely successful rollout, not all developments have proceeded without friction. A linkway to Parkway Parade mall, which began construction in December 2024 and is set to complete in 2027, has sparked concerns among mall tenants. Many have expressed frustration that this essential connection was not built concurrently with the station itself, citing disruptions to business and customer accessibility.
In response, mall operator Lendlease clarified that the linkway was part of a “subsequent phase” designed to minimize construction impact. However, the episode reveals the delicate balancing act required when urban development intersects with commercial interests and public convenience.
Strengthening the Ties That Bind
At its core, Marine Parade MRT station is not just a means of transport—it is a reflection of the community it serves. From its culturally resonant art pieces to its inclusive accessibility features and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, the station demonstrates how public spaces can be designed to foster a deeper connection with the urban fabric.
The surrounding neighborhoods, rich in historical charm and cultural diversity, are now more accessible than ever. With better connectivity, residents and visitors alike can more easily experience the architectural heritage of Katong, the vibrant food scene of Joo Chiat, and the dynamic retail spaces of Parkway Parade—all within minutes of leaving the platform.
More Than a Station
Marine Parade MRT Station exemplifies what modern infrastructure can achieve when it is designed not solely for movement, but for meaning. It is a gateway that bridges past and present, movement and memory. Whether for the commuter on a daily journey, the cyclist embracing sustainable mobility, or the artist hoping to evoke nostalgia and reflection, the station stands as a testament to thoughtful urban development.
Its opening marks a milestone not just in transportation, but in how a city chooses to evolve—thoughtfully, inclusively, and with an eye on both its people and its past.