Northshore Plaza in Punggol is experiencing significant vacancies and reduced footfall, affecting retailers and residents. About 12 out of 50 retail spaces across Northshore Plaza I and II remain vacant as of March and April 2026, according to on-site visits by The Straits Times [1].
HDB said it has adjusted rents in response to tenant feedback and is actively securing new tenants for the empty units [1]. Around 40 tenants who renewed their leases are now paying rents roughly 10 to 30 percent lower than their original bids, HDB confirmed [1]. Two vacant shops are undergoing renovation and expected to open soon [1].
The mall’s reduced foot traffic partly stems from competition after the 2025 opening of Punggol Coast Mall. A bakery staff member estimated that footfall at Northshore Plaza dropped about 30 percent after the new mall opened. The staff member said, "You still have people coming for Decathlon and McDonald’s, but other shops are not doing as well," indicating a sharp decline in overall customer visits [1].
Longtime residents have noticed the trend as well. Linda Chen, who lives nearby, said, "We kept seeing more and more shops closing and remaining empty for a long time." She also cited the sudden closure of a nail salon in December 2025, which left her with around $900 in unused credits [1].
Northshore Plaza initially opened in 2021 and has struggled to maintain consistent tenant occupancy since the newer Punggol Coast Mall attracted shoppers. The recent rent adjustments aim to help current tenants sustain their businesses and attract new ones to fill the vacant spaces [1].
The mall’s management and HDB will continue efforts to draw tenants and increase foot traffic at Northshore Plaza in the coming months.
