Cable Road, Singapore
Cable Road (pronounced “KAY-bəl Road”; IPA: /ˈkeɪbəl roʊd/) is a gently sloping, one-way street in Singapore, located in the Tanglin Planning Area. It carries traffic from Nathan Road down to Jervois Road and meanders through a tranquil conservation enclave rich with historic Good Class Bungalows and colonial architecture.
Overview and Surroundings
Cable Road sits tucked within a prestigious GCB (Good Class Bungalow) conservation zone bounded by Nathan Road, Jervois Road, and nearby Chatsworth Park. It is characterized by lush greenery, wide plots, and quiet ambiance, offering respite despite its central location not far from Orchard's bustle.4
History and Naming
The road formed part of a post–World War I residential estate developed by prominent colonial firms. It served as access to bungalows for employees of the Eastern Extension Australasia & China Telegraph Company on Jervois and Nathan Roads. Cable Road and Holt Road were laid out as entrances to the estate.8
Architectural Heritage
Notable heritage houses on Cable Road include:
- No. 2 Cable Road: A tropical Edwardian “black-and-white” bungalow built in 1913 for Municipal Commissioner Mohamed Namazie, designed by architect David McLeod Craik of Swan & Maclaren. It was conserved and substantially restored in 2008-09, earning an URA Architectural Heritage Award in 2011.0
- No. 14 Cable Road: Formerly a mess hall for McAlister & Co. staff, this mock-Tudor building has been beautifully updated with modern extensions, and earned a URA Heritage Award in 2008.8
Character of the Street
The road's sophisticated yet peaceful character is defined by mature landscaping, colonial-era architecture, and low density. The one-way configuration from Nathan to Jervois contributes to its quiet, tucked-away feel, ideal for residents who value privacy and heritage charm.
Nearby Attractions and Sights
- The enveloping Chatsworth Park GCB enclave—full of conserved black-and-white and Art Deco homes—is just around the corner, offering a vivid window into Singapore's colonial past.14
- Elegant private residences along Nathan and Jervois Roads, and stylish eateries and lifestyle offerings at nearby Tanglin Village and Orchard Road.
Real Estate Market (mid-2025)
Cable Road resides within one of Singapore's most exclusive residential zones—its properties command premium values.
- A Good Class Bungalow recently listed for sale on Cable Road (approx. 8,800 sq ft floor area; ~15,200 sq ft land) was priced at S$48 million (~S$3,158 psf on land area).1
- SRX data indicates rental listings in mid-2025—for condos on Cable Road—ranged from S$38K (6,500–7,000 sq ft) to S$60K (8,000–8,500 sq ft), equating to S$3.9–7.5 psf/month.3
- Earlier 2021 transactions: GCB houses sold at S$32 million (~2,109 sq ft built), and S$35.5 million (~1,849 sq ft built), though land areas differed.9
These values far exceed national averages, reflecting Cable Road's status as a premier heritage residential enclave.
Transport Connectivity
The closest MRT station is Orchard Boulevard MRT Station (TE13) on the Thomson-East Coast Line, approximately a 10-minute walk away. Additional access is available via Great World (TE15) and Tiong Bahru (EW17) stations.3
Nearby Bus Stops
Bus routes along Nathan Road and Jervois Road connect the area to surrounding neighbourhoods, Orchard, and the CBD, offering convenient transport for residents.
Fun Facts
- Cable Road played a pivotal role as a road leading to an enclave built for telegraph company staff—a physical reminder of early 20th-century communications infrastructure.8
- Its conserved bungalows notably blend Edwardian, mock-Tudor, Art Deco, and colonial “black-and-white” styles—creating a rare architectural tapestry in central Singapore.
Quick Facts
- Location: Tanglin Planning Area, central Singapore
- Traffic Flow: One-way from Nathan Road to Jervois Road
- Character: Heritage conservation zone with luxury GCBs and colonial charm
- Heritage Buildings: No. 2 (Edwardian bungalow, 1913); No. 14 (mock-Tudor mess hall), both URA-award recipients
- Real Estate (mid-2025): GCB listed at S$48 M (~8,800 sq ft floor, 15,200 sq ft land); rentals S$38K–60K/month (~S$3.9–7.5 psf/month)
- Connectivity: Orchard Boulevard MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line); buses via Nathan & Jervois Roads
- Fun Fact: Built for telecom staff and full of award-winning conserved bungalows
References
- PropertyGuru – Cable Road GCB listing at S$48 M
- Wikipedia – 2 Cable Road history and conservation
- SRX – Cable Road property details, connectivity, rentals
- Good Class Bungalows – Chatsworth Park GCB conservation area
- EdgeProp – Cable Road location and nearby amenities
- NHB – Chatsworth Park Conservation Area (context for enclave)
- PropertyForSale – Cable Road transaction history
Map of Cable Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 22 August 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Streets of Singapore Directory
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