Makepeace Road, Singapore
Makepeace Road is a short but significant street in Singapore, located within the Novena Planning Area in postal district 9. Measuring approximately 170 metres in length, it links Jalan Aruan in the north to Bukit Timah Road in the south. Despite its modest size, Makepeace Road is well known due to its central location and its association with Singapore’s colonial-era history.
Quick Facts
- Total Length: Approximately 170 metres
- District: Postal District 9
- Planning Area: Novena
- Road Type: Two-way street
- Connects: Jalan Aruan to Bukit Timah Road
- Nearest MRT Station: Newton MRT Station (NS21, North South Line / DT11, Downtown Line)
- Character: Historical road in a central residential neighbourhood
History
Makepeace Road was first laid out in the early 20th century during the rapid development of the Newton and Novena areas. The road became part of a network of smaller residential lanes branching from Bukit Timah Road, which was one of the oldest arterial routes in Singapore. Its development coincided with the suburbanisation of this part of the island, where colonial bungalows, schools, and expatriate housing were constructed1.
Name and Etymology
The street is named after Walter Makepeace, a well-known figure in colonial Singapore who was a journalist and co-editor of the Singapore Free Press. He was also one of the editors of the landmark One Hundred Years of Singapore, published in 1921 to commemorate the centenary of Stamford Raffles’ landing. The name reflects the tradition of honouring prominent colonial administrators and contributors by naming streets after them.
Character of the Street
Though short, Makepeace Road carries with it a quiet charm. The street is flanked by a mix of residential developments, including condominiums and boutique apartments, many of which were built in the later half of the 20th century. Its central location near the junction of Newton and Bukit Timah lends it a distinctive urban-residential character. Mature trees add greenery to the area, softening the otherwise busy surroundings.
Surrounding Streets
Makepeace Road connects Jalan Aruan to Bukit Timah Road, one of the most historic and longest roads in Singapore. It is also close to Newton Road, Lincoln Road, and Keng Lee Road, which together form part of the residential fabric of the Novena area. To the south lies the Orchard district, Singapore’s premier shopping belt, while to the northeast, the Kallang planning region begins.
Landmarks and Sights
Though Makepeace Road itself is primarily residential, its immediate surroundings are rich with landmarks:
- Newton Food Centre – A popular open-air hawker centre offering some of the best-known Singapore street foods.
- Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) – A long-established educational institution nearby.
- United Square Shopping Mall and Velocity@Novena Square – Retail destinations a short distance north of Makepeace Road.
- Newton Circus – A major traffic roundabout that also lends its name to the MRT station and nearby district.
Real Estate
As of 2024, real estate along Makepeace Road reflects the prestige of District 9, one of Singapore’s prime residential zones. Condominiums and apartments here typically command an average price of between SGD 2,200 and SGD 2,800 per sq ft2. A 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) apartment can fetch between SGD 2.6 million and SGD 3.3 million, depending on age and amenities. Rental prices average between SGD 4,800 and SGD 6,500 per month for mid-sized units, making it comparable to nearby Orchard and Newton properties.
Transport and Accessibility
The nearest MRT station is Newton MRT Station (NS21/DT11), an interchange between the North South Line and the Downtown Line. This makes commuting to the Central Business District, Marina Bay, or other parts of the island highly convenient. Bus services are readily available along Bukit Timah Road, connecting residents to multiple areas including Orchard, Novena, and Toa Payoh. For motorists, the Central Expressway (CTE) is just minutes away, offering rapid islandwide connectivity.
Nearby Bus Stops
There are bus stops located along Bukit Timah Road at both ends of Makepeace Road, providing access to services bound for Orchard, Newton, Toa Payoh, and beyond. These stops are within a short walk, making public transport highly accessible for residents.
Fun Fact
Makepeace Road is one of the few streets in Singapore that directly commemorates a journalist. Walter Makepeace’s contributions to documenting the history of colonial Singapore ensured that his name continues to live on, even as the city has transformed into a modern metropolis.
Map of Makepeace Road, Singapore
References
- Roots.sg – National Heritage Board
- EdgeProp Singapore – Property News
- Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
- City Population – Singapore Subzones
Page Details
This page was created on 1 October 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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