Makeway Avenue, Singapore

Makeway Avenue is a short one-way street in Singapore, located within the Novena Planning Area and falling under Postal District 9. The road runs for about 250 metres, beginning at Kampong Java Road in the north and ending where it merges with Bukit Timah Road and Makepeace Road. Due to its location near the city centre, it plays a modest yet significant role in local connectivity. The nearest MRT station to Makeway Avenue is Newton MRT Station (NS21) on the North South Line and Downtown Line.

Quick Facts

History of Makeway Avenue

The history of Makeway Avenue is tied to the urban development of the Novena and Newton areas during the mid-20th century. As Singapore’s central neighbourhoods expanded in the 1950s and 1960s, smaller connecting roads were established to improve access to Bukit Timah Road, one of the island’s oldest arterial roads. Makeway Avenue likely came into being during this period of post-war reconstruction, when demand for better road infrastructure was high1.

Origin of the Name

The name “Makeway Avenue” is unusual by Singaporean naming conventions, as it does not reference a place, person, or local landmark. Instead, the name is believed to be a functional one, possibly reflecting its role as a street that ‘makes way’ between Kampong Java Road and Bukit Timah Road2. Such practical naming conventions were not uncommon during the colonial and post-colonial era.

Character of the Street

Makeway Avenue is a short street with a practical, utilitarian character. The road is lined with private residential developments, including both older low-rise apartments and modern high-rise condominiums. Its proximity to Newton and Novena lends it a mixed atmosphere: quiet and residential on the road itself, yet bustling nearby with amenities, eateries, and institutions. The overall environment is clean, well-maintained, and sought after by professionals and families seeking central city living.

Surrounding Streets

Makeway Avenue connects directly to some of Singapore’s most important roads. At the north, it begins at Kampong Java Road, which itself links into the Central Expressway and Newton Circus. At its southern end, the road exits to Bukit Timah Road, a major historic thoroughfare that stretches across central Singapore. Makepeace Road, a smaller residential street, also adjoins Makeway Avenue, enhancing the local network of streets3.

Notable Landmarks and Surroundings

While Makeway Avenue itself is relatively modest, its location places it near several notable landmarks. Newton Food Centre, one of the city’s most famous hawker centres, lies just a short walk away. Educational institutions in the area include Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) and St. Joseph’s Institution Junior. Nearby commercial hubs such as Novena Square and United Square provide shopping, dining, and services. The proximity of Orchard Road, Singapore’s primary shopping belt, also adds to the appeal of the area4.

Real Estate along Makeway Avenue

Real estate in and around Makeway Avenue is highly sought after, given its central location in District 9. As of 2025, condominiums in this area are priced around SGD 2,400 to SGD 2,800 per square foot (approximately SGD 25,833–30,138 per square metre)5. A typical three-bedroom condominium unit sized at 1,200 sq ft (111.5 sq m) can fetch between SGD 2.9 million and SGD 3.3 million. Rental rates are also strong, with similar units commanding SGD 6,000 to SGD 7,000 per month. These prices are higher than the national average, reflecting the exclusivity of the Novena and Newton neighbourhoods.

Transport Connectivity

The nearest MRT station is Newton MRT Station, an interchange on both the North South Line and the Downtown Line. This provides residents with fast access to the Central Business District, Marina Bay, and other major hubs. Bus stops along Kampong Java Road and Bukit Timah Road serve several routes that connect to wider parts of Singapore6.

Fun Facts

A fun fact about Makeway Avenue is that despite its short length, it has attracted considerable attention from developers over the years. Several en bloc sales and redevelopment projects have taken place in its vicinity, as land in this central part of Singapore remains in extremely high demand. Its name also makes it memorable among locals, being one of the few roads in Singapore with such a directive-sounding designation7.

Map of Makeway Avenue, Singapore

References

  1. National Library Board – Singapore’s post-war urban development
  2. Road naming conventions in Singapore
  3. Street Directory Singapore – Map of Makeway Avenue
  4. Visit Singapore – Attractions near Newton
  5. EdgeProp – Singapore property price trends (2025)
  6. Land Transport Authority (LTA) – Public Transport
  7. Business Times – En bloc redevelopment news

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.

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