Newton Circus, Singapore

Newton Circus is one of the most recognisable traffic roundabouts in Singapore. Located at the border between the Newton and Novena, it is a major road junction where seven key roads converge: Scotts Road, Bukit Timah Road, Dunearn Road, Newton Road, Keng Lee Road, Kampong Java Road, and Clemenceau Avenue North. The nearest MRT station is Newton MRT Station (NS21/DT11), an interchange on the North South Line and the Downtown Line.

Overview and Surrounding Streets

Newton Circus functions as a busy roundabout that channels traffic to and from several important districts of Singapore. To the south, Clemenceau Avenue North leads toward Orchard Road; to the west, Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road provide arterial connections toward Bukit Timah and Clementi; while to the north, Newton Road links to Novena. Scotts Road heads directly to Orchard, one of Singapore's most popular shopping belts, while Kampong Java Road and Keng Lee Road provide access to residential areas and educational institutions.

History of Newton Circus

Newton Circus was constructed in the early 20th century as part of Singapore's road expansion programme to improve connectivity between the city and northern settlements1. The site was originally a simple road junction, but as traffic increased, it was redesigned into a roundabout to improve vehicle circulation. Its name, "Circus," reflects the British colonial term for roundabouts. Over the decades, it has become not only a functional road junction but also a cultural landmark due to the Newton Food Centre located nearby.

The Name "Newton"

The name Newton was derived from Alfred Howard Vincent Newton, a British colonial official in the late 19th century2. The word "Circus" in British English refers to a circular open space where several streets converge, as seen in London's Piccadilly Circus. The pronunciation of "Newton Circus" is straightforward: “New-tun Circus”. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is written as /ˈnjuːtən ˈsɜːrkəs/.

Character of the Roundabout and Surroundings

Today, Newton Circus is known for being both a vital transport junction and a bustling local landmark. Traffic is heavy during peak hours, with vehicles flowing constantly in and out of the roundabout. However, beyond the traffic, the area retains a residential charm, with condominiums, landed properties, and schools nearby. The Newton Food Centre adds to the area's identity, making it a destination not just for commuters, but also for food lovers.

Attractions and Amenities Nearby

Though the roundabout itself is mainly a road junction, several attractions are located close by:

Real Estate Around Newton Circus

Real estate in the Newton area is among the most sought after in Singapore, given its proximity to Orchard, Novena, and the city centre. Luxury condominiums dominate the area, offering full facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and 24-hour security. As of 2025, average property prices here range from SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,200 per sq ft3. For example, a 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) condominium unit would cost between SGD 3 million and SGD 3.8 million. Larger units, such as penthouses of 3,000 sq ft (279 sq m), can fetch upwards of SGD 8 million to SGD 9.5 million.

Rental prices are equally premium. A mid-sized apartment of about 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) typically rents for between SGD 5,000 and SGD 9,000 per month. These rates are significantly above the national average, reflecting the convenience and prestige of living near Newton Circus.

Transportation

Nearest MRT Stations

Newton MRT Station (NS21/DT11) is the closest MRT station to Newton Circus. It connects commuters via the North South Line to Marina Bay and Bishan, and via the Downtown Line to Bukit Panjang and Expo. This makes it a highly strategic interchange for daily commuters.

Bus Services

There are several bus stops located around Newton Circus, serving routes that head toward Novena, Bukit Timah, Orchard, and Little India. This makes the roundabout a convenient transfer point for both MRT and bus users.

Fun Facts

Quick Facts

References

  1. National Library Board Singapore: Newton Circus
  2. Roots.sg: Newton
  3. EdgeProp Singapore Property News
  4. Remember Singapore: Orchard Road History

Map of Newton Circus, 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

Want to share your Singapore travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?

Join the Singapore Travel Tips Facebook Group

More information for visiting and living in Singapore

Here are some related articles to help you get to know Singapore better.

 Latest Pages & Updates

Buy Me A Coffee

If you enjoy the information I provide and want to support the work I do, please buy me a coffee! I appreciate it immensely, thank you so much!
Support me here

 Backtrack | HOME | Latest Updates | Singapore Streets & Sights