First announced in August 2012 as part of the Thomson line (TSL), the station was constructed as part of TEL Phase 3 (TEL3) with the merger of the TSL and the Eastern Region line (ERL).

Marina South station was first announced as part of the 22-station Thomson line on 29 August 2012.

[2][3] In July 2014, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded the contract for the design and construction of the station and associated tunnels to a joint venture between Sinohydro Corp and Sembcorp Design and Construction at S$488 million (US$385.1 million).

[6][7] With restrictions imposed on construction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TEL3 completion date was pushed to 2022.

[8] On 23 November 2021, it was announced that the station's opening would be pushed to a later date until its surrounding areas are further developed.