[1] The construction of the Raffles Quay extension was also recommended to the government in a special committee's report in September 1948,[2] to improve connectivity between the central area and the harbour and to allow for the development of reclaimed land between Tanjong Pagar and Finalyson Green.

[6] In February 1952, the colonial government initiated a development scheme in the area, offering 17 plots of land along Shenton Way and Robinson Road for sale on 99-year leases.

These plots were leased out on the condition that ten-storey buildings with a uniform exterior design and finish, and conforming to government regulations on their construction and use, were built on them within a four-year window.

[11] A diamond-headed drill from Britain and a specialist from Australia was brought in by a developer to assist in the process,[12] finding solid rock and underground water under the site.

The road is directly served by its namesake Shenton Way station on the Thomson–East Coast line (TEL), located on Park Street next to the Asia Square building.