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Chinatown Complex will be closed in Mar 2026 for a major 3-month revamp.
What sets this new operation (dubbed R&R Plus) apart from the usual Repairs & Redecoration works (R&R) most centres undergo are the more extensive upgrades that will take place. These include improved lighting and toilets, installation of high-velocity fans and more signs and lifts.
The task force for this renovation was assembled by Chinatown MP Ms Josephine Teo, with the involvement of the Housing Department Board (HDB) and National Environment Agency (NEA).
First opened in 1983 as Kreta Ayer Complex, Chinatown Complex’s purpose was to rehouse the roadside hawkers that set up their stalls in the area. It is currently Singapore’s largest hawker centre and market with over 220 stalls and 700 tenants.
The facilities have deteriorated over time, prompting the resident hawkers to request upgrades to the complex. According to CNA, several pointed out the dim lighting while others highlighted the need for better ventilation.
Chinatown Complex undergoing a revamp also stems from the need for better accessibility, as the building only houses 2 old elevators. Not only does it inconvenience stallholders when they receive deliveries from the ground floor, but also thwarts users who are unable to use the stairs because they use personal mobility aids or wheelchairs.
We asked one of the stall owners for his views on the closure and revamp. While he acknowledges the possible improvements in cleanliness and lighting, he is most concerned about the rental increase and how he will manage during the 3 months of closure.
As Chinatown Complex is part of Singapore’s unique hawker identity, experts suggest a revamp may not be enough. For instance, the structure and arrangement of the repetitive rows of stalls, tables and chairs may seem unappealing and thus drive potential visitors away.
Therefore, the building might require an overall infrastructure change to create a positive impression of hawker centres on tourists and the younger generation.
How will the results of this huge Chinatown Complex revamp turn out? Only time will tell when it’s unveiled in 2026.
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