Completion of Rejuvenation Works in Geylang Serai Cultural Belt

SINGAPORE - The rejuvenation of the Geylang Serai cultural belt has been completed, featuring a prominent arch at the intersection of Geylang Road and Joo Chiat Road. This arch, inspired by traditional Malay kampung houses, stands at the corner of Geylang Serai Market and Hotel 81 Tristar.

Other enhancements include road paintings inspired by traditional weaving crafts at the junction, and a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists at the Geylang Serai Market. At Joo Chiat Complex shopping mall, upgrades include a new glass entrance canopy, a playground, bicycle parking spaces, and an improved drop-off point and pathway.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who officiated the launch of the arch on September 7, highlighted that Geylang Serai has evolved into a well-integrated community that mirrors Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society.

“The Government is fully committed to ensuring that Geylang Serai continues to blend the best of the new and the old – a vibrant place with modern amenities, while retaining its distinctive Malay heritage,” he stated.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Maliki Osman, who chairs the steering committee for the Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct, noted that the arch, spanning a cross junction, is the first of its kind in Singapore. “We also utilized night lighting to highlight the unique features of the iconic arch, hoping to attract more visitors in the evenings,” he said.

Dr. Maliki mentioned that the concept for the cultural belt's development emerged from consultations with over 10, 000 stakeholders, including residents, during community engagement sessions in 2019. “With the upgraded communal spaces, there will be more opportunities to showcase the rich Malay heritage for others to appreciate,” he added.

Osman Sudin, chairman of the Pasar Geylang Serai Merchants’ Association, expressed hope that foot traffic would increase when Geylang Serai Market reopens on November 1. The market's closure in August for renovations means that the 365 stallholders will be out of business for another eight weeks.

“The stallholders are facing challenges due to the lack of income, but I believe this period of sacrifice is necessary to improve the market,” said Osman, who owns a grilled chicken rice stall in the market.

At Joo Chiat Complex, business owner Haja Alauddin hoped that the upgraded amenities, such as the drop-off point and playground, would draw more customers, as business has been tough since the Covid-19 pandemic. The 50-year-old noted that his shoe shop, Aysa Store, has seen a 50% drop in business since 2020, especially since construction began in 2023.

“I’ve been struggling to cover rent and the salaries of my three staff. Some evenings, there may be no customers at all,” he said, adding that most of his customers were patrons of Geylang Serai Market. “With the market closed until November, I can only hope the new drop-off point, which opened last week, will attract more customers.”

The owner of cosmetics store Himoodra Original, who wished to be known only as Madam Rahimah, 60, described the complex as a “ghost town” during construction. “Outside of the Ramadan festivities, I can count the number of customers I get in a day on one hand,” she said.

Mr. Wong mentioned that the authorities are not yet finished with the improvement works for Geylang Serai. “To the east and west, there are still many possibilities for us to make this cultural belt come alive – not just as a modern and vibrant neighborhood but one that keeps Malay heritage and culture alive,” he added.

In a media interview, Dr. Maliki said the second phase of rejuvenation will focus on Tanjong Katong Complex, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks. “It is another iconic building, and the feedback we received was to maintain the basic infrastructure even if we need to redevelop it,” he said.

Adapted from The Straitstimes, 7 Sep 2024

The rejuvenation efforts are expected to positively impact the surrounding areas, including the upcoming Geylang Condos, which aim to offer modern living spaces while integrating seamlessly with the cultural heritage of Geylang Serai.