What Happened, What’s New & What You Should Know
Tiong Bahru Market — a beloved neighbourhood landmark in Singapore known for its vibrant wet market and iconic hawker food centre — has recently undergone a significant renovation in 2025 that drew both community curiosity and nostalgic interest online. This article clarifies what happened, why it was done, what’s been updated, and what visitors can expect today.
Written in a neutral and friendly tone, this article includes verified facts from reputable sources and delivers a balanced perspective on this much-anticipated renovation.
A Quick Look at Tiong Bahru Market’s Heritage
Before diving into the latest renovation, it helps to understand the historical importance of Tiong Bahru Market. Originally known as Seng Poh Road Market when it was built in 1951, the market evolved over decades into the two-storey structure Singaporeans know today, featuring a wet market on the ground floor and a hawker centre upstairs. Over time, periodic upgrades and renovations have kept the building safe, functional, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Why the 2025 Renovation?
In 2025, the National Environment Agency (NEA), which oversees regular maintenance and cleaning programmes for Singapore’s food centres and markets, initiated a scheduled renovation for Tiong Bahru Market. This was classified as a Repairs and Redecoration (R&R) initiative — a routine practice to maintain cleanliness, safety, and comfort for patrons and stallholders.
The wet market and food centre were temporarily closed from 14 April to 13 July 2025 to allow thorough renovation works.
What Changed After the Renovation?
After approximately three months of renovation efforts, the Market reopened in mid-July 2025 with several noticeable improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
Refreshed Interiors & Amenities
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New floor tiles throughout the centre
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New tables and stools at hawker seating areas
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More powerful ceiling fans and improved ventilation
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Refurbished toilets for improved hygiene
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A fresh coat of exterior paint
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New landscaped greenery around communal areas
These upgrades may seem subtle, but in practice they help make the space more comfortable and enjoyable — especially in Singapore’s tropical climate — without changing the market’s authentic character.
Hymn to Heritage: What Stayed the Same
While the renovation brought functional and cosmetic upgrades, it was not a complete overhaul or redesign. Many elements that make Tiong Bahru Market iconic have remained unchanged:
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The hawker stalls and their local flavours — beloved offerings such as traditional Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh, Lor Mee, Fishball Noodles, and Hainanese Chicken Rice continue to draw crowds.
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The familiar layout and structure of the market remain intact, preserving its heritage feel.
In short, the renovation focused more on maintenance and liveability rather than reinventing the character of the market.
Community Feedback & Local Context
Feedback on the renovation has been mixed but largely positive. Many regulars appreciate the cleaner spaces and improved seating, especially during lunch crowds. Some locals commented that additional features like the red awnings can trap heat at times — a reminder that even well-intentioned upgrades might take time to be fully appreciated in daily use.
It’s worth noting that this was not the first renovation in the market’s long history — similar refurbishments took place in previous decades, including a larger rebuild in the early 2000s.
Visiting Tiong Bahru Market Today
Now that the Tiong Bahru Market renovation is complete:
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The market and hawker centre are open daily during usual business hours.
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Not all stalls reopened immediately post-renovation — some resumed operations gradually after July 14, 2025.
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Old favourites and heritage food stalls continue to draw both locals and tourists.
Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce or sampling hawker classics, the market remains a community hub with a refreshed yet familiar vibe.
Final Thoughts
The Tiong Bahru Market renovation of 2025 is a good example of how Singapore maintains its heritage spaces while preserving community character. By focusing on practical upgrades — from better ventilation to fresher seating — the Market remains both a cultural touchstone and a living, evolving part of daily life for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the hawker culture here or a first-time visitor, the newly refreshed Tiong Bahru Market continues to be a vibrant, functional, and beloved Singapore fixture worth exploring.