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Shopping malls Singapore then and now - Wisma Atria transformation

11 Shopping Malls In Singapore Then & Now That Prove How Much Has Changed Without You Realising

Shopping malls in Singapore then & now


Change is the only constant, and as cheesy as this typical Tumblr quote goes, it’s also the hard truth. Which is why new malls keep sprouting up and older shopping malls always seem to be going through some phase of renovation or undergoing a complete makeover to emerge different from how we grew to know and love them. 

For a trip down memory lane, see if you recognise any of these shopping malls in Singapore, then and now.


1. i12 Katong


Then – Medical clinics & education centres


Those who’ve been living in the east since the 80s might recall a building with exposed blue pipes along East Coast Road. This building was the Katong People’s Complex which stood there from 1983 to 1995. It mainly consisted of medical clinics and a large department store.

Shopping malls Singapore then and now - Katong Mall
Image credit: Wikipedia Commons

In 1995, the exterior was given a facelift and the complex was renamed Katong Mall. Where previously the department store stood, now a Cold Storage had taken its place. There were also a number of education centres for kids and electronics stores in the basement.

Finally, after 14 years, CapitaLand took over the space and gave the building a major revamp, turning it into i12 Katong which first opened its doors in 2011.


Now – Climbing gym, GV Gold Class & popular restaurants


i12 katong exterior

Anyone who has been to the Joo Chiat and Katong area, has probably passed by i12 Katong. After temporarily closing for a renovation in 2020, the mall officially reopened in 2022 with a slew of family-friendly tenants such as Climb Central and Wan To Play Forest.

You can also find a number of popular eateries including P.S.Cafe, Prive, Ippudo, Wine Connection, and Malaysia Boleh!

i12 Katong
Google Reviews
3.9
(4,498)
Address
112 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428802
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

2. Wisma Atria


Then – Aquarium meeting point


Those born in the 90s will likely recall the cylinder-shaped aquarium at the basement of Wisma Atria, which doubled as a common meeting point for friends and couples. It also surrounded the bubble lift, which meant you could peer into the tank from inside it. I remember how I insisted on taking the lift instead of escalators as a kid, for this very reason.

wisma atria aquarium
Image credit: C.Y. Leow

The 1.5m-tall aquarium was home to countless fishes and other sea creatures until April 2008, when they were transferred to Sentosa’s Underwater World to give them a more natural way of life. Today, the bubble lift still exists sans aquarium, with a mere seating area on the 1st level.

Aside from fish-spotting, the mall was also famous for its outdoor steps where youth usually sat to hang out and people-watch. 

wisma atria steps outside
Steps outside Wisma Atria.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore


Now – Outdoor LED steps


wisma atria steps light

The steps are still a hotspot to sit at, but they’ve been updated to include LED strips that light up at night in various hues. Add that to the ice cream push cart and occasional busker in front of the steps, and you’ve got yourself a classic Singaporean pastime. 

WISMA atria

Wisma Atria
Google Reviews
4.3
(7,534)
Address
435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

3. Funan Mall


Then – Conventional layout & hidden pirated games


funan mall 90s
Funan before its demolition in 2016.
Image credit: Wikipedia

Before its 2019 revamp, I used to visit Funan Mall for 2 main reasons: 1) to get something for my computer or 2) to hunt down pirated PS2 games. 

Besides retailing all things tech-related, the mall also included obscure shops that would sneakily sell illegal computer and console games at a fraction of their original price if you enquired over the counter. 

pirated games
Ask the counter staff of some shops at the old Funan and they’ll pull out folders of pirated video games.
Image credit: Kotaku


Now – Rooftop garden & smart features


funan mall
Image credit: Capitaland

To ditch its “geek” label and overcome the digital shift to online shopping, Funan has now transformed into a lifestyle mall, complete with a theatre, rooftop garden, and indoor rock climb wall. 

funan mall interior

The mall still pays ode to its tech-focused beginnings, however – you can collect your shopping items from a robot pick-up, reserve your parking lot via their smart system, and use their directory with facial recognition.

Funan
Google Reviews
4.4
(7,450)
Address
107 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

4. Marina Square


Then – Popular hangout spot with arcade, cinema & bowling alley


shopping malls in singapore then and now - marina square 90s staircase
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

My memories of polytechnic days are filled with outings at Marina Square with my classmates – the trinity of a bowling alley, arcade and GV cinema meant that it’d be our go-to for days we ended early or just wanted to ponteng lectures. 

Similar as for many others, the flight of steps outside the mall was where we’d go to post-dinner for HTHTs or smoke breaks. 

shopping malls in singapore then and now - marina square gv
This entryway to the bowling alley and cinema would be a familiar sight for many youths.
Image credit: Foursquare


Now – Outdoor plaza & secret maze


shopping malls in singapore then and now - marina square atriumImage credit:Retailnews

Those that loved to lepak at the Marina Square steps will have to find alternative areas to do so, since the mall’s facade has since experienced a facelift to include an outdoor atrium with plenty of greenery instead.

This lesser-known rooftop garden is a great spot to catch fireworks displays during the National Day parade or New Year’s Eve, by the way.

marina square maze

While some teens still flock to the mall, it’s for a different reason nowadays. A secret fire escape at Marina Square leads to a stunning, minimalist maze that has since popularised IG feeds and become a go-to spot for photography enthusiasts. 

Marina Square
Google Reviews
4.3
(16,810)
Address
6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

5. Capitol Theatre


Then – Glamorous theatre in the 90s


shopping malls in singapore then and now- capitol theatre 90s
Image credit: Getforme

Before we watched films at places like Shaw Lido and heartland malls, Capitol Theatre was where Singaporeans would catch the latest blockbusters – even superstars from yesteryears like Charlie Chaplin paid it a visit in their heydays. 

But the influx of other cinemas during the 90s also meant that crowds were fading from this iconic SG landmark, leading to its closure in 1998, following which it remained idle and vacated for years.


Now – Shopping mall with outdoor fountain & connected hotel 


shopping malls in singapore then and now - capitol piazza fountain
Image credit: Capitol Singapore

17 years passed before the Capitol Theatre opened its doors again in 2015, complete with a brand new indoor theatre, fountain display and outdoor amphitheatre. One thing that still remained: the signature vertical neon signage.

capitol piazza shopping
Image credit: Eatbook

Aside from the overhaul, there’s also the Capitol Piazza shopping mall and newly-opened The Capitol Kempinski Hotel to draw in tourists and locals alike. 

Capitol Theatre
Google Reviews
4.5
(1,040)
Address
17 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178907

6. Cineleisure Orchard


Then – Lifestyle mall for youths with dance battle competitions


shopping malls in singapore then and now - cathay cineleisure 90s
Image credit: zoeraymond.com

Best Fries Forever. Sticky. Rockstar by Soon Lee. If you were a youth in the early 2000s, you’d probably have frequented these 3 hangouts and many others at Cineleisure Orchard. I remember heading into Rockstar by Soon Lee just to cop free JUICE and Ziggy magazines.

The mall was pretty much holy ground for the blogspot generation. There were neoprint booths galore, occasional dance competitions on the first level that anyone could view for free and then-trendy fashion stores to get the latest threads. 


Now – Karaoke & cinema options


shopping malls in singapore then and now - cathay orchard
Image credit: SQFeed

Fast forward to today and the mall seems to have shed their “youth” image in exchange for a more sophisticated look with a more muted interior. At least some stores and amenities have withstood the test of time – like Footlocker for sneakers, Pastamania to get a quick Western food fix, and the Cathay cinema, and karaoke joint for late-night hangouts. 

Shopping malls Singapore then and now - Cinelesiure Orchard TaiWan night market
Image credit: Eatbook

There’s also a new Taiwanese food court in the basement – TaiWan Night Markets – where you’ll find tons of street food for $5-$10. Some of the must-tries include ice cream rolls ($5), sweet potato balls ($6), oyster mee sua ($5), and Taiwanese sausages with sticky rice ($8.80).

Cineleisure
Google Reviews
4.1
(5,224)
Address
8 Grange Rd, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours:
Saturday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

7.  King Albert Park


Then – Iconic McDonald’s & Cold Storage


shopping malls in singapore then and now - kap mcdonalds
Image credit: pbase

There’s just something about McDonald’s outlets that make them nostalgic for many Singaporeans. It’s where memories of late-night study chionging, innocent dates and childhood birthday parties are born. 

One such McDonald’s that held a special place in many hearts is undoubtedly the King Albert Park outlet, affectionately known as KAP. While it was the 2nd home to students from the nearby schools and polytechnic, residents from the area would also head here for groceries at Cold Storage.


Now – Cinema, lasik centre & condo apartments


shopping malls in singapore then and now - kap residences
Image credit: King Albert Park

Ronald McDonald and co. had to bid adieu in 2014 when the building was bought over to be refurbished into a lifestyle mall and residential building. Visit today, and you’ll find a cosy 60-seater cinema, lasik treatment clinic, and expats living on the higher floors – a far cry from the fast food drive-thru it was once famous for. 

KAP Mall
Google Reviews
3.9
(88)
Address
9 King Albert Park, Singapore 598332
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings

8. Century Square


Then – Neighbourhood mall with cinema & arcade


shopping malls in singapore then and now - century square renovationA shot of the mall’s interior before its renovation in 2017.
Image credit: jasmine-tay.blogspot.com

Easties will particularly remember Century Square. The heartland mall offered an alternative from the usually sardine-packed Tampines Mall – the arcade and cinema on the top floor were particularly popular spots for after school meet-ups. 

Adults, on the other hand, would comb the frequent bargain bins and sale items at the atrium level.


Now – Food haven with upgraded interiors


shopping malls in singapore then and now  - century square mall interior
Image credit: @tengku_n17 via Instagram

After the upgrade it underwent in recent years, the mall is now brighter and more inviting with its bevy of stores and newer merchants like Haidilao and Nakhon Kitchen moving in. 

While it was once on the verge of completely shuttering, the addition of Tampines 1 and the newer Tampines MRT stations on top of the renovation works also mean healthier customer traffic to the mall nowadays.

Century Square
Google Reviews
4.2
(5,660)
Address
2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

9. Northpoint City


Then – First modern mall in the north


shopping malls in singapore then and now - northpoint shopping mallImage credit: Frasers Property

Yishun might be the butt of jokes and memes in Singapore in recent times, but back when Northpoint Shopping Centre first opened in 1992, it was the coolest neighbourhood to live in. It had everything you’d need back then – from groceries to fashion stores – making a trip to town redundant.


Now – Expanded wings & linkway to MRT & bus interchange


Northpoint City Mall

But as years went by, the mall started feeling outdated and a change was in order. To meet the needs of the increasing number of residents in the surrounding area, the mall was made over to Northpoint City to include a brand new wing with even more shops, a connected linkway to an air-conditioned bus terminal, and a rooftop garden.

Despite several visits later, I still find myself making wrong turns in the expanded space.

Northpoint City
Google Reviews
4.3
(15,230)
Address
930 Yishun Ave 2, Singapore 769098
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

10. SingPost Centre


Then – Office building & mail centre


shopping malls in singapore then and now - singpost centre 90s
Image credit: SingPost

Back in the era of sending letters to pen pals and receiving ASOS packages from overseas that wouldn’t fit in our mailbox, we’d have to head all the way down to the main post office SingPost Centre at Paya Lebar. You wouldn’t miss it from the MRT station when you pass by, with its instantly recognisable cylinder structure. 


Now – Lifestyle mall with BBT joints & theatres


Shopping malls Singapore then and now - SingPost Centre revamped

Although the building hasn’t undergone a major overhaul, it’s since expanded to include a brand new mall that has since proven to draw crowds from all over the country. With BBT outlets like Gong Cha and both a cinema and theatre auditorium for plays, the mall has elevated Paya Lebar to officially “hip” status. 

shopping malls in singapore then and now - singpost centre interior
The mall is a popular F&B destination for Easties.
Image credit: DP Architects

SingPost Centre
Google Reviews
4.3
(7,046)
Address
10 Eunos Rd 8, Singapore 408600
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

11. Orchard Gateway / 313@Somerset


Then – Specialists’ Shopping Centre with John Little & Famous Amos Cookies


shopping malls in singapore then and now - specialists shopping centreImage credit: Wikipedia 

90s kids will faintly remember a time when 313@Somerset and Orchard Gateway didn’t even exist. In their place stood a giant billboard flashing ads, that belonged to Specialists’ Shopping Centre – or more fondly referred to by our parents as “John Little”.

Indeed, the department store was the mall’s main highlight, but who could forget the whiff of Famous Amos cookies as you passed by, or the massive Gramophone store stocked with CDs and DVDs.


Now – Orchard Gateway with IG-worthy linkway bridge 


shopping malls in singapore then and now - orchard gateway bridge
Image credit: cavinteo.blogspot.com

Today’s youth will instead know Somerset for its 2 newer malls – 313@Somerset and Orchard Gateway that’ve replaced John Little. Home to Singapore’s largest Don Don Donki and Uniqlo, it’s no wonder that it’s constantly packed with shoppers.

Orchard Gateway even has an overhead bridge linking to its opposite wing – although it’s become more of a backdrop for IG photos instead.

orchard gateway bridge
Orchard Gateway’s photogenic bridge

Orchardgateway
Google Reviews
3.7
(347)
Address
277 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238858
Opening Hours:
Saturday 06:30 AM - 11:00 AM Show More Timings
Contact Information
313@somerset
Google Reviews
4.4
(15,831)
Address
313 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

Evolution of shopping malls in Singapore then and now

Shopping in Singapore is one of this country’s claims to fame. Just take a stroll along Orchard Road every 6 months and you’ll notice something different, whether it’s a once-popular store being shuttered or a brand new landmark popping up.

Word of advice: take more photos and spend time with your friends at your favourite hangouts. You never know when it will be the last time you get the chance to do so.

Other things to reminisce about:


Cover image adapted from: C.Y. Leow
Originally published on 15th June 2020. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 25th September 2023.