News Release No: 40/2005
Date of issue: 21 September 2005

Newton Food Centre's new design, inspired by its characteristic al fresco dining areas, will feature prominently when it reopens next year after undergoing a complete makeover under the Hawker Centre Upgrading Programme (HUP). An iconic representation of hawker fare in Singapore, it will be closed from October 1, and is scheduled to reopen  in June 2006.

 2       Originally built in 1971, it has established an enduring reputation as a must-try tourist destination synonymous with Singapore's famous hawker fare. It is just as popular with Singaporeans, recognised as a favourite local makan haunt. This affection for the Centre and its charm and character formed the basis of its new design. The Centre's sense of openness and al fresco hawker-food dining close to the heart of the city - distinct features of the centre pre-upgrade - will be preserved amid tropical architecture.

 3       Supporting the openness and space is the planned layout of the stalls in a horseshoe-shaped configuration, along with architectural elements such as sun-shading, column bases and blinds, surrounded by a lushly landscaped courtyard integrated with seating. The design takes into consideration the tropical heat - it will be open-concept, with natural cross-ventilation, large overhangs and eaves, allowing patrons the choice to dine within a sheltered dining space.

 4        The new centre will have a seating capacity of 1,640 to serve the patrons of the Centre's 83 stalls.

 If you can't wait till next June...
 
5         Those who can't wait for the centre to be completed will be able to patronize the stalls at a temporary site which the stallholders themselves have arranged, located along Monk's Hill Terrace and Winstedt Road, a stone's throw from Newton Food Centre. The majority of stalls - 72 at the moment - are moving gradually to this temporary site, which will begin operation on 11 October.

 6        To date, 40 hawker/food centres have undergone the NEA's HUP and 12 centres are currently being upgraded.

 ~~ End Of News Release ~~

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