Eat, Drink and be Kind at the Newly Upgraded Tampines Round Market & Food Centre

Tampines Round Market and Food Centre is back in business.

The iconic circular block at 137 Tampines Street 11 was officially re-opened on 7 July 2019 after two months of renovation works and enhancements. Food discounts and a durian giveaway for Merdeka and Pioneer Generation residents attracted a massive crowd to the place known for its scrumptious local food.

Mayor of North East District, Mr Desmond Choo, however, reckons that the 36-year-old market and food centre is more than just a place to enjoy good food. “Many of our residents, whether they are living in Tampines or have moved away, continue to come back to our round market & food centre not only to enjoy the food but to meet up with old friends,” Mr Choo said during his opening address. “It is an important node – a community space where Tampines residents can meet and mingle.” After his opening address, Mr Choo joined the other Grassroots Advisers for Tampines Grassroots Organisation (GRO), Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for the Environment & Water Resources and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in unveiling a plaque commemorating the occasion.

The improvement works are geared towards making the dining and marketing experience more comfortable and inclusive. The entire public area is brighter and better ventilated thanks to new LED lights, which have replaced fluorescent ones, as well as the 22 new ceiling fans. Anti-bird spikes have successfully kept most birds from entering the eating area. The newly furnished public toilets, equipped with a baby chair and diaper changing station, are given a 4-star rating by the Happy Toilet Programme.

As a public space where social norms are formed and reinforced, hawker centres and wet markets can be platforms to build and nurture social graciousness among residents and stallholders. With more wheelchair-friendly spaces and new tray-return racks, the Tampines Round Market and Food Centre will continue to promote and encourage acts of graciousness to build a better and kinder home for all residents. The market & food centre is committed to collaborate with the Tampines Kindness Movement to instill acts of courtesy and consideration in everyday activities.

Residents will be happy to know that more improvements will be introduced between July and October. These include baby seats at the food centre and new sheltered drop-off porches.