Date Published: 24 Apr 2004

Grassroots leaders,

Geylang Serai Market stallholders,

Ladies and gentlemen

A very good evening to all! I am very happy to be here this evening to launch the exhibition for the proposed Serai Market. I'm especially happy to see so many familiar faces here tonight. This exhibition is held especially for you to view the preliminary design proposal that the NEA and HDB have drafted for Geylang Serai Market and give your feedback.

Redevelopment programmes for Geylang Serai

2 As you know, Blocks 1 to 5 Jalan Pasar Baru/Geylang Serai were announced for redevelopment under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme, or SERS, in Feb 2003. The existing Geylang Serai Market nearby is old and run-down, and has limited scope for improvement. Hence, SERS presented a good opportunity for a comprehensive redevelopment of the market under the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme, or HUP.

Proposed Geylang Serai Market

3 Geylang Serai has always been the hub of Malay cultural activity, especially during the Hari Raya festivities, attracting both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We want to continue this tradition - the new Geylang Serai Market will remain a regional market that attracts visitors from other parts of . To achieve this, I set up a taskforce in Feb 03 to gather feedback from the stallholders and residents on their expectations of the new market. Many have given us valuable feedback on how to preserve the character of this historic site. We have since conveyed their ideas to the design consultant who worked together with the NEA and HDB in the design of the market.

4 The new market will not only be more spacious and better ventilated, but will also incorporate the necessary fire-safety features to ensure the safety of stallholders and patrons. The new market will be a prominent icon fronting Road, well-positioned to be the landmark of the area. The preliminary design of the market includes a pedestrian walkway and spacious forecourt in front of the market, which can be used for the Hari Raya bazaar during the Ramadan period. To facilitate pedestrian traffic, a new pedestrian overhead bridge has also been planned to link the new market and Joo Chiat Complex at the second storey.

5 Design features unique to Malay architectural styles have been proposed for the market, to retain its original character and flavour. For example, the proposed sloping roofs bring to mind the image of a traditional Malay house, while the entrance lobby with an integrated drop-off porch similar to that of a Malay veranda serves as welcoming areas for visitors. In addition, the use of timber panels that simulate textile and weaving patterns with the features of Malay architecture will add richness to the aesthetics of the market.

Public consultation

6 My brief description of some of the design features is just a sample of what you can expect to see, when the exhibition is launched and the design is unveiled. There will be artist impressions and models of the proposed Geylang Serai Market to stir your imagination of what it can be like.

7 As this market is designed for you, the stallholders, we value your feedback. The exhibition will remain at CC for 2 weeks from tonight up to 8 May 04. So do make full use of this opportunity to play an active part in an exciting project that closely concerns you. Fill in the survey forms and tell us what you think of the proposed design. For your fellow stallholders who are unable to be here tonight, do tell them about this exhibition and encourage them to come down and see for themselves.

8 In recognition of the special historical and cultural significance of the area, the exhibition will also be open to the general public. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibition and offer feedback and suggestions on the design.

Temporary market

9 The existing Geylang Serai Market will continue to operate until end-2005, when all the occupants of Blocks 1 to 5 are expected to vacate. It will then be demolished together with Blocks 1 to 5 to facilitate the re-building of the new Geylang Serai Market. To minimise disruption to the stallholders, the Kampong Ubi Grassroots Organisations will assist the stallholders to set up a temporary market/ hawker centre before the new market is ready. The proposed temporary market/ hawker centre is likely to be located at the vacant land south of Singapore Post Centre and is expected to be ready by end-2005.

10 HUP is fully funded by the Government. Re-building the Geylang Serai market will benefit both the stallholders and residents. Stallholders will enjoy an improved environment and better facilities to conduct their business, while patrons will enjoy a more pleasant ambience for their grocery shopping and meals.

11 I would like to thank HDB and the NEA who have worked very hard to bring together this exhibition for you. I hope that we can continue to work together to not only make it an even better place for the stallholders and the visitors, but also preserve and strengthen the cultural uniqueness that defines Geylang Serai for what it is.

12 I wish everyone a pleasant evening. Thank you.