Balestier Market closing on 15 Apr, all hawkers told to relocate

Balestier Market (also known as Balestier Food Centre), built in 1922, is Singapore’s last surviving rural market building. Sadly, the market’s last day of operations will be 15 Apr, 2025. 

The market used to be called Or Kio Pa Sat, which meant “black bridge market” in Hokkien, and Tee Pa Sat, meaning “iron market”, due to a metal fence that used to surround it. It also served as a distribution centre for rations during the Japanese Occupation, and was conserved in 2003 before being converted into a food centre.

One of the market’s most popular stalls, Bugis Street Chuen Chuen Chicken Rice, is facing its fourth relocation. Having been at Balestier Market since 2013, the stall got its start in the 1980s at “Black Street”, before moving to Jalan Besar and then Long House at Upper Thomson. 

The stall owners had only received the news of the market’s impending closure on 6 Feb, and were understandably emotional. They commented that it would not be easy to find a new location on such short notice. 

Hawkers would also be allowed to move out early due to the circumstances of the situation. Some others have also expressed a feeling of helplessness due to competition, and the pressure of finding a good location.

The reason given for the market’s closure by the management was that “they were unable to renew their contract with the government”. 

We reached out to the owner of Kinta Hainanese Chop & Rice for comment, and he verified the market’s closure as well, citing that “SLA was taking back the land”. He is currently in the process of looking for a new location, and would have to vacate the premises before 15 Apr. 

Where the current hawkers relocate to remains to be seen, and we will keep an eye out for that news as well.

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