Under the Remaking Our Heartland programme, Ang Mo Kio Town Centre has been revamped with more seating, ramps, shelters and landscaping to make it more enjoyable, inclusive and accessible for residents. The first phase of the upgrade stretches from the plaza outside AMK Hub and 51@AMK, through the shopfront boulevard to the central stage, and ends near Jubilee Square.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong toured the revitalised town centre on 14 July 2024, accompanied by Mr Darryl David and Mr Henry Kwek Hian Chuan, Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ang Mo Kio Town Council respectively. They visited some of the key upgraded amenities and listened to residents’ feedback on the improvements.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) with Mr Darryl David (fourth from right), Mr Henry Kwek Hian Chuan (fourth from left) and guests at the new welcome signage near 51@AMK.

The new Arrival Square features a high linkway shelter and green roof to help reduce heat. More cosy seating areas have also been added for residents to relax and socialise with neighbours.

Arrival Square with shelter and shaded seating areas.

The Shopfront Boulevard, Heritage Square and Terrace Seating between Block 712 and 720 have also been beautifully refurbished with new floor tiles and freshly painted facades. Residents can enjoy sitting on the new seating trellises, with planter boxes and creepers adding a touch of greenery. A new fountain also brings a playful element to the Heritage Square, making it the perfect place for residents to hang out.

New signage and landscaping make the Shopfront Boulevard more pleasant and inviting.

Ms Eunice Neo, 50, who grew up in Ang Mo Kio, said: “I like the new fountain. I enjoy the sound of the water; it makes me feel relaxed. I’d like to bring my family here at night because I think the fountain will look nicer then.” 

She cherished her childhood memories of Ang Mo Kio, saying: “I remember that there was an emporium near the new fountain. The town centre had looked stagnant for a long time. The upgrade has certainly helped to give it a more modern look and add vibrancy.” She also found the new signboards helpful, making it easier to navigate the shops. 

Creepers and water fountain add a touch of greenery and vibrancy to Heritage Square.

In addition, Central Square has been transformed into a vibrant community hub with a revamped central stage and new seating around the Angsana trees. The area is now more senior- and wheelchair-friendly, with a ramp replacing the former staircase. Additional seating and moveable benches also provide ample space for residents to gather and interact with others.

Central Square with new seating around the Angsana trees and a revamped central stage.

Mdm Anna Leetchimi, 70, who moved to Ang Mo Kio from Yishun five years ago, loves the new benches near the central stage. “The new seating allows me to sit and chat with others. The greenery makes the environment calming and relaxing, and I can sit here for two to three hours," she said. 

“The non-slip flooring is safe for older people like me. The new ramps also make it easier for us to push our trolleys when we're shopping at the town centre.”

Ramps are built to help people of all abilities move around independently and comfortably.

Young residents can also rejoice at the upgraded playground next to Jubilee Square. It is inspired by the saga seed, which holds a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans, many of whom spent their childhood collecting the red seeds. Today, children can climb over gigantic saga seeds in the playground, and let their creativity run wild with features such as an open slide, sprawling nets and climbing hammocks.

The upgraded playground at Blk 711 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 was inspired by the saga seed.

Residents can look forward to the second phase of rejuvenation, slated for completion by 2027. This will include a new recreational trail called the Garden Loop and enhanced connectivity with the upcoming Cross Island Line and North-South Corridor.

Facelift for market and food centres

Chong Boon Market & Food Centre and Kebun Baru Market & Food Centre reopened on 1 June 2024 after undergoing extensive Repair and Redecoration works. 

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, officiated at the opening of the Chong Boon Market & Food Centre, and interacted with stall owners and patrons.

Stall owners and patrons cheered for the improvements. Mdm Junaidah Jaafar and her husband, Mr Yusos bin Ahmad, who have been running Azizi Muslim Food at Chong Boon Market & Food Centre for five years, found the upgrade timely. "Before the revamp, frequent ceiling leakages deterred patrons. We often had to clear drain chokes. Now, everything looks new and better. The new extendable canopy provides shade from the sun and rain. The new pebbles at the planter bed also make the surroundings look upscale," they said.

Mdm Lum Lai Kuen, a resident who visits Chong Boon Market & Food Centre daily, said: “I like the laksa, kway chap and wonton noodles here. I feel more comfortable because the environment is brighter and neater, and the toilets are cleaner.”

At the Kebun Baru Market & Food Centre, Mr Murugaya Muthiah, a Mayflower resident since 1994, said: “The hawker centre now looks brighter and safer with anti-slip flooring that can help prevent falls, especially for the elderly.”

Another resident, Mr Danny Koh, who visits the food centre daily, said the seating arrangement used to be scattered. “It is now divided into different zones and the new layout has expanded the seating capacity.” 

“There were holes in the roof, and diners often had to run for shelter when it rained. Now the problem is solved.” 

He also shared that his favourite food at the food centre is bak chor mee and nasi briyani.

[Chinese]

宏茂桥市镇中心完成第一阶段翻新工程，增设了休息区、斜坡道和有盖走道，同时以各种植物景观美化环境，为居民打造方便舒适的公共空间。崇文巴刹与熟食中心和哥本峇鲁巴刹与熟食中心也完成翻新工程并恢复营业。

[Malay]

Pusat Bandar Ang Mo Kio telah diubah suai dengan menyediakan lebih banyak tempat duduk, tanjakan, ruang berteduh dan landskap untuk membuatnya lebih menyeronokkan dan mudah diakses oleh para penduduk. Pasar & Pusat Makanan Chong Boon serta Pasar & Pusat Makanan Kebun Baru juga telah dibuka semula selepas kerja-kerja Pembaikan dan Dekorasi Semula besar-besaran.

[Tamil]

குடியிருப்பாளர்களுக்கு உற்சாகமும் பயன்பாட்டு வசதியும் அளிக்கும் வகையில், கூடுதல் இருக்கைகள், சாய்வுப்பாதைகள், நிழல்தரும் மாடங்கள், நிலவனப்பு ஆகியவற்றுடன் அங் மோ கியோ நகர மையம் சீரமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. சொங் பூன் சந்தை, உணவு நிலையமும் கெபுன் பாரு சந்தை, உணவு நிலையமும் விரிவான பழுதுபார்ப்பு, மறுஅலங்கரிப்புப் பணிகளுக்குப் பிறகு மீண்டும் திறந்துள்ளன.

#AMKTCStories