Hidden Shopping Centres in Kovan, Singapore

Many are familiar with Vivocity, ION Orchard & Marina Square as their go to shopping malls. Despite the decline in offline retail due to the pandemic and the rise in e-commerce platforms, more shopping centres are currently still being built. So where does this leave for the older shopping centres? Abandoned? Well looks like it.

Today, we discover 3 of the most underrated, hidden, forgotten and near-abandoned shopping centres located in the heartland of Kovan, Singapore. One thing all these vintage shopping centres have in common, for sure, is frozen time. It was as if time stood still. Only little changes have been made for over many decades.

1. ICB Shopping Centre (Located along Yio Chu Kang Road, 1km away from Serangoon MRT)

· Has been around for more than 30 years.

· Initially headed for en bloc launch at S$65-70m in 2017.

· 4 years later after it was announced for en bloc, there doesn’t seem to be any changes made.

· More tenants & retail are moving in and opening stores (Café, Massage/Reflexology Centre, Tuition Centres etc.)

· The space can potentially be redeveloped into a medical centre, since there is no large hospital within the vicinity. (closest hospital is SKH)

· Explore ICB and close vicinity area (shoot B-Roll) if possible, to interview Café owner

2. Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre (Located at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Upper Paya Lebar Road)

· Was built in the 70s

· Used to be filled with activities in bookshops, tailor shops, hair salons and even a tattoo shop

· Was put up for sale in 2012 but nothing seems to change, more tenants are moving in such as Restaurants etc.

· One shop was known for selling cheap PC/Console games

· Iconic Spiral stairs at the back (beside 81)

· Hotel 81 and Fragrance next to it (the only ones that’s located outside of the city/central area)

3. Precinct Shopping Centre (Located in Lor Ah Soo, Hougang Ave 1)

· The shopping centre with no air-con; it’s more like your typical under the void deck shops.

· Popular cafes found here, such as Lickers, Flavour Flings etc.

So what you’d think of it? Are you going to pay a visit to any of these shopping centres today?