THREE markets-cum-food centres with decades of history will re-open this new year, following months of upgrading.
The makeovers to Block 726 West Coast Road, Block 216 Bedok North Street 1 and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52 have given these facilities new water pipes, wiring, toilets, tables and stools, among other improvements.
The West Coast and Bedok North centres re-open on Thursday, while the Jurong West one is expected to do so by the second week of this month.
Most stall tenants at the three centres have pledged to retain their old prices.
The National Environment Agency launched its 10-year, $420 million Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme in February 2001 to give hawker centres a facelift. So far, 66 markets and food centres have been upgraded.
Separately, Sengkang residents can look forward to a new market and food centre opposite the Sengkang MRT/LRT station and bus interchange next year.
HDB is inviting tenders from private operators to build and run this stand-alone market and food centre, which will house about 50 market stalls and 50 cooked-food stalls.
HDB said Sengkang was selected to try out a privately run market and food centre since it is a new town, and many residents have asked for an additional market and food centre.
Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
