The newly upgraded market and food centre at Blk 112 Jalan Bukit Merah was officially opened on Sunday after a nine-month renovation.

The half-century old market and food centre, which was closed for upgrading works in March last year under the Hawker Centre Upgrading Programme (HUP), had a soft opening last December. It now boasts a more spacious interior and better ventilation. The upgraded center's seating capacity has also increased by approximately 20 per cent to 350 seats.

During the upgrading of the center, two flights of staircases were also relocated to the exterior to provide additional space.

Chairman of the HUP working committee Mr Harris Kor said that stallholders' inputs were taken in consideration in the centre's upgrading. He added: "The centre is now brighter and more airy, with barrier-free access. The new seating arrangement is also more conducive for cleaning work flow and dining comfort." The centre currently has 80 stalls.

During the official opening, more than 1,000 household units staying in surrounding rental blocks 104, 105, 106 and 110 also received a $6 food voucher to purchase their groceries at the centre.

Grassroots advisor Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Defence, Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State for Law and Education, grassroots advisors Mr Sam Tan and Dr Chia Shi-Lu joined residents at the centre's opening.