Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre, located at 505 Jurong West Street 52, is closed for three months from 9 September to 8 December 2024 for repairs and decoration improvement works. The market and food centre, which houses three stalls on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list—Soh Kee Cooked Food, Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh, and Du Du Shou Shi—will undergo significant upgrades during this period.
Background
The closure of Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre is part of a broader initiative to enhance the facilities and improve the overall experience for patrons. The market is a popular destination, known for its high-quality food offerings, including the Michelin-recognised stalls. The temporary closure aims to address necessary repairs and introduce aesthetic improvements to maintain its reputation and service quality.
Impact on vendors
The closure affects several vendors, including the brothers Huang Zhiming, 65, and Huang Zhiwei, 67, who run Soh Kee Cooked Food. According to Shin Min Daily News, the brothers plan to take a break and travel to places such as Malaysia. “We are getting old and don’t want to be too tired,” they said, indicating a need for rest during the closure. Meanwhile, their part-time staff will seek other employment opportunities.
The 76-year-old owner of Du Du Shou Shi will be assisting at another branch located at Havelock Road during the market’s closure. This temporary relocation ensures that loyal customers can still enjoy their favourite dishes.
Alternative options for patrons
During the closure, patrons can visit nearby hawker centres and markets. The two closest alternatives are Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre at Block 347 Jurong East Avenue 1 and Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village at Block 221A Boon Lay Place. These locations offer a variety of food options and are within a reasonable distance from Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre.
Future implications
The upgrades at Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre are expected to enhance the overall environment and potentially attract more visitors once it reopens. However, there is a concern among some patrons that the improvements might lead to increased prices. Janette Lau, a frequent visitor, commented, “Upgrade and reopen, vendors have excuses to raise prices. Why must they keep upgrading? Our hawker centres are very good, well-maintained, and airy compared to others.”
The market is scheduled to reopen on 9 December 2024, and it remains to be seen how the changes will impact both vendors and customers in the long term.
