The Reopening of The Cathay: A Legendary Mall in Singapore
The Cathay, an iconic and legendary mall in Singapore, has finally reopened after a lengthy renovation. Many locals may not even be aware of its unique and storied past. Let's explore what's new and rediscover this landmark.
A Historical Landmark
To most, The Cathay appears to be just another shopping mall. However, it once served as the very heart of Singapore's entertainment scene.
-
In 1939, it premiered as Singapore's first air-conditioned cinema.
-
It also housed a luxury hotel, apartments, a restaurant, and even a radio broadcasting station.
-
Back then, The Cathay wasn't just an iconic building; it was also the tallest building in Singapore.
However, its story took a darker turn during World War II, which will be discussed further.
Initial Impressions of the Renovated Mall
The renovation seems to have given the mall a cleaner, fresher feel. Its location next to an art school draws a young crowd. Security is visibly strict.
-
Starbucks is still present, but it has been renovated with a new look.
-
Other dining options include Yakiniku-like and Saboten, a tonkatsu chain from Japan.
The Cathay During World War II
During World War II, the Japanese army commandeered The Cathay, previously a radio station, and transformed it into their propaganda department.
The Cathay Hotel: A Place to Be
In 1954, The Cathay Hotel opened with 60 rooms and quickly became the place to be. Celebrities, tourists, and families flocked to the hotel.
New Features and Revitalization Efforts
The mall features new additions, including a cool display.
-
The building previously housed a hotel, restaurant, nightclub, and swimming pool, as well as a massive 1,300-seat cinema.
-
While some of the old magic may be gone, the renovation aims to revive The Cathay.
-
The mall is not yet fully open, with a complete reopening expected in Q3 2025. However, many stores are already operational.
Exploring the Different Levels
A new area reminiscent of Funan offers seating for relaxation or dining.
-
B1 Level: Features Wing Stop and Yoshinoya (a Japanese gyudon chain). There's also a mini food court offering local hawker fare.
-
Level 2: Used to have a pool and darts area. Now features a hot pot place, a gift store, and a salon.
-
Level 3: Previously housed a free camera museum. Currently bustling but not fully open.
-
Level 4: Has a golf station and a fitness center. Also features the "Cafe Sky Garden."
-
Level 5: Features an academy.
-
Level 6: Houses The Cathay Residences, offering serviced apartments.
Personal Reflections and Life Lessons
The speaker reflects on a personal memory of a date at Ya Kun Kaya Toast with his wife. He expresses surprise at the branch's current emptiness, attributing it to its location not being directly connected to an MRT station.
He also shares a life lesson learned from becoming a father. Despite the frustrations of balancing work and childcare, he realized the importance of prioritizing family and appreciating the present moment. This applies to other aspects of life, like marriage and career, where we can take things for granted.
Final Verdict (Preliminary)
It's difficult to give a definitive verdict as the mall isn't fully open yet. However, it's evident that significant investment has been made in the displays. Many of the shops seem well-suited to the student demographic in the area. The speaker looks forward to revisiting once it is fully open.