Dim and stuffy Albert Centre Market & Food Centre unveils new look, facilities after 3-month renovation
Seah Jun De
TNP
May 7, 2025
Albert Centre Market and Food Centre at Queen Street has reopened with improved ventilation, lighting and hygiene after closing for renovation works earlier this year in February.
With 86 cooked food stalls, the food centre is one of the oldest in Singapore.
Before undergoing renovation, stall owners complained that the interior was dimly lit and stuffy when packed with people. Many diners passing by at night would think that the centre was closed.
New additions to the food centre include giant fans on the ground floor, new toilet facilities, and newly installed ventilation ducts on the third storey.
Non-slip floor tiles, tables and chairs were added to accommodate more diners, and the lights have been replaced to keep the place well-lit at night.
When Shin Min Daily News visited the food centre on Tuesday morning, about 80 per cent of the stalls had resumed operations.
Ms Li Yanxia, 38, who owns a noodle stall, told reporters that the footfall has been almost the same as before the renovation, and she believes that it will continue to increase as the other stalls gradually open.
Diner Wu Yazhen, 60, who was a regular at the food centre before the renovation, said that the environment is now cleaner and brighter.
Mr Zeng, 67, owner of a dried goods store on the third storey, said that in the past, when the weather was the hottest in March and July, many customers were reluctant to shop upstairs. He hopes that the situation improves through this renovation.
It was reported that customer flow to the food centre increases by about 60 per cent during holidays, causing the tables and tray return areas to not be filled. Used tissues, plastic packaging and other rubbish were also left on the ground, affecting the hygiene of the centre.
A spokesperson said the cleaning contractor was replaced last year, and the situation has improved significantly.
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