Join in on (probably) the last tour of the Sungei Road Thieves Market on 8 July. This unique bazaar has been home to rag-and-bone vendors peddling antiques, vintage items, rare treasures and more for 80 years, but now it’s about to close
The end has come for the eight-decades-old Sungei Road Thieves Market. In less than a week, on 10 July, it’s set to close for future residential developments. It’s a heartbreaking time for both the vendors and visitors and its end will put the livelihood of elderly rag-and-bone sellers in jeopardy.
The Sungei Road Thieves Market has always been the go-to place for the less well off and bargain hunters of all kinds; on weekends, it’s usually dotted with senior citizens, foreign construction workers and families on the hunt for necessities and bargains. Its closure is yet another symbol of Singapore’s bittersweet gentrification of heritage ‘hoods.
Like many other regular visitors, I too, am mourning its closure. From the time I was little ‘til I grew to be a vintage-loving teen, the Sungei Road Thieves Market was a pitstop on my Saturday morning breakfast routine, and where my family and I picked up some of our most prized possessions, including the unique antiques my Dad collects – think Grandfather clocks, vintage lamps and old telephones.
If you feel the same, or have never visited this iconic market but are genuinely curious about its history, join in on what is most likely the last market tour on 8 July. Organised by the community-driven Save Sungei Road Flea Market, the 14th edition of this tour is probably the last. But it may also be the most impactful – let your voice be heard in helping to decide if the market should stay. While we aren’t entirely optimistic, we’re hoping for the best for these rag-and-bone vendors – at the very least, there ought to be a reasonable alternative place for them to ply their wares, and maintain their livelihood.
Join the Save Sungei Road Market’s 14th tour of the market on 8 July. To participate, the meetup will be held at 3pm at Block 31 Kelantan Lane coffee shop.
We’ve previously explored heritage ‘hoods which have now been shut down for residential development. Take a closer look at Dakota Crescent and Rochor Centre here.