"I was 'suffering' as I missed the variety of delicious food here," she said on Nov 4. "I'm glad to be back and I can see that it's cleaner, cooler and brighter."
The 70-year-old retired dishwasher summed up the sentiments of quite a few patrons and hawkers after revisiting the food centre and shopping mall at Block 51 Old Airport Road, which reopened on Oct 1.
The popular food centre had been closed from June 1 to Sept 30 for refurbishment.
Marine Parade Town Council said the cyclical repair and redecoration (R&R) works included repainting interior and exterior walls, repairing defects in common areas and replacing tables and chairs.
High-volume, low-speed fans were installed, in addition to energy-efficient LED lighting. The toilets were refurbished and exhaust systems enhanced.
Bird netting and spikes were added and the outdoor seating area was improved, along with the installation of new floor and wall tiles.
Mr Ding Fang Zhi, 50, opened his new stall - 98 Handmade Noodle, Fish Soup & Spinach Soup - at the food centre after the refurbishment.
Mr Ding, whose stall was previously in Serangoon, said: "I appreciate the fans which make the place cooler, and the new tables and chairs for a better dining experience."
Others, however, had mixed feelings about the upgrading works.
They include Mr Lim Kee Yong, whose letter was published in The Straits Times Forum page on Oct 29.
He said that despite the installation of larger ceiling fans, "ventilation remains poor because there is no proper suction system, and smoke emitted from the barbecuing and deep-frying accumulates and makes people cough".
Denne historien er fra November 08, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra November 08, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME
Before global leaders take the problem of plastic pollution into their hands in November, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is putting it on her fingernails.
Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance
From Sally Rooney's bestsellers to actor Paul Mescal, Ireland, which holds a general election on Nov 29, has been enjoying a cultural and creative renaissance.
Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split
Squid Game (2021 to present) star Jung Ho-yeon has split from her actor-boyfriend Lee Dong-hwi after a nine-year relationship.
Dorothy's ruby slippers to go under the hammer
The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.
Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney
Ethiopia-born New York artist Julie Mehretu (right), considered one of the most influential living painters, has opened her first solo show in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.
Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz
Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell first created costumes for The Wizard Of Oz in a high-school production
ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
'Tis the season to treat yourself at spas and salons, which have introduced a slew of treatments for head-to-toe pampering
Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives
LAUSANNE - Fifa launched a US$50 million (S$67 million) legacy fund for social programmes on Nov 27, in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
THE MARATHON BIKER GUY
Veteran Aussie has cycled over 50 courses in 12 years to ensure the route is 42.195km
Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
