SINGAPORE: A shift is on the horizon for One Punggol Hawker Centre as its current operator, Timbre+, will hand over the reins to a new operator by January 2026. This change comes after Timbre+ announced on 29 December 2023 that it will conclude its tenancy a year earlier than planned.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) confirmed that Timbre+ will exit the centre on 14 August 2026, having fulfilled its initial two-year term and part of its second term. This move is reportedly due to operational challenges faced by Timbre+ in managing the hawker centre, which has been operational since 2022 and includes 34 stalls.
What Does This Mean for Stallholders?
Many stallholders at One Punggol are looking forward to the transition, hoping the new operator can address ongoing issues. Some vendors have reported a significant drop in business—up to 30%—following the opening of Punggol Coast Hawker Centre, a competitor that launched in July 2023.
- Teh Cher Ming, 58: “My sales have dropped 20 to 30%. I can’t say much about Timbre+, but we need more amenities to draw in crowds.”
- Mdm Lim: She described the centre as a “dead town” at night and welcomed the change, saying, “A management should assist the hawker stall to run the business more smoothly.”
Concerns Over Management and Operations
Even though Timbre+ has been viewed as a responsible operator by some, the criticism surrounding its management practices, especially at Yishun Park Hawker Centre, haunts its reputation. Stallholders noted difficulties with rising costs and limited marketing support.
Stallholders have expressed their frustrations over increased operating costs, with rental fees climbing significantly. As one vendor pointed out, “If we knew how to market ourselves better, we would have done it already.” Stallholder interactions indicate a need for more proactive engagement from the operator.
Looking Ahead
NEA emphasised that the new operator must ensure that existing stallholders wishing to continue their business can do so for at least two years, maintaining current rental rates initially. With the right management, there’s hope among vendors for a revitalisation of the hawker centre.
With some stalls closed and the centre experiencing fluctuating crowds, practical suggestions for improvement have been voiced, including extended operating hours and better ventilation to enhance the dining experience.
As the date draws closer for Timbre+ to exit, the future of One Punggol Hawker Centre remains a topic of active discussion—where hawkers and patrons alike yearn for a more vibrant culinary hub that reflects the community’s needs.