Step back in time with me for a moment. Imagine Singapore in the late 1960s. The government was launching urban renewal projects. One of these projects led to the creation of Golden Mile Complex.
Golden Mile Complex, once known as Woh Hup Complex, stands as a testament to Singapore’s architectural ambition. It is also known as Little Thailand. This iconic building is located on Beach Road.
Completed in 1973 at a cost of $18 million, Golden Mile Complex was designed by DP Architects. It was one of the first large-scale mixed developments in Singapore. The 16-storey building integrated commercial, recreational, and residential spaces. The stepped terraces were designed to increase ventilation and natural light. This created a distinctive sloping facade.
Golden Mile Complex was opened on 28 January 1972 by YK Hwang. He was the managing director of the Industrial and Commercial Bank. In 1974, Golden Mile Tower opened next door. Its Golden Theatre had 1,500 seats. An underpass connected the two buildings. Woh Hup Complex became popularly known as Golden Mile Complex.
In its early years, Golden Mile Complex offered a diverse range of products. Shops sold electrical appliances, cameras, watches, and even sporting firearms. This “selling everything under one roof” concept changed Singaporeans’ shopping habits. They could buy everything in one place.
Travel agencies moved into Golden Mile Complex. Coaches to Malaysia lined up outside. The complex became an unofficial terminal for buses to Hat Yai, Thailand. Thai vendors sold newspapers, magazines, and other Thai goods here.
Golden Mile Complex became known as “Little Thailand”. First Thai Siam Snack House opened in 1983. More Thai stalls and shops popped up. Food critics praised the dining experience. It was like being in Bangkok’s Pratunam. The complex became a gathering place for Thai residents and workers. They felt at home with familiar Thai music, food, and merchandise.
However, Golden Mile Complex faced maintenance issues. There were water supply disruptions and lift breakdowns. Toilets were rated as some of the dirtiest in Singapore. There were also issues with illegal immigrants.
By the mid-1990s, Golden Mile Complex’s image deteriorated. Some called it a “vertical slum”. In 2021, it was gazetted as a conserved building. In 2022, it was acquired by a consortium for $700 million.
The new owners plan to rejuvenate Golden Mile Complex. This includes adding a new tower. “Little Thailand” may be gone forever. Yet the memories, good and bad, remain. The Golden Mile Complex shall present its new clean image in a few years’ time.
Golden Mile Complex stands as a reminder of Singapore’s urban development and its evolving cultural landscape.