Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Marine Parade, Singapore, stands Parkway Parade. A beacon of retail therapy and a testament to changing times. Parkway Parade first opened its doors in December 1983, with an official opening in March 1984. Imagine the excitement as shoppers flocked to this brand-new suburban shopping centre. Costing a staggering S$280 million, Parkway Parade offered over 120,000 square metres of shop space, a haven for the burgeoning middle class. Parkway Parade was a pioneer, one of the first suburban shopping malls in Singapore. Big names like Isetan, Marks & Spencer, and Best Denki (then Yaohan Best) ventured into the suburbs for the first time, setting up shop within its walls. It wasn’t just shopping; Parkway Parade was an experience. A mini theme park called Funland occupied levels 3 and 4. A sprawling playground graced level 7, the largest of its kind in a Singaporean mall at the time. Even Chuck E. Cheese made an appearance, much to the delight of children. Foodies weren’t forgotten either, with options ranging from Hardee’s to Petite Park. By 1992, Parkway Parade boasted an impressive 12 million visitors annually, a testament to its success. Parkway Parade has seen its share of transformations. In 2000, ownership shifted to Asia Pacific Insurance Company, with Lendlease taking over management. Facelifts came and went, including an expanded alfresco-dining area in 2012. A Cathay Cineplex graced level 7 for a while, opening in 2017 and closing in 2023. Giant, a long-time anchor tenant, departed in 2020, making way for FairPrice Xtra. Isetan, after a remarkable 38-year run, closed in 2022, with Muji moving into the vacated space. Even Marks & Spencer, after two decades, bid farewell in 2025. Parkway Parade has been witness to the ebb and flow of retail trends. Its journey reflects the changing landscape of Singaporean consumerism, a constant evolution of brands, experiences, and the enduring desire for a place where community and commerce converge. Parkway Parade stands tall, a vibrant hub in the heart of Marine Parade.
Seah Eu Chin
Consider this a rags-to-riches story. Seah Eu Chin’s life is a morality tale. It is economic history. Seah Eu Chin