New Bahru: how an old school in Singapore is getting new life as a creative, shopping, wellness and lifestyle enclave, with the focus on home-grown brands

This is set to change with the launch of Singapore’s first lifestyle enclave, which features a curated range of proudly home-grown boutiques, restaurants and lifestyle brands. Called New Bahru (which means “new” in Malay), the name translates to “New New” to reflect the project’s hopes of bringing together a new creative community, according to Wee Teng Wen, managing partner of the Lo & Behold Group.

“This inspired us to create New Bahru, a space that would enable our own local talent to put their best foot forward, to create bold expressions of a brand that would defy the confines of a traditional mall and to coexist alongside like-minded individuals,” he adds.

The cluster will house about 40 concepts, with half of them currently open and the rest slated to progressively launch over the next few months. Embodying the ethos of creativity, many coming tenants intend to add a fresh spin to what they are already known for.

“We are taking a design forward approach in the space, intentionally creating a tranquil oasis that is unlike any other massage spot in Singapore. We aim to fill the niche as an upscale and inclusive business,” says Grant Wee, the founder of both establishments.

Stores currently operating include Make by Ginlee that offers fashion products crafted on demand to minimise waste. There is also the latest incarnation of popular Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant Artichoke by celebrity chef Bjorn Shen, which incorporates Small’s, an experimental pizza-focused chef’s table, and a new karak chai bar.

More dining delights include Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa by chef Rishi Naleendra, who also runs one-Michelin-starred Cloudstreet and makgeolli bar Odem.

The campus has been sensitively refurbished by a collective of Singaporean experts, including joint venture partner Sunray Group Holdings and design studios Farm and Nice Projects. The aim is to “upcycle” an old space and at the same time create a unique destination rooted in a sense of place.

“Places like King’s Cross in London and Daikanyama in Tokyo demonstrate how interesting architecture and creative businesses can come together to create a destination,” Wee says.

Daniel Sia, managing partner of The Coconut Club eatery, which celebrates the traditional Southeast Asian coconut rice dish, says the synergy of being in a creative hub is already apparent. The bistro recently teamed up with local fashion and lifestyle label OM by Ong Shunmugam – also an upcoming tenant – to create a capsule collection of gift sets and apparel.

“The sense of community, or for us, kampong spirit, is one that we have yearned for and built steadily over the years. Our team and customers, suppliers, artists and the makers have all breathed life into our venues. To be able to now extend this connection to the over 40 local tenants at New Bahru is a dream come true,” Sia says.

This infusion of community spirit is precisely what gives a neighbourhood its character, distinguishing it from a landscape dominated by high-rise flats, observes Lo & Behold’s Wee.

“We hope for New Bahru to be the best representation of Singapore, ultimately helping to put our city on the global cultural map and make Singapore more lovable,” Wee adds.