Golden Mile Residences

Golden Mile Residences

Golden Mile Complex, often referred to as Little Thailand

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Golden Mile

Acclaimed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas once described the Golden Mile Complex as a masterpiece of experimental architecture. For Singaporeans, it became a beloved destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wealth of affordable Thai cuisine. To the Thai community in Singapore, it was a home away from home.

Golden Mile Complex, often referred to as Little Thailand, was sold in 2021 to a consortium that plans to redevelop the building. Although it has been designated a conserved structure by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), its unique character—shaped by a diverse mix of budget Thai eateries, bars, and small shops selling Thai products—is unlikely to be preserved. Tenants were given until May 2023 to vacate, and now that they’ve dispersed, it’s doubtful many will return.

As this chapter in the building’s history closes, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on its remarkable past, which spans over five decades.

Amenities and Functionality

Golden Mile Complex offered a wide array of amenities that reflected its multifaceted nature. The residential portion included both apartments and maisonette penthouses, most of which were located on the top floors, enjoying panoramic views of the city. The building was designed to facilitate urban interaction, with corridors linking different sections and encouraging the flow of people. There was even a “street” running through the podium of shops, creating a bustling, dynamic environment.

For offices, the building housed a variety of businesses, ranging from architecture and engineering firms to small businesses. Notably, it was home to several firms involved in major projects like the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge campus and the Mass Rapid Transit network.

Shops in Golden Mile Complex were diverse, with offerings ranging from Thai eateries to nightclubs, travel agencies, beauty salons, furniture shops, and photo studios. On the ground floor, affordable Thai food became a key attraction, particularly for the growing number of Thai migrant workers who made the complex their home base in Singapore. For these workers, Golden Mile Complex was a place of connection and comfort, offering familiar foods, beer, and entertainment. Thai businesses, including tailors and temples, also thrived in the building, further contributing to its identity as “Little Thailand.”

Other amenities included a basement car park for 550 vehicles, a four-story residential car park with an open-air swimming pool, and a residential play deck. The building was designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, making it a rare example of a building where functionality and design were deeply intertwined.

Architectural Masterpiece and Legacy

Designed by the architectural firm Design Partnership (now known as DP Architects), Golden Mile Complex was officially opened on January 28, 1972. It was conceived as part of a government-driven urban renewal project aimed at rejuvenating the slum-ridden areas of the city, replacing them with modern infrastructure. At the time, the site was home to squatter settlements, small-time rattan and furniture makers, and the Kampong Glam Community Centre.

Golden Mile Complex was a pioneering mixed-use development. Unlike the traditional zoning of areas for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes, the design embraced an all-in-one approach, housing offices, apartments, retail spaces, and entertainment venues within one building. This bold concept was the brainchild of William Lim, Tay Kheng Soon, and Koh Seow Chuan, who, in 1969, proposed the complex as an alternative to the government’s original plan for luxury apartments on the site.

The building’s design was a departure from traditional Singaporean architecture at the time. Rising 16 stories, it was constructed in the Brutalist style—a modernist, concrete-heavy design popular in the 1960s and 1970s. It featured a stepped, terraced design with two prominent end pillars that supported the structure, giving it a distinctive, futuristic appearance. The structure also had a massive concrete podium housing 360 shops, along with 210 office spaces and 64 apartments, making it one of the first mixed-use complexes in Singapore.

Location and Cultural Significance

Golden Mile Complex is located along Beach Road, in the heart of Singapore’s urban landscape. The area is strategically positioned, providing easy access to various parts of the city. It is close to key districts like Bugis, the central business district, and the famous Orchard Road shopping belt. The building’s location also made it a transportation hub, with buses and tour services to neighboring countries like Thailand running from the complex. This contributed to its appeal to both locals and tourists alike, particularly those seeking a taste of Thailand in Singapore.

Golden Mile Complex became more than just a shopping mall; it was a cultural microcosm, with Thai workers, tourists, and locals mingling in its corridors. For the Thai expatriate community, it became a home away from home. Thai temples, restaurants, travel agencies, and even a small Thai cinema were staples of the complex, reinforcing its place as a cultural hotspot.

As time passed, Golden Mile Complex evolved into a vibrant and unique community. By the mid-1980s, it was affectionately referred to as “Little Bangkok,” drawing comparisons to the street corners of Thailand with its informal, bustling atmosphere. Its Thai-centric businesses served as a bridge to the homeland for workers living in Singapore. The building also became the base for tour buses to destinations like Haadyai, further strengthening its connection to Thailand.

The Decline and Redevelopment

However, as Singapore’s urban landscape rapidly evolved, Golden Mile Complex’s original charm began to fade. The building faced challenges from more modern developments and the wear and tear of its age. By the 1990s, its once-prominent status started to wane. New shopping centers, such as Raffles City and Suntec City, emerged, drawing shoppers and businesses away from the complex. This led to a gradual decline in Golden Mile Complex’s commercial appeal.

In 2021, Golden Mile Complex was sold to a consortium of developers, Far East Organization, Sino Land, and Perennial Holdings, who plan to redevelop the building. Despite this, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) designated the complex as a conserved building due to its architectural and historical significance. While the physical structure of the building is set to be preserved, its vibrant community and cultural character have already begun to disperse.

In 2023, tenants, including Thai eateries, shops, and other businesses, were given notice to vacate by May. With their departure, the unique atmosphere that once defined Golden Mile Complex has faded, and the space is now poised for a new chapter.

A Mixed Legacy

Golden Mile Complex’s future remains uncertain, as redevelopment plans are still under wraps. What is clear is that the building’s architectural significance, as well as its role in Singapore’s cultural fabric, will not be easily forgotten. Its mix of modernist architecture and cultural heritage is a testament to Singapore’s evolving urban landscape. Although the complex is no longer the bustling hub it once was, it remains a crucial part of Singapore’s architectural history, and its redevelopment may offer an opportunity to preserve its legacy while modernizing the space for future generations.

Golden Mile Complex, affectionately known as “Little Thailand,” stands as a landmark in Singapore, celebrated for its groundbreaking architecture and vibrant community. In its prime, it was more than just a building—it was a place where diverse cultures mingled, Thai expatriates found a slice of home, and locals experienced a unique fusion of eateries, shops, and businesses. Though the building’s fate has taken a new turn, with its sale in 2021 to a consortium that plans to redevelop it, it remains an iconic symbol of Singapore’s architectural and cultural evolution.