FAR EAST PLAZA
The shopping complex opened in 1982 with a design that was considered ahead of its time. Under the direction of Far East Organization founder Ng Teng Fong, the building was constructed to house two exterior observation lifts and internal water features with water cascading from the ceiling to a fountain at the ground level. These features were considered innovative, making the building the talk of the town.
In the ’80s, Far East Plaza was the place to be seen for teenagers. As breakdancing was the rage then, it hosted several breakdancing competitions. It was so popular that ’80s pop icon David Bowie visited it when he came to Singapore – an event that can still be viewed on Youtube. In the ’90s, Far East Plaza reinvented itself after the flagship tenant, Metro department store, bowed out of its premises. Level One became known as the Fashion Incubator when it hosted shops targeting the young and trendy in the newly vacated premises. For much of that decade, Far East Plaza was known as the place for streetwear – the most famous of which was 77th Street.
While the pandemic has seen some businesses exiting, the tenancy has remained at over 90 per cent, and the number of shops specialising in the sale of second-hand luxury watches has doubled. Some of Far East Plaza’s long-time tenants that have stayed put since opening are Kentucky Fried Chicken, Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant and Johnny Two Thumbs Tattoo Studio.