While the food centre’s renovation brings improvements, some patrons and hawkers are concerned about ventilation and cramped spaces.
The Old Airport Road Food Centre, which reopened after four months of refurbishment, now boasts a cleaner, cooler, and brighter environment. The renovation, which ran from June 1 to September 30, included repainting, new energy-efficient lighting, high-volume fans, improved exhaust systems, and the installation of new tiles and furniture. Many patrons, like Dakota resident Oh Ai Khim, have praised the upgraded facilities and express relief at the food centre’s return.
However, there are mixed feelings about the results. Despite the installation of larger ceiling fans, some people, including hawker Mr. Lim Kee Yong, have raised concerns about poor ventilation. He noted that without proper suction systems, smoke from barbecuing and deep frying still accumulates, causing discomfort. Some hawkers also mentioned cramped working conditions.
There are also concerns about the space between tables being too narrow, making it difficult for people using mobility devices or strollers to navigate. Mr. Zainudeen Talib, a hawker at the centre, said that the changes have made the space more crowded, which has inconvenienced older customers.
While the town council has responded by emphasizing the improved airflow and regular maintenance of exhaust systems, some hawkers feel the changes were insufficient, particularly in the kitchen area. Others, like Mr. Ali, were disappointed by the slow pace of the renovation, which took longer than expected. Some patrons felt the upgrade did not justify the four-month closure, noting that while it is brighter and cleaner, the changes were not dramatic enough.
