As *SCAPE McDonald’s closes its doors, the farewell event highlights the transition of both the outlet and the space it occupies in the hearts of Singapore’s youth.
*SCAPE’s McDonald’s employees gather near the restaurant’s entrance, huddled around their team leader, who speaks in hushed tones. A minute later, cheers erupt from the group. You might think this is another morale-boosting session before another long evening shift. However, the context is different this time. SCAPE McDonald’s is about to permanently close its doors in just four hours.
After 13 years in operation, *SCAPE McDonald’s is now shutting down for good as the *SCAPE building undergoes a complete makeover, part of a broader plan to revitalize the Somerset Belt. But what makes this particular outlet so special? Fast food chains are typically resilient—close one, and another pops up elsewhere. A farewell party with free food, live music, and games seems excessive at first glance. But, as I’ll soon discover, it’s also a bit awkward.
Goodbye Golden Arches
My colleague, Steph, and I arrive unfashionably early to the farewell party, just before 7 PM. The staff, after their initial huddle, disperse to their stations. To the right of the entrance stands a claw machine, while two tables are placed near the entrance—one for free food and drinks, and the other for a carnival game where participants shake oversized plush toy fries out of an even larger McDonald’s packet tied to their waists.
A queue quickly forms for the food table, and the line for a free double fillet-o-fish burger grows rapidly as soon as it opens. It’s a competitive affair—typical of Singaporeans when it comes to free food, even if it’s just a fillet-o-fish burger.
The party gains momentum quickly as the line for food clears within half an hour. Some stay to enjoy the live music performance, but others leave after collecting their free meal. Then, employees emerge in superhero costumes, drawing rapturous applause. However, the costumes are a mismatched blend—Marvel and DC characters mingle without a discernible theme. The absence of Ronald McDonald, the clown who haunted many childhood memories, is strangely noticeable.
The staff walk around in their superhero outfits, greeted by amused glances. Some customers are surprised to learn it’s the outlet’s last day. When asked about the costumes, Ant-Man replies, “It’s because all the managers are superheroes.”
The live music performance seems out of place, with sporadic Big Mac chants from the speakers. A few brave souls take the stage to participate, receiving a voucher for a Big Mac. It’s cute when done over the counter but awkward when blasted over speakers to a nonchalant audience.
*All Quiet on the SCAPE Front
The bustle inside the McDonald’s stands in stark contrast to the surrounding area. It’s a Wednesday night, so the quietness could be expected, but *SCAPE and the area around it feel eerily empty compared to its past vibrancy.
As we walk past Cineleisure and *SCAPE, there’s an unsettling stillness. A sharp contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of Orchard Road, which is just a three-minute walk away. It’s almost as if a soundproof blanket has been cast over the area. Steph reflects on how *SCAPE used to be a vibrant hub, packed with crowds, internet cafes, flea markets, and dance rehearsal spaces.
Originally opened in 2010, *SCAPE aimed to serve Singapore’s youth—a space for them to hang out and thrive. But over time, footfall dwindled. After a $2.5 million makeover in 2016, *SCAPE attempted a rebranding, offering new facilities for entrepreneurship and volunteerism. Yet, despite the renovation, it struggled to compete with nearby malls like Somerset@313 and ION Orchard.
How Does a Youth Hub Fade Away?
Despite the revamp in 2016, *SCAPE never regained its former buzz. Youths moved to online shopping for convenience, and the flea markets in the basement gave way to pop-up events more aligned with the DIY culture. The skate park was replaced with a basketball court, but it failed to capture the interest of young Singaporeans. Even the once-popular dance community found alternative spaces after O School left.
The most significant blow came when several long-standing retailers exited, and now, the final nail in the coffin is the closure of *SCAPE’s McDonald’s outlet—once a reliable fast food stop at the entrance.
How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?
Whether the new *SCAPE will successfully reclaim its spot as Singapore’s youth hub remains uncertain. Each generation of youths wants something different from their ideal hangout. While *SCAPE’s new renovations may appeal to some, it might need further transformations to stay relevant. One thing I’m sure of, however, is that it should bring back dedicated spaces for dancers, as these were a huge part of *SCAPE’s past appeal.
Steph, reminiscing about *SCAPE’s heyday, feels a growing sadness as we move through the now-empty halls. It’s hard not to feel pity for the space that once thrived but is now hollow, disconnected from its once-vibrant past.
Awkward Transitions
Returning to McDonald’s, we find the farewell party is winding down, and the restaurant will close its doors in two hours. The physical remnants of *SCAPE’s former self are fading, replaced by the anticipation of what’s next. This farewell event may have been for McDonald’s, but it could also symbolize the end of an era for *SCAPE as we know it.
For me, as someone too young to experience the heyday of *SCAPE, the farewell party provided a glimpse into the past—full of youthful energy and irreverence. Now, as the building undergoes yet another transformation, I can only wonder what its next chapter will hold.
