The iconic building, steeped in nostalgia, prepares for its first major revamp in two decades.
SINGAPORE: The Cathay, one of Singapore’s most iconic buildings, is closing its doors for a year and a half to undergo its first significant renovation in 20 years. The announcement, made earlier this year, has stirred up a wave of nostalgia among Singaporeans who have fond memories tied to the historic site.
While its cinema ceased operations in June 2022 after 83 years, The Cathay’s remaining tenants vacated by August 18. As the building now stands empty, many Singaporeans have taken to social media to reminisce about their experiences there.
A Hub of Youthful Memories
DJ Joakim Gomez shared a heartfelt video on TikTok last week, expressing what he will miss most about The Cathay. Recalling his time as a student at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Mr. Gomez said he frequently visited during breaks or after classes.
From meeting friends and dates before heading out clubbing to sneaking Popeye’s chicken into $6 off-peak student-priced movie screenings, Mr. Gomez recounted how The Cathay played a central role in his formative years.
He also shared a romantic anecdote of taking a date for Michelin-starred food while being a “broke a** student” and holding hands in the elevator after a midnight movie. His TikTok caption, describing the now-empty building as a “ghost town,” struck a chord with many viewers who began sharing their own memories.
A Place of Nostalgia for Many
For some, The Cathay was synonymous with its US-diner-style restaurant Billy Bombers, while others remembered it as a popular hangout spot during their school years.
Daisy (@daizamazze), a British TikTok user who grew up in Singapore, also shared her memories of The Cathay. She fondly described it as an integral part of her teenage years and found it “so weird” to see the building now empty. As a former student at the School of the Arts (SOTA), she recalled a secret entrance connecting the school to The Cathay’s second or third floor.
Goodbye, for Now
While The Cathay prepares for its much-anticipated transformation, its closure marks the end of an era for many Singaporeans who grew up with the iconic building as a backdrop to their memories. For now, it stands as a silent testament to its rich history, awaiting a new chapter.
