The Last Mile event bids adieu to the iconic building with a celebration of its vibrant history and unique cultural legacy.
SINGAPORE: As charcoal fumes mingled with the pungent aroma of Thai chili, fish sauce, and lard, the RICE Media crew entered the Golden Mile Complex on a rainy Saturday evening, preparing to witness the final chapter of this iconic building’s storied history. Located just a short walk away from the shiny glass skyscrapers of the city, Golden Mile’s brutalist design clashed with the sleek modernity around it, while its ancient apartments, stacked in a pattern reminiscent of Thailand’s rice terraces, stood as a quiet testament to a bygone era.
By May 2023, however, the smells of Thai food and the lively chatter of its tenants will be gone, replaced by the hum of construction as the building is handed over to developers for $700 million. Golden Mile, which lost its post-independence luster decades ago, is now designated for conservation, with plans to redevelop it into a “sensitively restored” condo complex on a 99-year lease. But before that transformation, partygoers gathered to give the complex one last celebration.
The event, called The Last Mile, saw 13 electronic music collectives come together for a farewell party unlike any other. With five concurrent dance parties spread across the building’s bars, clubs, KTVs, and studios, the single ticket entry allowed revelers to experience every corner of Golden Mile on its final night.
For the RICE Media team, this was only the second time at Golden Mile Complex. The first was a fruitless search for edible insects in the Thai supermarket. On this occasion, the crowd was a far cry from the one seen on previous visits. The familiar sight of older Singaporeans and families browsing for groceries was replaced by young locals and expats dressed in party attire. Yet, the sight of middle-aged uncles nursing bottles of beer tied the present to the past.
7:00 PM – The Pre-Party
Determined not to repeat past public embarrassments, I cautiously entered the pre-party at Elite Club, usually a staple for Golden Mile’s regulars. The club, hosting Singapore’s alternative party scene with acts like Ice Cream Sundays and Darker Than Wax, attracted a younger, trendier crowd. The queue outside contrasted sharply with the older patrons inside, leading to some awkward interactions and funny moments.
After a quick bite at Flying Pig, one of the complex’s Thai restaurants, the party was well underway. The bustling atmosphere was a stark contrast to the quieter days of provision shops and elderly patrons. The Golden Mile Complex, once a calm locale, had transformed into a pulsating center of nightlife for one last hurrah.
8:30 PM – North East Social Club
Ilyas led me to the North East Social Club on the fourth floor, where the energy of the party was palpable. People easily flowed between venues, grabbing drinks, dancing, and enjoying the freedom of a night without the usual club restrictions. Golden Mile was no longer just a shopping complex; it had become a vertical theme park for party-goers.
9:17 PM – At Full Swing
The excitement continued as patrons milled around the dancefloor, the complex now transformed into a wild, chaotic party zone. Meanwhile, the Thai discos, unconnected to The Last Mile, hummed with a more traditional Golden Mile vibe, complete with the familiar sight of older men drinking beer and reminiscing over past experiences.
9:32 PM – Good Times
Moving into the Good Times venue, I was reminded that Golden Mile’s diverse offerings had something for everyone. The tropical-house-funk music playing over the speakers was a good fit for the eclectic crowd, though I remained on the fringes, awkwardly observing the festivities.
10:15 PM – Reprieve
Outside, the excitement began to thin as partygoers stepped into the quiet streets surrounding Golden Mile. The contrast between the vibrant chaos inside and the peacefulness outside was striking. A man offered a quiet, respectful bow to a four-faced Buddha statue at the entrance as the party raged behind him. For some, this was a moment of peace amidst the frenzy.
12:00 AM – One Last Try
As the night wore on, the energy continued, albeit with a sense of restlessness. The long queues outside the clubs grew, but with media passes in hand, we bypassed the wait and ventured into more venues. The crowds, growing more impatient, were determined to make the most of Golden Mile’s final hours.
2:19 AM – Mugic
Finally, at Elite Club again, where the night had begun, I found myself more at ease. The sequined garlands and flashing lights now seemed secondary to the experience of being part of this moment. The party had come full circle, and as the night drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the cultural significance of Golden Mile Complex.
3:00 AM – It’s a Wrap
As I stumbled out of the Elite Club, I saw a colleague slumped over a railing, and the lingering energy of the complex still pulsed around us. The Last Mile was more than just a party; it was a tribute to the decades of history, culture, and memories housed within Golden Mile Complex. For one last night, it was a place where past and present collided, creating an unforgettable farewell to an iconic part of Singapore’s heritage.
