With the rise of One Holland Village, long-time businesses hope for a brighter future and a new wave of visitors.
For many, Holland Village conjures memories of bustling nights filled with laughter, food, and vibrant company. As a central neighborhood just minutes from Orchard Road, it offers both tranquility and excitement. With acclaimed eateries ranging from eclectic bars to high-end restaurants and a popular hawker center, it has long been beloved for its diverse offerings.
Once dubbed “the second Orchard Road,” Holland Village has seen a shift in recent years. While it was once a thriving destination, it now feels quieter and less populated, drawing only those who live, work, or study nearby. Among its landmarks, Wala Wala Café Bar has been the most famous for years. However, the bar, once a lively hub for live music and local bands, has scaled back operations due to challenges like high rental costs, reduced crowds, and Covid-19 restrictions.
“After Covid, the entire Holland Village has been slow compared to pre-Covid times. Perhaps the drivers are too lazy to walk to the car park, and it gets worse when it rains,” explains Stanley Yeo, the owner of Wala Wala. The closure of a key car park has further diminished footfall, affecting businesses like his.
For locals like me, Holland Village has always been a place filled with nostalgia. As someone who lives nearby, I have often enjoyed the variety of dining options and the charming atmosphere that the neighborhood offers. But, after the pandemic and with the rising cost of living, the village’s vibrancy seems to have waned. Well-loved businesses such as Denny’s, NYDC, and Swensen’s have shut down, further diminishing the area’s appeal.
Historically, Holland Village began as a cluster of homes built for British Army personnel and their families. It eventually became a sought-after dining and retail hub, especially after the opening of an MRT station in 2011. But, in recent years, businesses have faced challenges due to the lack of parking spaces and the rising noise complaints from nearby residents. Many long-standing businesses have had to scale back or close their doors.
The area’s future now hinges on One Holland Village, a new mixed-use development that hopes to reinvigorate the district. With a mix of residential, retail, and commercial spaces, this new addition brings over 500 parking spaces, residential units, and an open-concept mall filled with art installations and pet-friendly spaces. It is designed to connect seamlessly with the existing area, with sheltered linkways leading to bus stops, the MRT station, and key streets.
The new development has already begun to draw in crowds. Businesses like Caffeine Xpress, which moved to One Holland Village, report higher visibility and increased traffic. “Our new location is better placed, and we love seeing the cute dogs walk by while we brew coffee,” says Pie Brodie, who co-founded the coffee shop.
Older tenants, like Phillip Ang, who runs Phillip Antique Investment, have also seen an increase in business, with foot traffic rising by 30% since One Holland Village opened. Wala Wala’s Stanley remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that the influx of new residents and parking spaces will slowly bring back the crowds.
Despite the challenges of recent years, there is hope for Holland Village’s revitalization. With the added amenities and space provided by One Holland Village, many businesses are beginning to see a new trajectory forward. Once a sleepy area, Holland Village is now poised to become a dynamic and thriving part of Singapore once again.
As for me, despite the temptation to move to a larger house, I find myself falling more in love with the evolving Holland Village, where there’s now more to enjoy than ever before.
