How a doomed mall became a creative hub before its demolition
SINGAPORE: “Ah, Peace Centre. We used to go there to print textbooks. Back when copyright wasn’t so strict,” my Grab driver reminisces as I explain my destination. His confusion grows when I reveal that I’m headed there to visit PlayPan, a new community initiative breathing life into the mall before its demolition.
Despite being sold en bloc for $650 million in 2021, with plans for demolition in early 2024, Peace Centre is experiencing an unexpected renaissance. Thanks to PlayPan, led by founders Yvonne Siow and Gary Hong, the mall now hosts artists, social enterprises, and small businesses on subsidized rents.
This ironic twist has made Peace Centre the coolest it’s ever been—just before its closure.
From a Pioneer to Obscurity
Peace Centre opened in 1974, boasting the country’s largest bowling alley and a 33-storey complex. Once a pioneer mall, it fell out of favor by the 1990s, overtaken by newer shopping centers like Raffles City. Its lack of a single controlling owner meant an uncoordinated mix of tenants, and by the mid-2000s, it gained a reputation for its KTV lounges and printing shops.
Now, however, the space is unrecognizable. It’s home to vintage stores, street art workshops, and social enterprises like My NoNNa’s, which sells locally grown produce.
A Canvas for Creativity
One striking feature of Peace Centre’s revival is its transformation into an open canvas for artists. Murals by collectives like DPLMT and individuals such as Fanny Ozda adorn abandoned storefronts, turning the once-dingy mall into a vibrant space.
EBAO, a founding member of DPLMT, highlights the uniqueness of this opportunity: “It’s like a free canvas, something rare in Singapore. It’s an accidental beauty.”
Workshops, like spray-painting sessions, have also sparked collaborations between tenants. For example, DPLMT teamed up with Lost SG to create Singapore’s first glow-in-the-dark escape room.
A New Kind of Community
PlayPan fosters a sense of camaraderie rarely seen in commercial spaces. Tenants like Chan Yee Yin, who runs the vintage shop Blueprint Principles, describe the mall’s vibe as “kampung-like,” with everyone contributing in their own way.
“It’s weird but wonderful,” Yee Yin shares. Her shop, which donates proceeds to charity, came to life after seeing the social enterprises at PlayPan.
Even businesses like Pengwine, a wine importer, have found unexpected value in the space. Co-founder Chris Milliken calls it an “accelerator” for meeting like-minded people and testing new ideas.
Lessons from Peace Centre’s Revival
The success of PlayPan raises questions about the future of decommissioned spaces in Singapore. By giving tenants autonomy and a blank slate, Peace Centre has become a vibrant hub that’s both organic and self-sustaining, even if temporary.
However, the model has its limitations. While the initiative is “self-sustaining,” the costs of running the space are high, and replicating this success might depend on equally unique circumstances.
As Peace Centre faces its final months, its transformation offers a glimpse into how abandoned spaces can foster creativity and community. It’s a bittersweet farewell, but one that leaves behind a legacy of innovation and collaboration.
