New Bahru at Kim Yam Road in Singapore is an emerging urban enclave that reflects a seamless blend of history, redevelopment, and modern lifestyle amenities. The atmosphere was immediately striking, with a distinct fusion of heritage and new, tad a place where old-world charm meets contemporary aspirations. Let’s take an explore of this new enclave and mind the dust!
A Historical Look: The Site’s Former Identity as a School
New bahru building itself is served as a school which underwent an extensive renovation last year with a soft-opening just recently. Before its transformation, the site where New Bahru now stands was once home to a decades-old educational institution. It was known to locals simply as “Kim Yam School”. This school played a significant role in the lives of many Singaporeans for over half a century.
Furthermore, the school, located at 46 Kim Yam Road, New Bahru was established in the mid-20th century, catering to students from surrounding neighbourhoods. Also, you would notice the building’s old-school façade of the era. It is made of traditional red brick and adorned with a classic colonial design. It was a prominent landmark in the area.
Over time, however, the school faced dwindling enrolments as the population of nearby residents shifted. It was not until the late 1990s where the school had closed its doors. This left the building and surrounding space vacant. For years, the property remained in a state of disrepair, with long overgrowth covering the circular courtyard which used to stand in the school’s main assembly grounds. Eventually, plans were drawn to breathe new life into the old structure.
Redevelopment: From Old School to New Bahru
It was in the early 2020s when the redevelopment of the former school was proposed as part of Singapore’s larger urban rejuvenation initiatives. The goal was to preserve the heritage of the site while infusing it with modern functions.
Moreover, the architectural redesign of New Bahru sought to retain much of the original structure’s charm. Here, various key elements of the colonial architecture were kept and restored. Examples include the, facade brick walls and large windows, while incorporating modern additions like sleek glass structures, open-concept spaces and even a glass-walled open elevator for accessibility.
The redevelopment project officially launched in 2023, with the community to embrace New Bahru new concept. It quickly became known for its eclectic mix of modern lifestyle options. These are housed in a space that pays homage to its historical roots. Today, it is a vibrant hub for dining, retail, and creative ventures, all nestled within the preserved framework of the former school.
Restaurants and Stores: A Modern Marketplace with a Vintage Feel
Walking through New Bahru, the first thing you notice is the compound sits in a U-shaped layout. It comprises of three separate 5-floored blocks connected together. Notable large tenants, there is a Cold Storage supermarket at the ground floor unit which establishes as an anchor tenant for the establishment.
The supermarket covers the essentials and not as well-stocked as some Don Don Donkis we visited previously. Also, there are variety of restaurants and stores that have made the space their home.
It feels like a small city within a city, where every corner presents a different experience. The design of the development encourages exploration—outdoor courtyards, shaded walkways, and small pocket parks all invite visitors to linger.
Moreover, dining options range from high-end gourmet restaurants to casual eateries mostly found on the ground floor. This is where most of  eateries, restaurants and bars reside. Examples include a burger place (Fattened Calf Burgers), bars by Artichoke, Coconut club and a bar themed after a Chinese medicine hall.
It adds to the dreamy atmosphere away from the urban buzz. The Huevos Mexican restaurant is also one of notable restaurants worth trying here offering great value and quick Mexican fast dining you can read about.
Also, the mix of art and design is also prevalent throughout New Bahru. Murals and art installations pay tribute to the site’s history, with many pieces created by local artists. The art adds a layer of depth to the experience. It tad somewhat establishment New Bahru as a potential site of the arts in the likes of Singapore Arts Museum or galleries like those found in Peace Center before their closing.
Shops on the upstairs
Additionally, the retail scene at New Bahru is equally diverse. Most of the retail stores located on the upper floors. Store here at New bahru has a dreamy feel to it, like a mix of quirky store selections distinct from the cookie cutter malls and stores we are so a customised to.
There is a mix of clothing, crafts and services shops spread across 5 levels of the old school blocks. Here, Artisanal shops line the walkways, selling handmade crafts, unique fashion pieces, and one-of-a-kind home décor. Also, many of these stores are operated by local entrepreneurs, adding a distinctly Singaporean touch to the shopping experience.
Moreover, the upper floors is home to a number of a thrift and makers haven too. Though the market here might have limited clothing options for male shoppers.
Also, here you can find a leatherworks shop (Crafune craft leatherware), and a plant shop (Soilboy) selling moss pots. There is also a cosy bookshop called Woods in the Books on the 3rd floor hawking stationery, books, and educational toys—another nod to the site’s history.
Also, the top floor is home to mostly training and enrichment stores, such as baking and ballet studios. The moss shop is an interesting store out of the ordinary.
You can navigate and explore the various floors, nooks and carnies via the open stairwell. There is an old-school vibe which used to serve the various classrooms in block which were now repurposed as shops and F&B outlets.
Also, with the stores sitting within classrooms, the store layouts are vast and open. On my visit, the complex itself is a work in progress, with several stores still undergoing renovations and the multipurpose ball, housing a new children’s activity center.
Wrapping up
The long-term vision for New Bahru is to become a “destination within a destination.” Looking ahead, New Bahru has ambitious plans to expand its offerings and solidify its position as a community hub. The area is still undergoing renovations and expansion to add more retail spaces and dining options. So mind the dust in the meantime.
While it already draws a steady stream of locals and tourists, future plans aim to make it a place where people come not just to eat or shop but to engage with the local culture and history. This might involve more heritage tours, art exhibitions, and community events that tie back to its roots as an educational institution.
Exploring New Bahru feels like taking a journey through time. Here, the past is preserved, but the future is actively shaping the space. The thoughtful redevelopment of the old school into a lively urban center demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to honoring its history while embracing modern needs. Whether it’s for a meal, a shopping trip, or simply to enjoy the ambiance, New Bahru at Kim Yam Road offers a unique experience that captures the essence of old and new Singapore.
