Yishun residents will soon see changes to a well-known landmark as Chong Pang Gateway is set to be demolished to make way for the upcoming integrated development, Chong Pang City. Home Affairs Minister and Yishun MP K Shanmugam announced in a Facebook post on 24 September that the gateway will be rebuilt once the new project is completed in 2027.
Located at 126 Yishun Street 11, the gateway is one of two iconic Chinese-style arches constructed in 1992. Mr Shanmugam noted that grassroots leaders and local merchants had contributed to the cost of its construction, which has since become part of the neighbourhood’s identity.
Chong Pang City, the new integrated hub, is expected to bring together retail shops, community facilities, and recreational spaces, providing residents with modern amenities while preserving the area’s heritage.
Landmark with Historical Significance
According to the National Heritage Board, the two gateways were built after shopkeepers and the town council noticed a dip in business of about 20 per cent when Northpoint Shopping Centre first opened. Determined to attract footfall back to the area, shop owners pooled funds to revamp Chong Pang City with awnings, pavements, and the two gateways.
The effort paid off. Business reportedly rebounded by nearly 30 per cent after the facelift, cementing the gateways as symbols of community resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. For over three decades, they have stood as landmarks for both residents and visitors to the Yishun estate.
With redevelopment plans now in motion, residents can expect a temporary absence of the gateway. However, its eventual return in 2027 promises a blend of nostalgia and renewal, ensuring that the structure remains a familiar feature in the modernised Chong Pang City.
Balancing Progress and Heritage
The decision to rebuild the gateway reflects Singapore’s broader approach towards urban development — prioritising modern facilities while still recognising the importance of cultural identity and community heritage.
As Yishun prepares for this transformation, Chong Pang Gateway’s story serves as a reminder of how physical landmarks often play a deeper role beyond aesthetics — they represent community spirit, business resilience, and neighbourhood pride.