S’poreans Share Their Favourite Memories Of Harbourfront Centre, Which Has Officially Closed

It's the end of an era with HarbourFront Centre's official closure yesterday (Jul 27), and Singaporeans are sharing their favourite memories of the place. 

Originally opened as the World Trade Centre before being renamed in 2003, HarbourFront Centre has now shut its doors, and will make way for a new 33-storey mixed-use commercial and retail development.

Like many iconic local spots that have come and gone, HarbourFront Centre's closure has left many Singaporeans feeling nostalgic. Beyond its shops and eateries, it also housed a ferry terminal, making it a familiar landmark and starting point for countless day trips and holidays over the years.

Following its closure, Singaporeans have taken to social media to reminisce about the memories they made at HarbourFront Centre. 

Some fondly recalled regular visits to the mall’s eateries, including Pastamania, KFC, and McDonald’s. One person even shared that they had their first-ever McDonald’s breakfast there in 2002, after spending two nights at NTUC Resort Sentosa.

Others looked back on their days attending tuition centres housed within the mall over a decade ago, recalling how each tuition trip would often end with a meal there, followed by a visit to the toy shop on the lower floor.

Mothercare was another store that held special memories for some, with one netizen recalling buying their first pram for their first child there and the anticipation of welcoming a new chapter in their life.

There were those who said they would miss the “chill and quiet” atmosphere of HarbourFront Centre, especially compared to its newer neighbour, VivoCity.

“A nice quiet place for basics without the crush of Vivo,” one netizen penned. Another echoed the sentiment: “Sad that if I want to eat McDonald’s or KFC, I have to go to Vivo, which is crowded AF. The one in HarbourFront Centre always had space.”

Perhaps one of the most interesting memories shared was from a Redditor who recalled taking their O-Levels on one of the upper floors of the building, a place that once housed offices, clinics, and exhibition halls.

They shared that they sat for their IGCSE papers at a private school there as they were homeschooled, and went on to score straight As for all their subjects, becoming the centre’s highest scorer that year.

Beyond that core memory, they also fondly recalled the food and coach services at the building. “The place had some legit good food. There's this coach service to KL from there too. Man, I remember spending like crazy on food after my exam finished on the highest floor. Alas, it's gone,” they penned. 

Sharing photos from one of the building’s final days of operations, when most stores had already closed or were holding their final sales, one netizen also took to the Heritage SG Memories Facebook page to share a heartfelt farewell: “My last visit at Harbourfront building. Quite sad that I am walking into history. Treasure the day when I come here, viewing the scenery, eating and shopping… I will remember in my heart. Nothing lasts forever.”

For some Gen X-ers and millennials, HarbourFront Centre’s closure felt like the closing of a chapter. 

One netizen shared that losing the mall meant “losing the final link to the old Sentosa days”, recalling how they used to take the Sentosa ferry from there for their favourite trips. 

Others reminisced standing by the waterfront, watching the cruises and ferries go by and being amazed by the sights.

That said, some took comfort in knowing that one familiar part of HarbourFront Centre would still remain close by. The ferry terminal, which was previously housed within the building, has only moved about 70m away, meaning the convenience of catching a ferry from the area remains almost the same.

Perhaps one comment perfectly captured how many former HarbourFront Centre regulars felt about its closure: “Another landmark will become part of the history books.”