“Yishun Is Not Like Yishun Anymore”: S'poreans Heartbroken Over Yishun 10 Redevelopment Share Their Favourite Memories Of The Multiplex

From burst pipes to its dubious rep, it seems Yishun can't quite catch a break. And here's one more to add to that list.

On May 8, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) published a proposed amendment to rezone Yishun 10 from commercial use to mainly residential use, while keeping its commercial space on the first floor. The proposal was submitted by Frasers Property, the building’s owner, marking what could be the end of an era for many in the neighbourhood.

Yishun 10, known to many as GV Yishun, is Singapore’s first multiplex cinema and has been a longtime landmark in the neighbourhood since opening in 1992. With its cinema, eateries, and retail shops, it has long been the go-to spot for everything from movie dates to after-school hangouts to aimless wandering while deciding what to eat.

Unsurprisingly, you can probably imagine how heartbroken Singaporeans living in the north are following the announcement that the 34-year-old building may soon be no more.

Taking to social media, many shared their memories of the place, as well as why they are against the redevelopment of Yishun 10.

Some described the four-storey mall as their “childhood hangout spot”, while others recalled going to the cinema and eateries there on special occasions, or family outings spent watching movies together.

"I guess we won’t recognise the Singapore we grew up in five years," added one netizen. 

One commenter even remembered how the mall used to house a Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, Long John Silver’s, and an arcade during its “glory days”.

Others lamented the loss of the iconic building, which even after its major facelift in 2010, when it swapped its flashy red-and-neon look for a more low-key grey exterior, still stood out with its distinctive structure and metallic features.

“I love this building because it is different from other cookie cutter buildings. GV Yishun should stay,” penned a netizen. Another added: “This place should be preserved as a heritage building!”

A number also raised a practical concern — where residents would go to catch a movie next. One commenter pointed out that the nearest GV cinema would then be at Junction 8, though it still feels quite a distance for those in Yishun and neighbouring estates like Woodlands and Sembawang.

Many were sad about their “usual hangout spot” disappearing, with some saying Singapore is “changing too fast”, and that with Yishun 10 gone, only residential blocks and hospitals would be left.

While a few understood the need for more housing, others argued that landmark recreational spots still matter, providing places where families and friends can gather on weekends.

“Go on. Tear down everything. Yishun is not like Yishun anymore. Can’t even see my childhood playground anymore. Now you’re also taking away our teenage 'hood. Let us all be strangers in our neighbourhood,” one netizen lamented. 

Some were so desperate for their plea to be heard that they even tagged Nee Soon GRC MP K. Shanmugam, explaining why they would hate to see the place demolished and asking him to “do something about it”.

Others also asked who they could write to in order to petition against the redevelopment of the mall, still determined to save what they consider part of their “culture”.

Well, for those still mourning what could be the loss of Yishun 10, as well as those who have yet to visit but want to see what the fuss is about, its final operating date has yet to be announced. So there may still be time to squeeze in a few more visits before anything is set in stone.