Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is a historic market and food centre located in the Downtown Core of Singapore. It is situated at the junction of Raffles Quay, Robinson Road, and Boon Tat Street. The market is renowned for its unique Victorian architecture and its role as a popular hawker centre.

History

Lau Pa Sat, which means "old market" in Hokkien, was originally built in 1824 along the Telok Ayer Basin by the Singapore River. The market was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman, an Irish architect who played a significant role in the early architectural development of Singapore. In 1838, the market was relocated to its current site to accommodate the growing population and trade activities.

In 1894, the market underwent a major reconstruction led by the Municipal Commission of Singapore. The new design, created by municipal engineer James MacRitchie, featured a distinctive octagonal shape and a cast-iron structure imported from Glasgow, Scotland. The market was officially reopened in 1894 and became a central hub for the sale of fresh produce and other goods.

Architecture

Lau Pa Sat is notable for its Victorian architecture, characterized by its intricate cast-iron columns and filigree work. The market's design includes a central clock tower and a large, open interior space that allows for natural ventilation. The cast-iron structure was manufactured by the Edinburgh-based foundry, Walter Macfarlane & Co., and shipped to Singapore for assembly.

The market's architectural significance has earned it a place as a national monument of Singapore. It was gazetted as a national monument on 6 July 1973.

Modern Use

Today, Lau Pa Sat functions as a bustling hawker centre offering a wide variety of local and international cuisines. It is particularly famous for its satay street, where vendors set up stalls in the evening to serve grilled skewers of meat. The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to experience Singapore's diverse culinary heritage.

Renovations

Lau Pa Sat has undergone several renovations to preserve its historical structure while modernizing its facilities. The most recent renovation was completed in 2014, which included the restoration of its cast-iron features and the upgrading of its food stalls and seating areas.

Location and Accessibility

Lau Pa Sat is easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations are Raffles Place MRT station and Telok Ayer MRT station. The market is also within walking distance from several major office buildings and tourist attractions in the Downtown Core.

See Also

• Hawker centre
• Victorian architecture
• National monuments of Singapore
• Downtown Core