The Marine Parade Community Building is now scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, following a slight delay. The development, which will include the Marine Parade Public Library, a gym, badminton courts, a rooftop running track, and a range of food and beverage outlets, was initially expected to open in 2025. It will also feature a 24-hour self-help lounge, music and dance studios, and a culinary space. An underground linkway will connect the building to the Marine Parade MRT station, which opened in June 2024, while a pedestrian bridge extension will provide access to Tao Nan School. The community space will include 10,000 sqm dedicated to social enterprises and inclusive organisations.
Manpower Minister and Marine Parade GRC MP Tan See Leng shared the update during a community event on April 20. He explained that the delay was due to safety and structural precautions, particularly given the building’s location above the Thomson-East Coast MRT line. Coordination between agencies such as the LTA and People’s Association, along with additional checks before demolition, contributed to the adjusted timeline. The original community building — home to a library, community centre, and The Necessary Stage — was demolished in 2023. In the meantime, the National Library Board has installed a 24-hour book dispenser outside FairPrice Finest at Marine Parade Central to maintain access to library services.
Dr Tan also addressed broader concerns beyond local redevelopment, noting that Singapore must remain resilient amid global uncertainties such as epidemics and economic shifts. As part of the new Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, he said efforts are underway to help businesses and workers navigate the effects of international tariffs and other external pressures. Emphasising the need for steady leadership and support, Dr Tan noted that a strong electoral mandate would help ensure Singapore’s voice is firm and unified on the global stage.
