Sungei Road Thieves' Market to close for good on July 10
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The Republic’s oldest and largest flea market at Sungei Road, popularly known as Thieves’ Market, will shut for good on July 10, a joint statement from various agencies said on Tuesday (Feb 14).
Located between Jalan Besar and Rochor Canal Road, the site will be taken back by the Government for ground preparation works for future residential development use.
The joint statement added: “While the Sungei Road Hawking Zone has had a long history, and holds special memories for many Singaporeans, over time, the nature of the site has changed, as reflected in both the profile of vendors and buyers, and type of goods sold. The Government has assessed that such street trades should only be allowed to continue in designated venues like trade fairs and flea markets, rather than on a permanent basis, to minimise disamenities to the public.”
Only 11 of the original 31 rag-and-bone men who were given permits to operate there in the 1970s to 1980s are still operating at Thieves’ Market. These vendors will be given the option of operating lock-up stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre and Chinatown Market at subsidised rates after the flea market closes. The allocation of the lock up stalls will be by ballot.
Other vendors use the site on a first-come-first-serve basis. The authorities said Social Service Offices will arrange for financial assistance, while Workforce Singapore will provide employment services to vendors who may require such help.
The flea market — believed to have been around since the 1930s — started out as a venue for people to sell stolen goods, explaining its moniker. For years, it has been home to vendors who sell used items from laptops and shoes to vinyl records and watches.
Thieves’ Market operates daily from 1pm to 7pm, with as many as 300 lots for vendors to peddle their wares.
The National Heritage Board has started research and documentation efforts on the flea market and its vendors to preserve memories of the site for future generations. Some of these efforts are available on Roots.sg.
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With the money greed leeches they don't earn $$$ from this so want this to be gotten rid off. Heaven is watching how the leeches are destroying.
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Sungei Road hawkers seek alternative site, or extension of deadline until year end http://str.sg/4nSL