Sun sets on Punggol East Container Park as tenants prepare to vacate ‘slice of paradise’ by year-end

Punggol East Container Park, a popular destination in Singapore known for its open skies, vibrant supper scene, and shipping container eateries, is set to close its doors by the end of the year. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) confirmed that the lease for the property at 50 Punggol East Road, which runs until December 2026, cannot be extended as the site is required for future residential redevelopment.

City Sprouts, the master tenant of the property, is preparing to vacate and return the site by December 31. The social enterprise, which has been operating urban farms in Punggol since 2023, has secured a new space at Pasir Ris Park for its Punggol community farmers to relocate to. City Sprouts also offered the main operator of the eateries the option to take up stalls at its other locations in the east.

Business owners and patrons are mourning the loss of this unique hangout spot, particularly due to its fairytale lighting at night. Nurnisa Jonson, who runs a halal Filipino food stall Tara na!, expressed her concern for her foreign workers and her attachment to the place. Grace, a long-time patron, plans to continue supporting the eatery wherever Nurnisa goes.

Rudy, owner of halal barbecue eatery The Smok Hous, is trying to remain optimistic despite the logistical challenges of relocating his business. Alvin Chua, owner of ChickyFish, who has been at the park since 2016, misses the close friendships he has built with fellow stall owners. The closure of the Punggol East Container Park will also affect nearby recreational facilities such as Play! Pickle, Ark Bloc climbing gym, Hai Bin Prawning, Kwontum Taekwondo, and Punggol Billiard.