Temasek Shophouse (TSH) will reopen its doors on 29 September with a fresh chapter of possibilities. Now spanning four conserved heritage shophouses along Orchard Road, the expanded hub blends history, design, and purpose to nurture changemakers while inviting the public to engage with social and environmental causes in meaningful, everyday ways.
A Heritage Space Reimagined for Impact
Once home to historic landmarks such as the Malayan Motors showroom and Midfilm House, the early 19th-century shophouses have been carefully restored and transformed into a modern hub for collaboration and community.
The new design introduces 60 co-working spaces (triple the previous capacity), a media studio, and three event venues, the Living Room, Tembusu Canopy, and Banyan Cove, with space for up to 220 guests. These venues will host larger-scale impact-driven events and foster deeper partnerships.
To mark the reopening, TSH is teaming up with Dementia Singapore to celebrate its 35th anniversary through activities that raise awareness, support caregivers, and encourage inclusive conversations around ageing and well-being.
Storytelling Through Space and Experience
A highlight of the redesign is a new spatial storytelling journey, weaving together heritage, sustainability, and community. Along a connecting corridor, visitors can explore:
- AI-animated archival photos by architect-turned-AI-artist Lip Chiong.
- An interactive panel by 8EyedSpud showcasing TSH’s design strategies.
- A two-way sticker installation retracing Midfilm House’s role in Asia’s early film industry.
The journey ends at the Shophouse BAR, a mini-gallery curated by Our Grandfather Story, where visitors can browse books, short films, and dioramas capturing Singapore’s shared heritage and aspirations for SG60.
Complementing this are three retail and F&B partners: Bibik Violet (Peranakan café), Martket by ABRY (socially responsible retail), and Foreword Coffee (inclusive employment for differently abled individuals). Everyday activities like dining or shopping now double as opportunities to engage with social causes.
Building Capacity for Changemakers
To help social enterprises, charities, and ground-ups grow, TSH is introducing the Temasek Shophouse Collective, offering members access to co-working spaces, workshops, mentorship, and global networks through its partnership with Impact Hub (spanning 110 hubs worldwide).
Recognising the power of storytelling, TSH has also launched the Impact Storytellers Collective. With access to its new media studio, changemakers will learn to produce, amplify, and share stories through curated training, screenings, and masterclasses.
What’s Ahead: Events and Outdoor Spaces
Visitors can look forward to a packed calendar of community-driven activities, including:
- Let’s Jam Concert (29 Sep) – the hub’s signature monthly music showcase.
- Come Together Concert (1–3 Nov) – featuring Larry Lai, KF Seetoh, Irene Ang, and more.
- GREEN-HOUSE Festival (8–9 Nov) – spotlighting environmental and social initiatives, with proceeds going to the 100K Coral Initiative by the Garden City Fund.
- Seasonal markets, interactive workshops, and hands-on experiences.
By January 2026, new outdoor spaces: Stamford Canal and Handy Green park will also open, offering vibrant communal areas for the public to connect.
