New Bahru Completes Final Phase with Factory Block Launch and More Than 60 Brands Across Creative Cluster

New Bahru has officially completed its final phase with the opening of the highly anticipated Factory Block at 58 Kim Yam Road, alongside the refreshed School Hall and an expanded lineup of more than 60 brands spanning dining, retail, wellness, hospitality, arts and culture.

Housed within the former Tai Wah Garments & Knitting Factory, the newly restored Factory Block introduces 12 homegrown and international brands across its first two floors, adding a fresh mix of approachable dining concepts, retail experiences and lifestyle offerings to the creative cluster. Together with three new additions to the School Block, New Bahru now houses 62 brands, marking a major milestone in the development’s transformation into a destination for curious and creative communities.

Among the biggest highlights is the arrival of several major food concepts. Dumpling Darlings has opened its largest and flagship outlet at New Bahru, complete with an expanded izakaya inspired menu created in collaboration with Mustard Seed, refreshed cocktails and exclusive merchandise. New gelato concept Parlour also makes its debut with a nostalgic, immersive retail experience centred around classic flavours.

Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain SUSHIRO joins the lineup with more than 100 varieties of sushi and side dishes, while Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised Italian restaurant Fico introduces a limited time pasta pop-up featuring handmade pastas inspired by its Cucina Povera philosophy.

Other new additions include Indonesian restaurant Kulon’s first kiosk concept serving bakmi and tapas style dishes, family run roast meat favourite LAIFABA with rice bowls and wood fired platters, and Orh Gao Peh Gao’s dual concept kiosk that transforms from a daytime coffeeshop into a craft beer taproom at night. SG Heritage Business Rumah Makan Minang also joins the space with Kios Minang, offering nasi padang alongside an exclusive nasi padang wrap.

The Factory Block also marks the Singapore debut of several international names. Japanese fashion label BEAMS has opened its first directly operated Southeast Asian flagship store, featuring curated selections from BEAMS and Demi Luxe BEAMS as well as Singapore exclusive merchandise.

Bali based wellness concept future resonance arrives with a new space dedicated to sound healing, somatic practices and light sound vibration technology. French footwear label VEJA and American outdoor brand YETI are also making their first retail appearances in Singapore through limited time pop-ups.

Retail offerings have also expanded with online retailer Stacked Store opening a new physical homeware and lifestyle space, while Store Store launches as a rotating residency platform for independent labels and creative concepts.

Originally built in 1967, the Tai Wah Garments & Knitting Factory played a role in Singapore’s manufacturing boom during the 1970s. The restoration of the Factory Block was developed in collaboration with Shanghai based design studio Linehouse, with the project preserving much of the building’s industrial character while adapting it into a modern communal destination.

The first floor features a rope installation inspired by the pulley systems once used to transport fabric through the factory, while an open atrium and modular pop-up spaces support markets, activations and community events. Upstairs, a communal dining hall seats approximately 130 diners beneath a suspended canopy inspired by traditional attap roofs, blending nostalgic local references with contemporary design elements.

Alongside the Factory Block opening, the School Hall has also reopened following a three-month refurbishment led by local spatial design studio Open Studio. Originally designed in 1969 by James Ferrie & Partners, the restored hall retains key architectural features including ventilation blocks, brise soleil structures, teak wall panelling and mosaic flooring while introducing updated acoustic and lighting systems for performances and events.

The upgraded School Hall has already hosted exhibitions such as HOT BODIES by Anak and Rituals of Perception by Tanoto Art Foundation during Singapore Art Week 2026. It now serves as a flexible venue for exhibitions, live performances, community activities and even public pickleball courts.