Singaporeans reminisce their good times at The Cathay shortly before it closes for 1.5 years renovation

SINGAPORE: It was announced earlier this year that The Cathay, one of Singapore’s iconic buildings, will undergo a major renovation for a year and a half—the first significant revamp in two decades. After 83 years of operation, the cinema closed its doors on June 27, 2022, and tenants were instructed to vacate by August 18. The building holds a treasure trove of memories for many who frequented it during their youth.

DJ Joakim Gomez recently shared a heartfelt video on TikTok, expressing what he will miss most about The Cathay. He reminisced about how the site had been the backdrop for some of his best memories. “It’s now a completely ghost (t)own; everything’s shut and torn down,” he lamented.

Gomez, who attended Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), fondly recalled visiting during breaks or after school. He reminisced about the times he met friends and dates there before heading out to clubs. “This place smells like SOTA (School of the Arts),” he wrote, reminiscing about enjoying Popeye’s before watching movies with student tickets priced at just $6. He also shared romantic memories of bringing a date for Michelin-starred food while he was still a student, holding her hand in the elevator after a midnight screening.

His video resonated with many Singaporeans, prompting others to share their own nostalgic reflections about The Cathay. Many fondly remembered the US-diner-style restaurant Billy Bombers, a beloved spot in the building.

Inspired by Gomez, a British TikTok user who grew up in Singapore, Daisy (@daizamazze), echoed similar sentiments, stating that The Cathay had been “such a big part” of her teenage years and found it “so weird to see it empty!” She mentioned a secret entrance on the second or third floor that led directly to SOTA.

As The Cathay prepares for its transformation, many are bidding a bittersweet farewell to a place that shaped countless memories.