Tuesday 20 March 2012

Marine Cove marks last weekend of operations

By Hetty Musfirah, Channel NewsAsia, 18 Mar 2012

Marine Cove at East Coast Park on Sunday marked it last weekend of operations for tenants before the area undergoes redevelopment.

This comes as the leases for the businesses end this month.

The area was still bustling with many spending their weekend here despite the wet weather.



Some shops had already moved out while others, like the McDonalds outlet, will end operations at midnight.

The outlet has been here since 1982 and is the first outlet in Singapore to open 24 hours.

Since then, it has served more than 25 million customers.

It is understood the National Parks Board will redevelop the area with better access to the beach and more space for parks.






East Coast Park McDonald's to close its doors
AsiaOne, 18 Mar 2012

The McDonald's outlet at Marine Cove in East Coast Park will close its doors at the stroke of midnight today.

The much loved hang-out place for old and young alike is closing due to its landlord, the National Parks Board, redevelopment plans in the area, a local news channel reported.

It is moving to another location some 1.5km away, to East Coast Seafood Centre, said a McDonald's spokesperson.

To mark its closure and more than 30 years of service to over 25 million customers, the branch held a fun walk for customers and staff at 8.45am.

Games and other activities will also be played later today.

In a thank you gesture to their supporters over the years, McDonald's is giving a free Blueberry Melts with every Extra Value Meal.

The offer is only available at McDonald's East Coast Park branch, and will be valid from March 12 to 18, after breakfast hours.

Opened on Jan 20, 1982, the Marine Cove outlet was the first McDonald’s in Singapore to offer a drive-in service counter, and operate round-the-clock.

The outlet is popular with many East Coast residents who go there for morning breakast or a drink after jogging or cycyling.

National Parks will be developing the area as a recreational green lung and providing easy access to the beach. It is part of its overall plan to expand and improve park facilities throughout Singapore.


Offering a scenic coastline that stretches over 15km, East Coast Park is one of Singapore's most popular getaways, attracting more than 7.5 million visitors a year.

Singaporeans have been reacting with much dismay over the news.

"Why don't we have a say in trying to conserve this place that brought so much memories!" lamented AsiaOne reader Luqman Hakeem.

McDonald's Singapore's Facebook page was flooded with farewell messages, as Singaporeans posted their fondest memories of the iconic landmark.

"Played at the playground when I was a toddler, had family meals when I was younger, when bbq food at the chalet was dire.. The list goes on.. An icon in my heart for sure.. You will be missed!" posted Facebook user Derrick Chan.

"So sad to see it go. I grew up in Marine Parade and even got to see the area in ECP being developed. I spent almost every weekend at the beach with my sisters," said Niz Abd.

Fans of the branch have even banded together to shoot a short documentary and tribute piece on the place.

Organised by Colourbars Media, the group is calling for fans to share their most memorable stories of the East Coast McDonald's with them on their Facebook page.


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