From a seemingly unknown space that remained a secret among photographers, Instagrammers and the cool kids, to a hip joint that has helped to bring back some kind of soul and identity to the country, Lepark has definitely done its job as the go-to hole-in-the-wall that embodies the grittiness of People’s Park Complex while still offering some great eats and drinks over the past three years.
Alas, like many good things in Singapore, they’ll be shutting their doors for good in less than two weeks. Just last year, we bid adieu to one of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Dakota Crescent, the colorful blocks of Rochor Center and the old Zouk over at Jiak Kim (fine, they moved, but never shall we forget). More recently, underground nightclub in the heart of the CBD kyo ceased operations in June (so did the iconic New Majestic Hotel on Bukit Pasoh) and Sungei Road Thieves’ Market permanently packed up and vacated the premises two months ago.
Citing “reasons beyond [their] control” in a Facebook announcement over the weekend, Lepark will be going all out in the coming days and nights to make sure that everyone gets to experience the laughter, silly dancing, singing and camaraderie of the community one last time before they go on Sep 30. If their past events are anything to go by—like their novel car boot sale party at the huge rooftop carpark space just outside their premises, yoga sessions, music performances and their Getai Electronica rooftop gigs—then you’ll realize that there’s never a dull moment when you’re here.
Whether you’re planning to chug bottles of craft beer or to have a go at the tapas menu (the otah bomb will not disappoint!), stay tuned and check their Facebook page for all the latest announcements and parties they’ll be planning in the run-up to their imminent closure. They’re looking for people to collab with for the final few parties, so if you’ve got some bangin’ ideas, hit em’ up here.
They’ve also made some vague mentions that they’re considering options to open elsewhere, but it depends on whether that venue makes sense for everyone, and is worthy of a “safe space that you guys will all wanna call home”.
