Of course, to simply call it a shopping destination (guilty as charged) would be an understatement, for the refurbished meat-packing warehouse is more than that – it is a living, breathing centre for art and various other disciplines.
As a welcoming space for everyone, the building continues to attract visionaries eager to share their novel ideas with the world.
In this article, we’re looking at newer tenants who have made the building their home.
OUR Art Projects
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The anchor space at Zhongshan has since opened its doors, after taking a break last year, to unique art exhibitions and other installations.
Started as an art consultancy and project platform in 2013 by the co-founders of Zhongshan, Liza Ho and Snow Ng, OUR ArtProjects focuses on identifying important practices in Malaysian art as well as producing compelling and engaging exhibitions.
The gallery just concluded hosting a showcase entitled The Artists’ Workstations, a foray into the components that surround an artist’s work site that affect and inspire the artist.
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Opened: Tuesday–Saturday: 11.00am-7.00pm
Sunday by appointment: Three working days’ advance notice required
Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Tommy Le Baker
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Passionate baker Tommy Lee loves his sourdough bread and together with his partner Terence Chong run Tommy Le Baker on the ground floor of Zhongshan Building, right behind Singaporean design store Naiise.
They serve a variety of sourdough bread-based sandwiches and other pastries (special mention goes to the TLB Lemon Tart) with the customary coffee.
The kitchen where bread is freshly-baked also serves as a laboratory for the duo to experiment with their doughs. Go ahead and talk to them when you see them – they’d be more than happy to answer any of your bread-related questions.
Opened: Tuesday-Friday, 10.30am–8.00pm
Saturday: 9.30am–8.00pm, Sunday: 9.30am–6.00pm
Closed: Mondays
Balai Buku Raya
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Former bookstore cum antique trinket store Punarvasu at Zhongshan has since expanded into a larger space and been renamed Balai Buku Raya.
However, the store still retains the previous quirkiness with its array of paraphernalia from the past, such as songket wedding dresses from the 60s and even antique furniture.
Of course, visit for the collection of vintage books sold here, most of them intellectual and currently out of print.
Opened: Tuesday–Saturday, 11.00am–8.00pm
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Cinephilia
Independent movie club Cinephilia has moved out to a bigger space in Plaza Danau Desa where they continue to inspire daring movie watches with their unique selection of films.
BendangStudio
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Bendang Pop-up Space by BendangArtisan features classic tableware collections, home décor accessories, and limited edition art objects in signature ceramic.
The collections sold at the arts hub is a collaboration between BendangStudio founder and ceramic artist Rozana Musa and designer Imaya Wong, and is expected to breathe more life into the building.
This article first appeared in uppre.com