After two delays, the new Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex is now scheduled for completion and opening in 2027. With funeral parlour space limited in Singapore, the complex is expected to help meet steadily rising demand for wake venues.

In response to queries from Lianhe Zaobao (LHZB), the National Environment Agency (NEA) confirmed that construction of the new Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex is ongoing. It is expected to obtain its Temporary Occupation Permit this quarter and begin operations in 2027, about three years later than originally planned.

In 2013, as part of plans to develop Bidadari estate, the government announced the demolition of Mount Vernon Columbarium and two privately operated funeral parlours in Upper Aljunied Road.

The new Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex is being built on the site of the former columbarium and funeral parlours. However, its footprint has been reduced to 1.1 hectares, about one-seventh of the area previously occupied by the two facilities.

The new Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex will feature natural tones and landscaped roofs and courtyards to blend into the surrounding terrain and greenery.（Artist's impression by HDB）
The new Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex will feature natural tones and landscaped roofs and courtyards to blend into the surrounding terrain and greenery.（Artist's impression by HDB）

Opening expected next year after two pandemic-related delays

Construction began in the second half of 2021, with completion originally scheduled for 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the timeline back to 2025, and it has now been delayed again to 2027. Responding to queries, NEA said the 2025 completion date had been a preliminary estimate at the time.

Under the plans, the new complex will have 12 wake halls, two embalming rooms and two rooms for the ritual washing of bodies. It will also have seven shop units, including a food outlet, for the convenience of bereaved families and visitors.

Construction began in the second half of 2021 and was originally due to be completed in 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed completion to 2025. The timeline has now been pushed back again, with the complex expected to open in 2027.（Photo: Pek Yan Lin）
Construction began in the second half of 2021 and was originally due to be completed in 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed completion to 2025. The timeline has now been pushed back again, with the complex expected to open in 2027.（Photo: Pek Yan Lin）

Funeral services provider Huang Zhijian, director of the Shengming Licheng memorial group, said in an interview that funeral parlour space in Singapore is limited.

The two delays to the new Mount Vernon complex have left families with few choices of wake venues during periods of peak demand in recent years, particularly those who do not want to use places such as HDB void decks. The new complex will offer more options and ease operational pressures on funeral service providers.

“We also hope the new building will provide bereaved families with a dignified and comfortable environment, while allowing funeral service providers to work efficiently.”

NEA projects that annual deaths in Singapore will rise to about 40,000 in the 2040s, an increase of about 51% from around 26,500 in 2025. Building the new Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex is one of its strategies to meet future demand.

In 2019, NEA announced plans for new funeral parlours at Ang Mo Kio Street 63 near the SBS Transit bus depot, in the Bukit Batok Street 23 industrial area, along Mandai Road near the existing Mandai Columbarium, and in Woodlands Industrial Park E8.

Of these, Woodlands Memorial in Woodlands Industrial Park E8 began operations in 2023. When asked about the other three sites, NEA said: “The opening dates will be announced when ready.”

Demand for green burials rises year on year

Demand for green burials has been rising each year. As of the end of August, there had been 1,900 applications this year, more than in the whole of 2022. Pictured are bereaved family members preparing to scatter a loved one's ashes at the Garden of Peace.（File Picture）
Demand for green burials has been rising each year. As of the end of August, there had been 1,900 applications this year, more than in the whole of 2022. Pictured are bereaved family members preparing to scatter a loved one's ashes at the Garden of Peace.（File Picture）

NEA figures show that demand for green burials in Singapore has risen year on year, from 1,600 applications in 2022 to 2,500 in 2025. As of the end of August this year, there had been 1,900 applications. Singapore currently has two dedicated inland ash-scattering facilities: the Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium and the Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.

Huang said that as Singapore's population continues to age and attitudes towards funerals change, people are seeking more varied ways to bid farewell to and commemorate loved ones. Acceptance of and demand for green burials are also growing. Families choose green burials for reasons including their environmentally friendly and simple nature, lower cost and the wishes of the deceased. They also spare future generations the responsibility of maintaining a physical niche or grave.

“But some families still prefer a physical memorial site. A columbarium niche gives family members a specific place to visit to pay their respects and remember their loved ones. This is especially important for families who observe Chinese traditions or practise Buddhism or Taoism.”

Huang added that, beyond building infrastructure, it is important to give the public some understanding of funeral options. “Many bereaved families only learn after a loved one has died that alternatives such as green burials are available. With clear information available earlier, family members can discuss their preferences and make suitable choices in advance.”