The newly upgraded Geylang Serai Market reopened on Sunday with an expanded floor space of approximately 9,000 square metres.

The brand new double-storey market boasts an increased seating capacity of 955 seats, 365 wider stalls and improved ventilation and sanitary system, amongst other new features.

The upgrading works took 40 months and $18.2 million to complete.

Geylang Serai Market was upgraded under the National Environment Agency's (NEA) Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme (HUP) in 2006 as part of efforts to rejuvenate Geylang Serai and preserve the Malay heritage.

For greater convenience to the shoppers, a covered pedestrian overhead bridge was constructed in place of the old unsheltered bridge between the upgraded centre and Joo Chiat Complex.

All occupied stalls have progressively resumed business since the completion of the upgrading works in July last year, an NEA statement said.

The opening was graced by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.