Megachurch Buys Former Nightclub Space for S$54.5 Million
Quick Look
Cornerstone Community Church purchased six units in a former nightclub for S$54.5 million, reflecting a trend of megachurches expanding into commercial spaces in Southeast Asia.
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Why It Matters
Cornerstone Community Church has purchased former nightclub space for S$54.5 million, continuing a pattern of acquiring properties with checkered histories.
On weekends, the site of former nightclubs, illegal massage parlours and at least one murder is now flooded with church-goers.
Cornerstone Community Church officially opened weekly services at the Orchard Road landmark in January after buying six units on the fourth floor – formerly a nightclub – for S$54.5 million (US$42.3 million) in 2025.
Experts say the move reflects a growing trend across Southeast Asia of megachurches expanding into retail and commercial spaces.
Reverend Yang Tuck Yoong, Cornerstone’s senior pastor, told This Week in Asia that the church was no stranger to setting up in places with chequered histories.
Its first property, acquired in 1997, was the Music World Discotheque at Odeon Katong, now the site of its main services in the Katong neighbourhood. It has since taken over six additional units in the same building, all formerly KTVs, pubs or massage parlours.
Open Questions
- What are the specific challenges of repurposing such spaces?
- Will this trend continue in other regions?
