Size & Population: 2 Sq Km

About: There are nine sub-zones mainly Orange Grove, Newton Circus,? Cairnhill, Monk Hill and Istana Negara.

History: During the early 1800s, Newton was mainly a nutmeg plantation. Some areas were used by the Jewish as a cemetery. The area is named after Howard Newton, a prominent municipal engineer. The Istana?was then known as government house before independence in 1965. It was completed in 1869 and served as the official residence of the governors of the Straits Settlements. Today, the Istana?is home to the President of Singapore.

Place of Interest: Istana,? Newton Hawker Centre.?

Residential: Mainly private developments (landed & condominiums). Newton is relatively an up-market area in Singapore.

Industrial: There are some small businesses in the Newton area

The above information is taken from http://www.streetdirectory.com/

At a Glance: Gone are the elements-ravaged asbestos roof and the garish fluorescent lights from naked bulbs. In their place, colonial-style brick overhangs and eaves and pretty street lamps to illuminate plates of sambal stingray and Hokkien mee, making this 35-year old makan institution feel a lot cosier.

The Buzz: The new landscape heavily borrows design elements from the old colonial black-and-white terrace houses at nearby Monk’s Hill Terrace; the colour theme is a similar white, beige and brown and the ceilings are a high 7m, ensuring cross-ventilation and a cooler environment.

Unlike its previous incarnation, the new Newton is predominantly shaded from the elements by roofing or large umbrellas. Blinds are also available for extra shade from the scorching sun in the afternoons. The 83 stalls are arranged in a horseshoe configuration, featuring the same well-loved hawkers who dole out local favourites like fishball noodles (Stall No. 69), popiah and satay (Stall No. 12) and fried oyster omelette (Stall No. 73). Spaces have also been created so buskers can entertain, or small flea markets can be set up.

Check out: The pretty foliage that has been incorporated into the landscape to re-create a plantation feel. Some 50 species of blooms can be found, including pink frangipani, wedelia creepers and several species of palm. Colourful plant life is everywhere you look – at the main entrance and around the seats in the middle section of the hawker centre.