Private club 1880 sets for resumption of operations following abrupt shutdown, set to reopen in a couple of weeks.
In a surprising turn of events, Singapore's popular private members' club, 1880, is set to reopen its doors in August following a temporary closure due to financial difficulties. The club, which had been a hub for social events, dining, co-working spaces, and more, will continue its operations at its Robertson Quay location under new management.
The closure of 1880 in June 2025 was a result of decreasing spending and visits by its members, leading to a lack of funds to pay staff and suppliers. The club's holding and operating companies, 38 Degrees and 1880 respectively, were placed under provisional liquidation. Despite three offers to invest or acquire the club, none materialized into a deal that could sustain it.
The club's Hong Kong branch, which opened less than a year prior, also faced financial troubles and had to close on May 30, 2025, owing rent and two months' worth of pay to 100 employees. South China Morning Post reported that 1880 Hong Kong entered liquidation with debts of about HK$20 million (US$2.5 million).
However, the good news for current 1880 members is that they will have the option to carry over their memberships to the new club without any joining fees. More than 90% of the previous employees are expected to return, ensuring a familiar and welcoming environment.
The new management team, which does not include the original co-founders Marc Nicholson, Jean Low, and Luke Jones, promises a "more vibrant, elevated" experience at the reopened club, although no specific new amenities have been disclosed yet. Tsoler Jekalian, the club's general manager, will be involved in the new venture.
Past speakers at 1880 include notable figures such as George Yeo, Kishore Mahbubani, Bilahari Kausikan, and Sara Jane Ho. The club has been a popular venue for discussions, networking events, and exclusive gatherings.
As the reopening date approaches, members and the public alike are eager to see the changes and improvements that the new management team has in store for 1880. The club's reopening is a testament to its resilience and its commitment to continuing to serve its members and the community.
[1] South China Morning Post, 1880 Hong Kong enters liquidation with debts of about HK$20 million, https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3122402/1880-hong-kong-enters-liquidation-debts-about-hk20-million
[2] The Straits Times, 1880 club in Singapore enters liquidation, https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/1880-club-in-singapore-enters-liquidation
[3] Channel NewsAsia, Singapore private members' club 1880 to reopen in August, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/1880-singapore-private-members-club-to-reopen-in-august-13307726
[4] The Business Times, 1880 club in Singapore enters provisional liquidation, https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/1880-club-in-singapore-enters-provisional-liquidation
[5] The Straits Times, 1880 club's employees were owed salaries, https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/1880-clubs-employees-were-owed-salaries
- The financial difficulties that led to the provisional liquidation of both 1880 and its operating company, 1880, were due to a decline in member spending and visits, causing a shortage of funds to pay staff and suppliers.
- With the reopening of the club under new management in August, many in the industry, finance, and business sectors will be closely watching to see how the revamped 1880 Club can sustain itself and continue to serve its members and the community, after facing financial troubles.
