Development of the town centre began in 1976 after a 36-hectare site was cleared. Ang Mo Kio's key entertainment, commercial and community facilities are located here. Many residents have fond memories of shopping at the former Oriental Emporium, which was popular for imported goods from China, and dining at the former Oriental restaurant on special occasions such as weddings and birthday celebrations during the 1980s. Residents living in Yishun and Sembawang then would flock here to shop as there were no major shopping facilities in their neighbourhoods then.
In the town centre, there used to be a fountain with a circular pool with coloured lights at night. Three cinemas, opened in the late 1970s and early 1980s, served the town at first - Broadway, Ang Mo Kio Cinema and Jubilee. Besides being popular recreational and entertainment grounds, the theatres also doubled up as places where events such as graduation ceremonies for kindergarten children were held.
To remain relevant and fresh, the town centre was constantly rejuvenated. The former cinemas were later transformed into shopping complexes and upgrading works were carried out regularly. Today, the town centre continues to bustle with activity as the main commercial and community hub of Ang Mo Kio.