Heritage

Earlier last week, Straits Times posted a video on their Facebook page commemorating the National Theatre which was opened on 8th August 1963. In their caption, ST said that the distinct five-pointed facade was built to represent the five stars of the Singapore flag. One commenter disagreed in the comment section of the post, pointing out that the interpretation of …

by See Tong Ming, Martyn In their opinion piece “History is not the preserve of historians” (ST, April 10), Mr Desmond Lee and Dr Janil Puthucheary emphasized that “the history of Singapore is a matter of concern to all Singaporeans because it is our story – citizens, journalists, politicians and historians.” I agree. Historical narrative cannot be the preserve of one …

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced that the main building of the former National Aerated Water Factory at 1177 Serangoon Road will be gazetted for conservation. Recognising the building’s heritage value, URA said that its role as a landmark in the area and the social memories it holds for the community, the building owner, Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) is supportive …

The Singapore Heritage Society (SHS) today unveiled the Bukit Brown Wayfinder – Singapore’s first self-guided heritage trail in a cemetery – at Bukit Brown Cemetery. The launch of this self-guided trail will allow heritage enthusiasts to explore accessible parts of Bukit Brown on their own. Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development, …

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on 15 May that members of the public are invited to suggest official names of three stations on the Circle Line 6 (CCL6). The suggested station names need to fit one of several criteria: Help commuters easily identify where the station is located; Illustrate the history and heritage of the station’s location; and/or Reflect …

Visitors of Singapore Botanic Gardens can now access a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways to explore wetland and rainforest habitats, which are parts of the Learning Forest, a new conservation core in the gardens. Officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 31 March, the 10ha secondary forest next to Tyersall Avenue houses more than 700 plant species …

Dr Ho Chi Tim, instructor at the Historical Department of National University of Singapore, tried to explain what has caused the use of the name ‘Syonan’ for the new exhibition at the Former Ford Factory. Dr Ho posted a letter on his Facebook page, narrating his view on the current issue of ‘Syonan’ term which has spurred strong reaction between …

Thieves’ Market, the oldest and largest flea market at Sungei Road, will shut permanently after  10 July, a joint statement from various agencies said on Tuesday (14 Feb). The Government will take back the site of the flea market, which is located between Jalan Besar and Rochor Canal Road, for ground preparation works for future residential development use. The joint …

Mr Kok Heng Leun, a Nominated Member of Parliament, asked the Minister for National Development, a series of questions, in respect of the demolition and rebuilding of three units of Ellison Building for the purpose of the North-South Corridor (NSC): Whether LTA and URA have considered realigning the North-South Expressway without affecting Ellison Building when the alignment plan was announced …

ICOMOS Singapore issues statement in regards to the announcement by Singapore authorities to demolish and reconstruct three units (nos. 235, 237, and 239) of Ellison Building to make way for the construction of the proposed underground North-South Corridor. The committee states that it is deeply disturbed by the authorities’ disregard for the heritage value of this building and the lack of …