Just by the bank of the Singapore River, opposite the sksycrapers, lies the heart of the old Colonial District. It was the landing site of Raffles in 1819, and the area where the British ran the colony then. It houses beautiful structures like the Old Parliament Building, the Victoria Concert Hall and Empress Place.

Today, these buildings remain and have been restored to mint condition and house museums and upscale clubs and restaurants.

An overview

pic by baqthier
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/9swiss92.jpg

pic by Darecky
http://www.sky.s64.pl/home/W/Sing2/s20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/colonialacm.jpg

Statue of Raffles (he was believed to have stepped ashore here)
http://www.sky.s64.pl/home/W/Sing/sa06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/hsv2.jpg

pics from pbase.com

Old Parliament Building (before restoration)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col.jpg

After restoration and with night lighting effects
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col3.jpg

Sculptures by the river bank (they depict early life in Singapore)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col6.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col7.jpg

Victoria Concert Hall clocktower
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col5.jpg

Elephant statue presented by the King of Siam to Singapore in 1871
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col4.jpg

These pictures are mind-boggling!!! :eek:!!

Amazing pics!!!
But is this the heart of the city?:D

Originally posted by huaiwei

These pictures are mind-boggling!!! :eek:!!

Exactly! It is just SO elegant at night with the diffuse lights. One thing that cant be expressed here is the wonderful scent of shrubs and the burning candles coming from the Siem Reap restaurant - totally divine!

Originally posted by Cliff

Amazing pics!!!
But is this the heart of the city?:D

Well not exactly heart of the island, but it sure takes a prominent position in the CBD, and also the Singapore River was the birthplace of our modern Singapore, with many important government structures here, so in a way, the heart of the city!:)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col7.jpg[/IMG]

This is my favourite picture. ;)

Wow! Photos really can show us the beauty that we don't even stop and relax like this. :cool:

COOL!

Anderson Bridge (1910)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103dscn0960.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/rvr0107.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/acm2.jpg

http://www.sky.s64.pl/home/W/Sing/sa06.jpg[/IMG]
UOB looks massive in that pic! :eek:

Thank you, Raffi--how perfectly gorgeous! :banana::banana::banana:

Yea! A whole district of beautifully restored traditional architecture! :cool: That series of statues on the plaza by the river is a perfect marvel, the sort of urban public art I treasure because I feel everyone, including children, can relate to it. :okay:

The only thing I regret is the removal of the pink bougainvilea in front of the Old Parliament Building. Instead, they've planted some rather boring trees. :( But the landscaping is still new, so there's hope yet. ;)

Thanks also for showing how close this district is to my favorite hotel! :hug:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/103col2.jpg
This isn't the old Parliament ,but the small building beside it!I do not know what it is.


There's one sad thing about the Vic is that the interior is actually rather new.The whole interior was demolished in the 1950s and rebuilt ,in order to accomodate more seats and for better acoustics ,leaving the walls standing.So god knows what the inside looked like before.

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Well not exactly heart of the island, but it sure takes a prominent position in the CBD, and also the Singapore River was the birthplace of our modern Singapore, with many important government structures here, so in a way, the heart of the city!:) Well, I still consider it as the city's heart, in the past, at present, and forever into the future. No other development can eclipse its importance, not even a super large CBD. This place is so soaked in history that its the natural focal point for everyone in the nation! ;)

Originally posted by redstone
This isn't the old Parliament ,but the small building beside it!I do not know what it is.



Oh..hmm..actually I was reading stuff when I was searching for pictures. It might have been a jail actually!

Originally posted by Whose Homepage

The only thing I regret is the removal of the pink bougainvilea in front of the Old Parliament Building. Instead, they've planted some rather boring trees. :( But the landscaping is still new, so there's hope yet. ;)



Oh well, bougainvillea is all over Singapore! it is the shrub of choice and if you take the highway from the airport to the city, bougainvillea in various shades of pink/purple are planted along the central divider..very nice!

I am sure those new saplings will blossom. Its part of the plan to really invigorate this area and it will smell really herbal! :carrot:

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Oh..hmm..actually I was reading stuff when I was searching for pictures. It might have been a jail actually! If Singapore only needs such a small jail, then I suppose this place must be truly civilised! :D

that looks quite amazing with the mix of lower older buildings and newer higher buildings

Originally posted by wolkenkrabber

that looks quite amazing with the mix of lower older buildings and newer higher buildings

Yeah. It's pretty amazing how two different styles from two different ages can blend together so well.

Yeah...and its all divided just by one smal river? Al thanks to the great forsighted of our citiy's founder! ;)

Originally posted by huaiwei

Yeah...and its all divided just by one smal river? Al thanks to the great forsighted of our citiy's founder! ;)

Cheers to that! :cheers:

The annex (rear) block of the new Parliament House is actually formerly the Attorney-General's Chambers.It was incorporated into the new building.

some pics I found online

Another pic of the elephant gift from the Thai monarch.
http://photos.adriankok.org/photos/preview/2001_01/p1280048.jpg

Dalhousie Obelisk. The Dalhousie Obelisk was built to commemorate the visit of the Governor-General of India, Lord Dalhousie, and his wife in 1850. Singapore was by then a thriving port under the British East India Company.
http://photos.adriankok.org/photos/preview/2001_01/p1280051.jpg

Victoria Theatre
http://photos.adriankok.org/photos/preview/2001_01/p1280050.jpg

Museum gets 'Ming guards'

http://www.straitstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-03-13/H2.jpg

A SCHOLAR and a soldier now guard the Asian Civilisations Museum at Empress Place.

The two Ming dynasty guardian statues were inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan yesterday evening.

The stone sculptures, Dr Tan said in his speech, served to remind Singaporeans that the nation's well-being is dependent on 'scholarship and integrity, loyalty and bravery'.

The larger-than-life statues, measuring 2.4m by 1.6m by 62cm, and 2.32m by 1.04m by 62cm respectively, were donated to the museum last year by its former chairman, neurosurgeon James Khoo and his wife.

The two statues weigh about 1.5 tonnes each.

Museum director Kenson Kwok added: 'The two figures have very appealing expressions and we know that they will be popular subjects for photographers.'

The interior of the Vic was actually only built in the 1950s.Then ,the whole interior was demolished ,leaving only the walls standing.Then they rebuilt the interior again.:bleep:

Do you see the Singapore state crest on top of the Victoria Theatre? It must have been added after the reconstruction. Why was it demolished in the first place and what did it look like before?

http://photos.adriankok.org/photos/preview/2001_01/p1280050.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/300victoria_theatre___memorial_halla.jpg
http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/data/tn_pcd/19980005905-8120-3181-1785/img0037.jpg
It was added when Sg gained Self-Rule.


http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/data/tn_pcd/19980005491-8073-3222-5028/img0021.jpg
Raffles' statue in front of the Vic.This was moved to the Raffles Museum during WWII ,and the structure behind it was destroyed during the war.This pic was taken in 1919.The Clock Tower was then the tallest structure in Singapore.

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/data/tn_pcd/19980005673-8073-3222-1057/img0101.jpg
Picture taken a few years after the Memorial Hall and Clock Tower was completed.
http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/data/tn_pcd/19980005492-8073-3222-5029/img0059.jpg
A rare view of the side.
http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/data/tn_pcd/19980005492-8073-3222-5029/img0061.jpg

I think it was reconstructed to accomodate more people ,but it isn't worth demolishing such a beautiful building!God knows what the interior looks like originally!:bleep:

Oh ,the building has a lift ,I wonder if it was added after the 1950s.

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/data/tn_pcd/19990000013-8262-3202-2475/img0065.jpg

Hmm..if they really wanted to preserve it 100% they should have left the British emblem on it. However I believe updating the interior for the comfort of patrons is a must.

Awesome! Wonderful historical architecture, and it blends well with the skyscrapers! :yes:

Pavement art creates beautiful sight at Old Parliament House

24 March 2004

SINGAPORE : Ever thought of paintings on floors, rather than just walls?

Well, that's what Pavement Art is all about and it is creating quite a sight at Arts House at the Old Parliament House.

While most masterpieces have a place on walls, some can even be right under your feet!

Indeed no more walls!

Walkways have become the canvas for Chalk Circle......a mother and daughter team from Australia.

Their talents lie in chalking up 3-D art on two-dimensional walkways.

Just a small area on this walkway can take up to four days to complete. Chalk and pastels are the primary materials. Yet, rain or shine, the pavement art can last up to nine months.

After all, acrylic medium and water acts as a sealant to keep the drawings intact.

Bev Isaac, Artist at Chalk Circle, said: "We like to think we are pretty environmentally aware and we like to celebrate the natural world...And I like the dimension too, looking down onto the ground to relay a whole lot of different ideas and perspectives to come out rather than just working on the wall."

"This pavement art is very good. It attracts people and it also draw people's attention and it is also very creative."

"It is very special and very nice, and it is also usually done on paper."

"It is the first time I see someone painting on the floor and not on the walls."

The Arts House aims to keep this pavement art for at least a month, after its official opening on Friday.

The public can also expect more of such creative works spicing up the Riverwalk and Parliament Lane. - CNA

The mysterious building. I think it was a prison?
http://photo.starblvd.net/Raffles/4-5-2-1084225994?m=1&pg=3&ro=4&co=1

The Old Parliament House
http://photo.starblvd.net/Raffles/4-5-4-1084214310?m=1&pg=3&ro=4&co=3

http://photo.starblvd.net/Raffles/5-1-1-1084215537?m=1&pg=4&ro=0&co=0

side view showing elephant statue
http://photo.starblvd.net/Raffles/4-5-5-1084214422?m=1&pg=3&ro=4&co=4

what the plaque on the statue says
http://photo.starblvd.net/Raffles/4-5-3-1084210974?m=1&pg=3&ro=4&co=2

looking back
http://img43.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/DSCN1960.jpg

STATE OF THE ARTS: Unveiling The Arts House

NEW TENANTS: The old Parliament building is now the newest home to the arts after a S$15.8-million facelift that has kept many features of the 177-year-old building intact.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/front.jpg

VISUAL FANFARE: The opening was marked by a 8-min multimedia show titled A Story Of The House, created by Glen Goei. It brought visitors through time using old photographs, wooden engravings and projections which literally illuminate the history of the space.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/colourful.jpg

SPEECH TO SONG: The Chamber where Parliament once sat, is now a concert hall.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/stage.jpg

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: After feasting their eyes on art exhibits, visitors can fill their stomachs at stylish restaurants like 1827 Thai on the second level.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/thai.jpg

STAND AND STAIRS: The staircase leading to the second level where the chamber, living room and gallery are located.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/staircase.jpg

LAW AND ORDER: The hallway of the second level features the 'Home Of The Legislature' exhibition.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/shadows.jpg

SECRET CHAMBER: The former Parliament House even had a dungeon where prisoners facing trial were held.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/dungeon.jpg

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The various rooms are planned for different purposes: there is a multi-purpose room for seminars and rehearsals as well as one for actors to take a breather in-between performances.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/gallery/artshse/foyer.jpg

The building is most certainly NOT a prison!

It was a house.But I do not know for whom or its date.

I recommend going inside the newly restored Old Parliament House. Its amazing!

http://photo.starblvd.net/Raffles/4-5-4-1084214310?m=1&pg=3&ro=4&co=3

Very clean and airconditioned and spacious too. A lot of interesting exhibitions on both levels including Singapore's Declaration of Independence signed by Lee Kuan Yew and other documents and photos from the past. You can also see showcases by Coleman, the former architect on display. There is also a cafe and an artefacts shop inside.

No photography allowed though.

When you walk in through the entrance ,you would see the main staircase.A short flight of about 4 steps before it splits left & right.

The wall it is against is the original Maxwell's House.Count 2 archs to the left and right.This is the limit of the original façade.The centre arch had been filled in.

More pics of these lovely buildings. :cucumber:

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/ssc1819/col3.jpg

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/ssc1819/col3a.jpg

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/ssc1819/col3b.jpg

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/ssc1819/col3c.jpg

Here are a few pics I've taken of the colonial area :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/pjccuk/DSC00204.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/pjccuk/DSC00445.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/pjccuk/DSC00446.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/pjccuk/Fullerton01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/pjccuk/victheatre.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/pjccuk/victheatre03.jpg

Absolutely stunning indeed! Well done to all of you! ;)

An exhibition going on at the Asian Civilisations Museum

http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/col.jpg
http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/col2.jpg
http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/col3.jpg

the arts house was recently featured in the october issue of wallpaper* magazine in a featurette on asia's 'boutique malls'. they had a rather large pic of the cafe society looking rather decadent. funny considering the arts house has but one shop... mall???! the cafe society is gorgeous. it's got a website (http://www.cafesoc.com/cafesoc/) and you can have a beautiful virtual tour of it here (http://www.cafesoc.com/cafesoc/walkThru/).

The small building next to Old Parliament is called Old Parliament House Annex. :)

It is now a restaurant.

21 Jan 2005
Empress Place Building - Asian Civilisation Museum II

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/5543/acm1ja.jpg

http://img154.exs.cx/img154/191/acm19am.jpg

http://img111.exs.cx/img111/6938/acm33zu.jpg

http://img154.exs.cx/img154/9780/acm47tq.jpg

Nice pictures hya.

5 Feb 2005
Old House of Parliament@Night

http://img238.exs.cx/img238/4504/club2ts.jpg

So white it looks fake ^^

well... I did some adjustment cos the right of the building was too dark...

Alright, no adjustment.

http://img128.exs.cx/img128/1769/par9pd.jpg

ghastly i should say

Supreme Court@Night - 5 Feb 2005

http://img206.exs.cx/img206/7852/supremecourt3vm.jpg

really beautiful! :eek2:

I really like those buildings at night...a very special atmosphere there and in contrast to the skyscrapers

Glad you like them. I took some pics of St Andrew's Cathedral yesterday too... but, the exterior lightings were not sufficient... I was hoping for interior lights so that the stained glass can be seen more clearly... those taken at Chjimes were slightly better...

http://img215.exs.cx/img215/9550/dscn04925in.jpg

hehe...not bad...i think only the base of St Andrews is lit up

any pics of CHijmes?

hehe...not bad...i think only the base of St Andrews is lit up

any pics of CHijmes?

:yes: not posted yet... till after 19th Feb, I supposed. :) I love those stained glass artwork... which church in Singapore has the most beautiful stained glass artwork?

This is from Chjimes
http://img216.exs.cx/img216/8523/dscn04590qm.jpg

eh..I'm not familiar with stained-glass in churches

thought you wanted to get a shot of that church in Middle Street? forgot the name!

but the pic is nice :)

Cricket at the Padang on a Saturday morning

http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/cricket.jpg

Cricket at the Padang on a Saturday morning


It says VJC on the guy's shirt does it not?

indeed...think VJC team was practising there this morning :yes:

Good use of public space in the city :cool:

Arrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Help, the aliens are coming!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

http://img240.exs.cx/img240/3097/scclub2qe.jpg
Singapore Circket Club

The making of The Arts House

9 Apr 05



'THE disco is a form of art,' says a smiling Edmund Cheng, 'but young people need to be offered alternative ways to use their leisure time.'


Mr Cheng is discussing how the Old Parliament House, a heritage site, was set up as The Arts House. 'We surveyed the arts scene, brainstormed as to what was needed, and came up with the concept of an intimate arts space with the flexibility to take on diverse kinds of arts; to develop long-term relationships with artists that are so satisfying.' The team to run it was handpicked, and the management model combined financial discipline with taking artistic risks.

The financial prudence has paid off, says Mr Cheng. 'The operating expenses to run The Arts House were $3.6 million a year. To date, we have accumulated sufficient surplus to cover our deficit in the first 15 months of operations before The Arts House officially opened in March 2004.'

From April 2004 to February 2005, The Arts House has had more than 100 ticketed arts events (including films but excluding exhibitions, corporate events, and the like), making it close to 1,000 ticketed performances that achieved an average of 70 per cent house. The seating capacities are small; still, achieving some sold-out performances is very creditable, including the Vagina Monologues (presented by The Arts House in collaboration with the Philippines' New Voice Company), Election Day by Checkpoint Theatre, and Bouncers by Centre Stage Productions, while Insomnia by TheatreWorks attracted about 6,000 people in 48 hours. The programming represents The Arts House's interaction with more than 100 artists and arts groups in different capacities.

So has the plan worked in terms of attracting young audiences and curbing adolescent anomie? Therein lies a twist to the tale. Mr Cheng's sons, aged 25 and 27, and 18-year-old daughter have certainly visited The Arts House, but 'it will take time to convert young people'. No actual audience profile surveys have been done yet; however, anecdotal evidence suggests that although the original target was young professionals in their 20s-30s, more mature audiences form a significant core group.

This has been an interesting learning experience. Admittedly, this older generation has more time and means, but also seem 'more keen, as compared to the younger generation, and see Arts House programming as a way of keeping themselves abreast with the contemporary arts scene. We have come to realise that these are people we should be targeting, because they are now free of family obligations and work responsibilities; they want to support the younger generation in the arts industry as well as appreciate the arts.'

Fledgling days yet, but the vision for The Arts House has already taken flight: as a place for the people, where contemporary art-making is connected to history.

tell u the truth
in SINGAPORE the ancient building is well-preserved an mantaince ,protected

:applause:two thumb ups:applause:

unlike some ancient building /or building in JAKARTA
never taken care
if u don't believe go to indonesia forum threads and compare

Oh I should have posted some of my pictures here.......

here goes.....


http://pwp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/spore/historical/DSCN6907sm.JPG

http://img17.echo.cx/img17/6804/18iq.jpg http://img17.echo.cx/img17/3112/27ga.jpg

the 2 knockers on the main door

today at the city hall

Just 8 more weeks to go!! Can't wait. I'll be coming back for a holiday after an 11 year absence. It's changed a shitload since '94. Especially with that set of prickly knackers on the Esplanade! We're booked to stay at the Fullerton in a Quay Room. It looks beautiful. But I need to hear it from you guys... please, everyone... tell me it's great!........?

Just 8 more weeks to go!! Can't wait. I'll be coming back for a holiday after an 11 year absence. It's changed a shitload since '94. Especially with that set of prickly knackers on the Esplanade! We're booked to stay at the Fullerton in a Quay Room. It looks beautiful. But I need to hear it from you guys... please, everyone... tell me it's great!........?


How long will you be here? 8 more weeks... should be about the start of august? Fullerton Hotel with its close proximity to the Padang, place where the National Day Celebrations (9th August) will be held, will definitely give you a nice view of the fireworks and the you might want to join in the celebrations

July 26th for 4 nights then onto Bintan for 3 & back at the Fullerton for 1 night. So I guess I'll just miss them. Have you heard anything about the hotel? All good I hope.

July 26th for 4 nights then onto Bintan for 3 & back at the Fullerton for 1 night. So I guess I'll just miss them. Have you heard anything about the hotel? All good I hope.
its a great hotel :)

Fabulous! Now I can go home happy. Catchya later!

fullerton hotel is often regarded as raffles hotel's closest rival:) lucky you, getting to stay in such a beautiful hotel. the restaurants there are really good too.

I've seen the 2-storey bridal suite in fullerton before. High ceiling and the furnishing gives a very romantic feeling...

any pics?

You guys are a bit more friendly than that lot in Bangkok!

Shit, talk about anal!

http://img17.echo.cx/img17/6804/18iq.jpg http://img17.echo.cx/img17/3112/27ga.jpg

the 2 knockers on the main door

today at the city hall

this is interesting..I never noticed these before :cool:

vatican city exhibition special

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4053/imgp92561fx.jpg



http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6254/imgp92578am.jpg




in the museum
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1567/imgp92596yb.jpg




i'm not supposed to take any pictures in the vatican exhibition area, but this was the only exhibit wihout a 'photography prohibited' sign so i took a risk.
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8203/imgp92587kz.jpg



omg muji! but it doesnt really go well. picture taken sitting on another muji chair. schools should use these chairs - much more comfortable.
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6417/imgp92611th.jpg

well taken heirloom!

is there a charge to view the exhibit? was it interesting?

Major facelift for S'pore Cricket Club

4 July 05

It's the icon's first big renovation in 70 years

SINGAPORE) The grand old dame of the Padang is undergoing her first major facelift in almost seven decades.

http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2005-07-04/vsscc4-214742.jpg

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) building, widely acknowledged as a historical icon, is being refurbished at a cost of almost $17 million. Built round about the turn of the last century, the landmark overlooks a piece of Singapore that witnessed much of the history that shaped the country. And it's home to a sports and social club whose membership reads like a Who's Who of Singapore.

Last Friday found several hundred of those members gathered for a 'president's cocktail' to mark the closure of the old building for works.

The cocktail party was held at The Pavilion, the spacious $1 million temporary clubhouse next door that will be home to members until the scaffolds come off the lady.

'This is the first major renovation project for the clubhouse since the 1930s,' said SCC president Anwarul Haque. 'When work is completed in August or September next year, this great building will make a statement, and members can be proud of their spruced-up home.'

Chairman of the SCC Development Committee, Leow Kim Liat, said it was a challenge to plan the upgrading and retrofitting of the old conservation building.

'This is a building whose external facade and features cannot be touched,' he said. 'And the project engineers had to take into consideration that the foundations of the building are a century old.'

Mr Leow said the project, managed by RSP Architects, would add about 9,000 sq ft of extra space, including a bigger gym and a new sports bar. The clubhouse will also, for the first time, boast access and features friendly to the disabled.


Still, the project is a scaled-down version of a more ambitious plan eight years ago to expand and retrofit the clubhouse at a cost of about $85 million.

In 1997, the SCC changed its constitution to make its memberships transferable and launched a campaign to sell 1,000 transferable memberships at $45,000 each.

The money was to have been used to add some 15,000 sq metres of space by the addition of two basement levels stretching 50 m into the Padang and straddling its width between Connaught Drive and St Andrew's Road. This would have given the clubhouse underground carparks, multi-purpose halls and other new facilities.

However, the membership drive and the project were derailed by the regional currency crisis in 1998. But Mr Haque said the plan has not been abandoned.

'We already have a mandate from our members to go ahead with the project and we have paid the development fees to the authorities,' he said. 'The club will embark on this bigger project when there is sufficient funds to do so. But for now, one can consider the current project as the first phase of that bigger project to come.'

yes you have to pay to get in the ACM, but no extra for the vatican city exhibition. its pretty interesting i guess, reading about each piece, but we arrived at a little past 6 and it closes at 7 so we had to skim through. i got in free though cos i had free tickets :)

Hmm... the Cricket Club sounds interesting.. anybody got a pic of it before the restoration works?

old & new:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1433/dsc017469cv.jpg

anderson bridge:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4713/dsc017424qu.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/879/dsc017354be.jpg

the rest:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7532/dsc017133lu.jpg

Victoria forms a unique juxtaposition with High Street Centre... Both seem the same height. Both seem the same shape....

But one is old, the other is new! :cool:


Especially when viewed thru the arch of Anderson Bridge. :cool:

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/364/wp9ze.jpg

More shots of the Asian Civilisations Museum

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/1402/acm7oc.jpg

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/4705/acm24qw.jpg

The Fullerton Hotel and Cavenagh Bridge

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/2299/acm36lt.jpg

1 George looks so dominant. :eek:
Anyone notice Maybank's columns 'reflect' Fullerton's? :D

maybe it was deliberate, cos some new buildings try to complement old ones

Stage view:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/rvr0107.jpg

Without a doubt; Singapore is in a league of her own... where a mixture between old and new coexists dynamically...Just hope other SEA's growing cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Penang will join the rank soon enough.

Conservation for conservation's sake will never be sustainable. New uses are needed to give new lease of life for these unique buildings survive the times.

I believe Singapore is a very good example on showing how it can be done... :okay:

Anyone notice Maybank's columns 'reflect' Fullerton's? :D

Dang, I didn't even know that the Maybank building *has* columns? I must admit I hate that place with great passion because I think it's a totally unworthy neighbor to the glorious Fullerton! :bash:

@in10cities: once again I approve of your thoughts, comments & general stance. :)


P.S. Excellent stage view, Raffi, thanks! :okay:

Thanks SEAfan :)....the 'stage' is actually a large cutaway atrium built between 2 skyscrapers that provides direct visual connection from one side of the city to the river...one of my favourite places :cool:

Colonial charm juxtaposed with modern Singapore

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/ctrast0508b.jpg

Thanks SEAfan :)....the 'stage' is actually a large cutaway atrium built between 2 skyscrapers that provides direct visual connection from one side of the city to the river...one of my favourite places :cool:

Sounds wonderful, Raffi! :) Such vistas are an essential part of what makes a city great, and Singapore surely is! :master:

And thank you for the "juxtaposition" picture! You captured the symmetry beautifully. :cheers:

Wow - it is nice to know that there are people out there who see the beauty of our old city centre - and the pictures really shows how beautiful it is! now, how to bring more of our citizens back to the centre? in a strange way, back when it was more everyday (and less of a *heritage* district), it was much more a part of our citizens' everyday lives... i remember going to Empress place to get my first pass port!

Welcome, wangwang! :wave:

Yes, you've found several ardent admirers of Old Singapore here--well, at least 2 or 3. ;) But what you say about the place having become less full of life, that's sad to hear! :(

@wangwang....this area is one of my favourite places to take pics as it has a very relaxing atmosphere, especially in the evening and I was even more impressed after it was done up further in 2004 with night lightings...I dont remember much about its past but I do remember a hawker centre being located here up till the late 90s.

@SEAfan, you definitely are an ardent fan of the heritage here! :happy:

I dont know what this location was like in the past, but I've seen pics of the riverbanks teeming with boats. I read that this area was used by the British to administer the colony with all the colonial government buildings, and that it contrasted violently with the overcrowded and bustling areas like Chinatown.

Glad both of you like the pics :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/acm2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/acm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/acm3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/acm4.jpg

^ Beautiful pictures.....:okay:

Thanks :)

Beautiful!

And very sunny too! :D

Cricket Club reopens doors after $17m facelift


13 Nov 06


THE Grand Old Lady of the Padang will greet members today after a $17 million facelift.


The century-old Singapore Cricket Club opens this evening to a special 'members only' party after a year-long project that has added about 9,000 sq ft of extra space, including a bigger gym and a new sports lounge, in addition to more elegant facilities for dining and private events.

The upgraded clubhouse also features, for the first time, access and features friendly to the disabled.

Almost all the refurbishment work on the colonial era building was confined to the interior. This is because it was declared a conservation-status building in 1994 based on its historical and architectural significance, a ruling which forbids any changes to its facade and external features.

The project engineers also had to take into consideration the fact that some of the foundations of the building are almost 100 years old.

During the upgrading works, engineers and designers stumbled upon several hidden and long-forgotten archaeological features within the building. These have now been incorporated into the club's interior design to enhance its old world charm.

Built round the turn of the last century, the landmark overlooks a piece of Singapore that witnessed much of the history that shaped the country. Today, it is home to a sports and social club whose membership reads like a Who's Who of Singapore.

Still, the $17 million project is a scaled-down version of a more ambitious plan nine years ago to expand and retrofit the club house at a cost of about $85 million after the club changed its constitution to make its memberships transferable. It then launched a campaign to sell 1,000 transferable memberships at $45,000 each.

The money was to have been used to add some 15,000 sq m of space by the addition of two basement levels with underground carparks, multi-purpose halls and other new facilities stretching 50 m into the Padang.


By VEN SREENIVASAN

Wonder what the interior looked like last time.

A different overview of the cluster.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/hsv2.jpg

Asian Civilisations Museum

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/colonialacm.jpg

Victoria Concert Hall

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/vic.jpg

Title : Agencies work to put S'pore's Arts & Heritage District on world

SINGAPORE: London has Soho, New York has Times Square.

Now efforts are underway to make sure Singapore's own Arts and Heritage District are just as well known on the world map.

Singapore's arts district is home to six museums, 20 theatre spaces, two arts schools and dozens of historic buildings.

To brand the district more prominently, the National Arts Council, National Heritage Board, National Library Board and Media Development Authority are putting S$300,000 into Phase One of a long-term marketing effort.

Under this phase, lamp-posts will turn eye catchers, with bunting and publicity materials for events by non-profit organisations in the creative industry which do not need to pay for the advertising space.

Previously, these groups had to pay a fee and submit an application to the Land Transport Authority and Building and Construction Authority.

"In Phase Two, we are thinking and considering the use of radio, television, publications to reach out to more people, not only within the confines of Singapore but perhaps wider than Singapore," said Dr Christopher Chia, CEO, Media Development Authority.
The move is expected to be more than just a boost for the arts groups.

Julie Englefield, General Manager, The Substation, said: "It was a geographical centre but it wasn't really a true sort of spiritual centre for the arts. The Substation is a non-profit organisation so non-profit organisations tend not to have a huge amount of resources to spend on great marketing campaigns. When you have a number of bodies altogether promoting a product, it makes a huge difference."

Each year, there are over 8000 events in the Arts and Heritage District and with this new branding initiative, more street festivals are also in the pipeline.

The Arts and Heritage District is in the Bras Basah-Bugis area.

It includes Armenian Street, Hill Street, Prinsep Street, Victoria Street, Waterloo Street, Bencoolen Street and Queen Street, as well as North Bridge Road, Bras Basah Road and Middle Road. - CNA/so

:bash: Maybe we could even try to get UNESCO to get into the project and label the area as a world heritage site. Lots of colonial building has been preserved into their original splendor, Next to be will be the City Hall which will be turned into a museum. Although what we still need is a modern art museum and museum des beux arts. I would still love to see that ex-capitol cinema being turned into a music house or a theatre such as the kodak theatre in Hollywood or even into a nice restaurant such as parisian style buddha bar or barrio latino.

Singapore not part of UNESCO. :cry:

^^
Is there any reason for that?

Still it is great to hear that the agencies will now step up efforts to promote the heritage areas - which are a unique asset and closely tied to Singapore's history as colonial port-of-call. The reception following the Museum's reopening is encouraging.

Besides the main civic clusters, hopefully efforts will also extend to the out-of-town clusters like Tanglin, Changi etc

IS IS NOT PART OF UNESCO but do you wish it should........

I think it would be great if Singapore's heritage gets more international publicity...cant argue with that :)

No way will Singapore get World Heritage...there is not enough of it, and there is nothing unique or distinctive about either the natural or the built heritage in Singapore in the context of the world. There are hundreds of similar buildings like these all over the world.

Btw, I'm curious to know, when was the new Parliament building built?

^^ if i'm not wrong 2004?

Anybody knows who is behind the restorations for the civics buildings ? They should extend to the other part of Singapore as well. Then we would truly have a cultured civilisations.

No way will Singapore get World Heritage...there is not enough of it, and there is nothing unique or distinctive about either the natural or the built heritage in Singapore in the context of the world. There are hundreds of similar buildings like these all over the world.

Well it could be argued that Singapore's uniqueness is precisely that there are thousands of those buildings here forming whole districts in a number of areas of the city.

The problem I see is that a lot of houses have been extensively refurbished or even demolished and rebuilt. I'm sure a number of people there at UNESCO would instantly die with a heart attack if they knew what has been done at Robertson Blue or the Watermark site, for example ;-)

Now the bad thing about being part of UNESCO heritage is that they may threaten every time you get a real nice proposal for a highrise building, because the new scandaludicrouslextravagorrible tall thing will be seen from this or that old conserved stone stack. See what's happening to the Shard in London.

^^

I think it is more important that each city takes steps to preserve/restore/readapt its heritage. There should not be a textbook example dictated by one authority and conservation should be approached with a city's unique circumstance in mind. In Singapore, there is a real competing need against total preservation and adaptive restoration that I think works pretty well, and meets its objectives.

there is nothing unique or distinctive about either the natural or the built heritage in Singapore in the context of the world

The shophouses here are characteristic of the cluster of colonies known as the Straits Settlements (of which Singapore was the seat of the Governor), and are a fusion of influences, which is a physical manifestation of Singapore society in built form. I havent yet seen any examples of terrace houses similar to them. Likewise, the black-and-white bungalows, which are highly underrated and off the tourist radar, are in much abundance here and are a good example of Anglo-Malayan style.

And to expand on what Pengui has mentioned, it is the unique juxtaposition of pre-war ethnic & colonial buildings that are a unique 'salad', and unique to Singapore's role as the pre-eminent colonial emporium of Asia. It is not just about quantity or age.

$0.02

I believe the new Parliament was completed in 1999.

Well it could be argued that Singapore's uniqueness is precisely that there are thousands of those buildings here forming whole districts in a number of areas of the city.

The problem I see is that a lot of houses have been extensively refurbished or even demolished and rebuilt. I'm sure a number of people there at UNESCO would instantly die with a heart attack if they knew what has been done at Robertson Blue or the Watermark site, for example ;-)


In Sg, the definition of "conserved building" can be just merely a wall a single brick thick. :lol: :cry:

Example: Cathay, Robertson Blue, Watermark, Changi Prison, some shophouses

Look at what happened to Fullerton. Also the interior of most conserved buildings, their grand interior destroyed. Hidden behind false ceilings and new walls. See This Fashion's Orchard store, the interior is just a steel frame.

And then there are conserved buildings that are not respected. Like the old Fairfield Methodist school at Neil Road. All the windows, the verendah had been blocked out, used as god-knows-what. House of TYN, it would best be used as a Chinese heritage museum, but it's a business school, even had an auditorium built into the rear hall, the most important part of a Chinese house (correct me if wrong).

In Sg, the definition of "conserved building" can be just merely a wall a single brick thick. :lol: :cry:

Also the interior of most conserved buildings, their grand interior destroyed. Hidden behind false ceilings and new walls.


Such methods are also seen in Cardiff, UK.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/406/cdf046copyyr0.jpg

Was a little surprised to see that in Europe, especially UK, which has a deep tradition of protecting its old buildings.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=423974

But like I posted in that thread, I feel it is something to remember the old building by, its better than total demolition, and is a form of compromise between memories and future potential ;-)

It seems that some landscape refurbishments have taken place outside the ACM, as well as some new lettering on it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/col2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/col3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/col1.jpg

The greenery surrounding the buildings

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/col5.jpg

In Sg, the definition of "conserved building" can be just merely a wall a single brick thick. :lol: :cry:

Example: Cathay, Robertson Blue, Watermark, Changi Prison, some shophouses

Look at what happened to Fullerton. Also the interior of most conserved buildings, their grand interior destroyed. Hidden behind false ceilings and new walls. See This Fashion's Orchard store, the interior is just a steel frame.

And then there are conserved buildings that are not respected. Like the old Fairfield Methodist school at Neil Road. All the windows, the verendah had been blocked out, used as god-knows-what. House of TYN, it would best be used as a Chinese heritage museum, but it's a business school, even had an auditorium built into the rear hall, the most important part of a Chinese house (correct me if wrong).

$0.03

I had seen a facade of an old building (purportedly that of an old fire station) preserved entirely within a skyscraper (imagine UOB or Suntect atrium having the facade of say Sg Fire Station, the one on Hll St) standing in the middle...

This is exactly the opposite of that facade standing outside the Cardiff one... strange way of conservation but pretty cool cos there were cafes and shops surrounding this wall sitting in air conditioned comfort...& yes just 1 wall thick, though I must say it's thicker than a brick!!!

And yes, I bet it'll last longer than the one in Cardiff... sorry can't remember where it was any1 care to tickle my memory so that I can dig out the pics??

Old man lah!

oh dear, the new lettering is very ugly! it looks like some artificial theme park ride :(

perhaps in 150 years preserved hdb towns can be unesco sites.

Hong Leong Foundation gives $5m to museum

8 Apr 09

Donation is for Asian Civilisations Museum to expand China gallery

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20090408/ChinaGallery-ACM.jpg

THE Hong Leong Foundation has donated $5 million to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) to expand its China gallery and to acquire artefacts for it.
This is the largest donation ever made to the ACM, and one of the biggest to a museum under the National Heritage Board.

In 2001, the foundation donated $2.8 million to build the gallery, which is named after the late Kwek Hong Png, Hong Leong Group's founder.

Established in 1980, Hong Leong Foundation is the charity arm of the Hong Leong Group, a conglomerate that owns businesses such as City Developments, Hong Leong Finance, Hong Leong Asia and London-listed Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.

The $5 million donation is part of the foundation's efforts to promote Chinese arts and culture.

Some 90 per cent of the grant will be used to build an extension to the current China gallery, which is located on the second floor of the museum, located in Empress Place. The remaining 10 per cent will be used to acquire more artefacts for the section.

Part of the new extension will be dedicated to the arts of Fujian, a province in south-east China. Fujian, or Hokkien, culture is important to the Hong Leong Group as its founder came from the region.

Born in 1913 in the Tung Ann district of Fujian, Mr Kwek struck out on his own at the age of 16, and ventured to Singapore to build his fortune.

His son, Mr Kwek Leng Beng, 68, executive chairman of the Hong Leong Group, told The Straits Times yesterday that despite the economic downturn, the foundation would continue to support the underprivileged, the needy and the elderly poor.

It would also support culture and the arts as best as it could.This is the largest single donation ever given out by the foundation.

Mr Kwek said: 'The Hong Leong Foundation was created based on the beliefs of our group's founder, who strongly believed in giving back to society.

'We hope to uphold that philosophy of being committed to charity through good times and bad.'

He is the elder of two sons of the late Mr Kwek. His brother is Mr Kwek Leng Joo, City Developments' managing director.

Dr Kenson Kwok, 59, the museum's director, said the building project will begin next year at the earliest.

He said: 'Since we opened ACM six years ago, we've had more donations for the China gallery, but no space to display them.'

These include regional specialities from Fujian such as wood furniture made from highly textured longyan wood and fine blanc de chine porcelain from Dehua.

He added: 'Better yet, we have a grant to strengthen our collection. So by the time the extension is completed, there will be many good things to see.'

By Adeline Chia, Arts Reporter
Straits Times