38 Oxley Road site set to be gazetted as national monument, for possible use as heritage park

Key Concepts

• National Monument Gazetting: The process by which the Singapore government officially designates a site as a national monument, conferring legal protection and preservation status.
• Historic Significance and National Importance: Criteria used by the National Heritage Board (NHB) to assess a site's eligibility for monument status, reflecting its contribution to the nation's history and identity.
• Preservation Order: A legal order issued by the NHB requiring the owner of a property to preserve it, preventing redevelopment or significant alterations.
• Heritage Park: A potential future use for the 38 Oxley Road site, envisioned as a public space dedicated to preserving and showcasing heritage.
• Owner and Occupier Rights: The legal rights of the property owner and occupier to be notified and to submit objections to a proposed preservation order.

38 Oxley Road: Proposed National Monument Status

The Singapore government has initiated the process to gazette the property at 38 Oxley Road as a national monument. This site is the former family home of the late founding Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, and has been assessed by the National Heritage Board (NHB) to possess significant historic and national importance.

Preservation and Future Use

Should the site be preserved and acquired by the government, it is intended to be converted into a public space. One of the proposed uses is the development of a heritage park. The NHB has formally notified the current owner and occupier of the site regarding the intention to issue a preservation order.

Ownership and Objection Period

The property is currently owned by a company in which Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's youngest son, Mr. Lee Hsien Yang, is the sole shareholder. The company has been granted a period of two weeks to submit any objections to the proposed preservation order.

Restrictions on Redevelopment

According to the NHB, if the preservation order is upheld, the site will be prohibited from any redevelopment for residential, commercial, or other private purposes.

Government's Stance on Preservation

The government has clarified that it is not obligated to preserve all buildings and structures in their existing state. However, it will consider all available options, which may include partial or full demolition. A key commitment made by the government is to respect the wishes of the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew by ensuring that all traces of his family's private living spaces are removed from the building.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The Singapore government's move to gazette 38 Oxley Road as a national monument signifies a recognition of its historical and national importance, stemming from its association with the nation's founding Prime Minister. The process involves formal notification to the owner, a period for objections, and potential conversion into a public heritage space. While preservation is the primary goal, the government retains flexibility regarding the extent of structural preservation, emphasizing respect for the late Mr. Lee's wishes regarding the removal of private living elements.