Keeping and Rejuvenating Katong and Joo Chiat

In keeping with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)’s

continuing commitment to protect Singapore’s built heritage, more
buildings in nostalgic Katong and Joo Chiat have recently been
proposed for conservation. Relive the charms of this sensory and
memory-rich area with Skyline!
by Carol Lim
True blue architecture buffs, heritage lovers, ardent foodies, and
well-informed Peranakans all know this area well. We are talking
about the lovely, delightful district of Katong and Joo Chiat, in the
eastern part of Singapore.

Renowned and loved for its diverse and interesting mix of

architecture, history, culture, activities and established Eurasian and
Peranakan communities, the Katong/Joo Chiat area was regarded as
an attractive residential suburb as early as the 1920s. The types of
homes range from rows of colourful and distinctive shophouses to
kampongs, and terrace houses to grand seaside mansions dotted
along the coastline.

More may be conserved for posterity

Recognising the inimitable character and rich heritage of the

Katong/Joo Chiat area, URA had already, by 2003, gazetted for
conservation some 700 buildings and 15 bungalows located
primarily along key roads in the area.

As public feedback has been showing greater support for

conservation, URA has correspondingly stepped up its reviews for
the remaining unprotected buildings in the area. These reviews will
evaluate whether more buildings should be conserved to retain the
uniqueness and further enhance the character of this district.

In September 2007, URA identified another 228 more buildings for

conservation. These include shophouses and terrace houses which
will add to the critical mass of heritage buildings in the area, and
detached buildings and churches which have become familiar local
landmarks and identity markers for the community over the
decades.

URA has approached the building owners for feedback on the

conservation proposal and this will be considered together with
other factors in the final evaluation of whether the buildings will
eventually be conserved.

Thumbs-up for keeping history intact

Ms Tan Ah Nie, 72, owner of 257 Tembeling Road, beamed at
knowing that the spacious shophouse where she has lived since
World War II is being considered for conservation. The longest-time
resident along her street, she said, “I am used to this area. All my
friends are here. Agents are knocking on my door, but I don’t think I
will sell my house.”

Also expressing his support for the proposal, Mr Patrick Wee, owner
of 24 Chapel Road, said, “I am not in for the money, but it’s my
interest in conservation. It’s about owning a piece of history and
living in it. Conservation is important. Once our heritage is gone, we
can’t get it back.”

Stroll along with us to uncover some of the delightful architectural

gems among the 228 buildings currently proposed for conservation
in the Katong/Joo Chiat area…

101-113 Everitt Road

This row of seven splendid Late-style terraces is almost wholly

intact, and the units have been lovingly maintained over the years.
They feature rich architectural details, distinctive plaster mouldings
and intact forecourt and gate posts, and are excellent
manifestations of the rich Peranakan heritage found in the area.

14-40 Chapel Road

These 14 Transitional-style terrace houses feature distinctive

verandahs with geometrically designed cross-balustrades. Some of
the forecourts with the original gate posts remain. They are familiar
markers to the community here, and a pleasant surprise for the
visitors discovering the gems in the area.

169-181 Onan Road

These seven rare single-storey terrace houses rest on concrete

stilts. They boast triangular pediments and are decorated with
plaster mouldings. The original architecture, with its Corinthian
columns and moulded parapet are still in place.

253-271 Tembeling Roadand 1-19 Cheow Keng Road

Tembeling Road and Cheow Keng Road comprise two rows of

Transitional shophouses built in the later period. These terraces
have three French windows on the upper storeys. The street blocks
also feature pre-cast concrete vents above the transom panels to
aid natural ventilation.

St. Hilda’s Church, 41 Ceylon Rd

Built in 1949 and designed in a simple English parish church style,

the single-storey chapel is charming and human in scale. With steep
pitched roofs, it features a Victorian-style conical tower at one end.
The church is simply adorned and lined with large windows along its
length. Simple circular windows featuring stained glass can be found
near its main entrance.

Bethesda (Katong) Church, 17 Pennefather Road

Built in the mid-1930s in the style of a humble parish church, this

single-storey church has a symmetrical plan and cruciform shape
with hipped gable roof. The timberlouvred transom panels are an
adaptation to suit the local climate.

25 Still Road South

This bungalow, together with the one on opposite side at 26 Still

Road South (which is already gazetted for conservation), was built in
the ornamentated Victorian style with a slight Indian influence.
When it used to face the sea, it was an excellent example of a grand
weekend Katong bungalow from the pre-war years. The villa was
converted into the “Grand Hotel” in 1947.

http://www.ura.gov.sg/skyline/skyline07/skyline07-05/text/05.htm