Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5
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SPEECH BY MR LIM HNG KIANG, MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF FORT CANNING COUNTRY CLUB ON SAT, 5 JUL 97, AT 7 PM AT THE FORT CANNING COUNTRY CLUB
Good evening Ladies and gentlemen,
In the 1960's and 70's, Fort Canning Park was not very well frequented. It was dark, inaccessible and secluded. It was a haunt for lovers and not very much else. It is safe to say that these visitors did not go to Fort Canning Park to appreciate the historical, botanical or cultural assets of the Park.
A lot has changed since then. The National Parks Board has done a great deal to boost the image of the Fort Canning Park as a national heritage park which Singaporeans can be proud of.
The Fort Canning Park has a significant place in the history of Singapore. It was the site of Sir Stamford Raffles' residence and the first government house. Several archaeological artefacts unearthed at the park bring our history to as far back as 14th-century Temasek. The 19th century Fort Gate and the underground operation rooms of the Far East Command Centre are examples of the park's military past.
The National Parks Board has done a good job of blending the unique ambience of the park with its rich history. The Board has cleverly capitalised on the history and ambience of the park by making it a popular venue for outdoor performances, exhibitions and events. This approach has proved a huge success because of Singaporeans' growing appreciation for arts and culture.
The frequent arts events which take place on the grounds lend a cultural atmosphere to the scenic park. Singaporeans, expatriates and tourists, all come to Fort Canning to admire its beauty, and enjoy the regular outdoor performances and events that are staged here.
In the midst of all this, lies the building of the new Fort Canning Country Club. There are many nostalgic and poignant memories of events which unfolded within the walls of this building which houses your club. Allow me to take a few moments to recount the colourful history of the building.
This building was completed by the British military in 1926. In its early years, it housed the headquarters of the British Land Forces in Malaya and Singapore. The Japanese military were next to use the building for their operations during the Japanese occupation.
After the war in 1945, the British military reoccupied the building and made it the headquarters of the Singapore Base District. From 1963 to 1965, the headquarters of the 4th Malaysian Brigade was housed here. In 1970, the Singapore Armed Forces moved in and established the Singapore Command and Staff College. The College remained here until it relocated in 1976.
When the National Parks Board took over supervision of the site in 1990, it considered working with the private sector to explore ways of providing different kinds of amenities like social clubs and recreational facilities. These amenities would optimise land use and provide entertainment for the community at large. I am pleased to note that sections of the club's premises will be fully open to members of the public.
The successful establishment of this Country Club is an example of how collaboration between private and public enterprise in park planning can result in a product that benefits a large segment of the population. I commend the National Parks Board for making good use of the land under its management. The Board must continue to explore ways to work with the private sector to bring more amenities to other parks for the enjoyment of Singaporeans.
Credit must also go to the Fort Canning Country Club for its careful planning and creativity in adapting this building for recreational use and blending it marvellously with the natural and historical setting.
This building was renovated, retrofitted and restored to its former glory at a cost of $40 million and its magnificent architecture was preserved. Today, the Club has the distinction of being the only country club in Singapore set within a park. You would certainly agree that the plush surroundings are conducive for recreation and entertainment.
As the main tenant, the Fort Canning Country Club took on the renovation of the Battle Box and the historic World War II bunker which housed the underground command and operation centre of the British Land Forces. The Battle Box can play a key role in educating our school children and adults who visit the exhibition on Singapore's history.
I congratulate the Club on its successful launch and wish the Club and all its members every success in the years ahead.
Thank you.
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