Ex-National Library building’s gate posts in safekeeping, will return to old spot after SMU moves them

They will return to old spot after SMU moves them to avoid damage during works

A 2016 photo of the former library's gate posts (left), with part of the cast-iron fencing, at the Stamford Road site. SMU says the gate posts will be reinstated at their original location, as reflected in the artist's impression (right) of that part
Singapore Management University (SMU) is adding a five-storey structure, called the Tahir Foundation Connexion, to its city campus. SMU says it saved the former National Library building's gate posts and cast-iron fence at the Stamford Road site as it recognised that the old library building holds significant value for many Singaporeans. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
A 2016 photo of the former library's gate posts (left), with part of the cast-iron fencing, at the Stamford Road site. SMU says the gate posts will be reinstated at their original location, as reflected in the artist's impression (right) of that part
A 2016 photo of the former library's gate posts (above), with part of the cast-iron fencing, at the Stamford Road site. SMU says the gate posts will be reinstated at their original location, as reflected in the artist's impression of that part of the new building. PHOTO: JEROME LIM
A 2016 photo of the former library's gate posts (left), with part of the cast-iron fencing, at the Stamford Road site. SMU says the gate posts will be reinstated at their original location, as reflected in the artist's impression (right) of that part
A 2016 photo of the former library's gate posts, with part of the cast-iron fencing, at the Stamford Road site. SMU says the gate posts will be reinstated at their original location, as reflected in the artist's impression (above) of that part of the new building. PHOTO: SINGAPORE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY
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A pair of red brick gate posts and their connecting fence - the last remaining physical structures of the former National Library building - seemed to have gone missing, causing alarm to some members of the public and the heritage community.

They used to stand at the foot of the Stamford Road site, where the Singapore Management University (SMU) is now constructing a new building.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 10, 2019, with the headline Ex-National Library building’s gate posts in safekeeping, will return to old spot after SMU moves them. Subscribe