Forum: A new community club in Joo Chiat, shaped by the community
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We thank Teo Yee Chin for his letter, “When a name change can disrupt our sense of place” (July 22).
We agree with the writer that place names carry history, memories and a sense of belonging.
Many residents feel a deep attachment to the estates they call home, and we appreciate those sentiments. As far as possible, the People’s Association seeks to respect this sense of identity when naming our community spaces.
The new community club is located within Joo Chiat division. However, there is already a Joo Chiat Community Club in Marine Parade division, which will continue to serve residents there. As there is already a community club bearing the Joo Chiat name, the new development will have a different name.
Throughout this project, we have referred to the development as “the new community club in Joo Chiat” simply to describe its location and the community it will serve, rather than to indicate its eventual name.
Our focus has been on preserving the legacy of Siglap South Community Club while creating a welcoming space that will serve the community for generations to come.
We thank the writer for raising this issue. We warmly invite him, and all residents, to continue sharing their ideas – not only on the programmes, facilities and spaces they would like to see, but also on a suitable name for the new community club.
Many residents’ suggestions have already been incorporated into its design and amenities, and we look forward to hearing more as we shape this next chapter together.
The name of the new community club will be announced in due course after these views have been carefully considered.
Michael Foo
Director
South East Community Development Division
People’s Association
