Forum: Keep a home for the arts in future Gillman Barracks housing estate
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The announcement regarding the redevelopment of Gillman Barracks reflects the reality of living in land-scarce Singapore (Upcoming Gillman Barracks housing estate set to retain 25 heritage buildings, green spaces, July 10).
Our demand for housing means brownfield sites are redeveloped periodically. But this also creates a perception that arts and cultural spaces, which do not meet immediate social or economic needs, are often the first to be sacrificed. It is time to recognise that these spaces have a stake in our nation’s development.
Singapore cannot just be a marketplace where workers work and go home, rinse and repeat. A city that endears itself to its residents and visitors should cherish its culture, nurture the arts and preserve its heritage. These elements forge a sense of belonging to the country.
Moreover, cultural and creative spaces offer tangible benefits. At a time when AI can take over much of our work, we need places that foster creativity, reflection and risk-taking. Arts and cultural districts can be the soil for creative, boundary-pushing thinking to take root.
Sadly, Gillman Barracks’ redevelopment adds to the trend of dwindling spaces for the creative community. The tenancy at Pearl’s Hill Terrace is ending, the Singapore Art Museum faces an uncertain future, and we have lost institutions like The Projector and The Substation. This trajectory communicates to creators and artists that there is no permanent home for them in Singapore.
Redevelopment and preservation can go together. Just as the upcoming Farrer Park estate integrates housing with sports facilities to honour the area’s heritage, the future Gillman Barracks estate can cater for an arts precinct within the neighbourhood. Agencies can explore mechanisms for current tenants to return once construction is complete or carve out space for arts and cultural businesses.
What makes areas like Tiong Bahru and Katong so beloved is their blend of heritage buildings, traditional trades and contemporary businesses coexisting with residents.
Gillman Barracks should strive for something similar. It would be tragic if it becomes another town with a mall occupied by the usual suspects.
Patrick Wong
