Singapore's Indian Heritage Centre will open in early 2015. The building, which is estimated to cost $12 million, will have a gross floor area of about 3,000 sqm.
The four-storey building at the junction of Campbell Lane and Clive Street will be home to five permanent galleries, small-scale museum facilities, activity spaces, a rooftop garden and other amenities.
This was announced at the centre's groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday morning by guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam with special guest, former president Mr S R Nathan.
Mr Shanmugaratnam said the centre will not only serve as a focal point for the Indian community in Singapore, but will welcome all who wish to know about its heritage and cultures that have been intrinsic to Singapore's identity.