Overview
- Acting Culture Minister David Neo accepted the National Heritage Board advisory panel’s recommendation on Nov. 3 after it found the site of strong national significance.
- NHB issued written notice to owner Lee Hsien Yang, who has until Nov. 17 to submit objections under the Preservation of Monuments Act.
- If a preservation order is made, the Government plans to acquire the property and convert the grounds into a public space such as a heritage park, with no residential or commercial redevelopment permitted.
- Authorities will decide how to treat existing buildings after assessment, considering options outlined in 2018 that range from retaining the whole house to keeping only the historic basement dining room or allowing full demolition.
- Officials said any approach would remove the family’s private living spaces in line with Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes, and the board highlighted the site’s role in 1950s PAP meetings and as the 1955 election headquarters as key to its historical value.