Removal of structures along Rail Corridor [Announcements]
By SLA, 26 Nov 2012.
The Singapore Land Authority will be demolishing unsound buildings and structures along the rail corridor starting 26 November 2012. This is expected to be completed by 31 January 2013. For safety reasons, the public is advised to keep clear of the area.
Please refer to the list of FAQs for more details.
FAQs on the removal of buildings and structures along rail corridor
1. When will demolition work begin? What is the timeline?
The demolition works will begin on 26 November 2012. The works are expected to be completed by 31 January 2013.
2. How many buildings or structures will be demolished in total?
In total, 11 buildings and structures will be demolished. Some of these buildings/structures include two buildings and a gate hut at Gombak Gate, a temporary structure at Blackmore Drive and a gate hut at Sungei Kadut Gate.
3. Why is there a need to demolish them?
The buildings and structures have been inspected by professional engineers and found to be structurally unsound. Hence, for safety reasons, they will have to be demolished.
4. What are the plans for the rest of the buildings and structures?
SLA will work with the relevant agencies to identify suitable properties for interim use before they are required for development.
5. Can SLA consider opening up the rest of the buildings to serve as rest stops or rain shelters for members of the public trekking along the rail corridor or open them up for other interim uses?
SLA will work with the relevant agencies to consider putting the vacant buildings for interim uses.
6. Are any of the buildings along the rail corridor currently occupied? What will happen/has happened to the occupants (squatters)?
The buildings are now vacant.
7. Is SLA able to restore the buildings instead of demolishing them?
SLA and the Urban Redevelopment Authority have studied the buildings and concluded that it is technically not possible nor economically viable to restore the buildings.
8. What is SLA doing to maintain the buildings/rail corridor?
As with all other State properties, SLA will carry out regular housekeeping, grass cutting and pest control works to upkeep the premises.
9. What about other structures along the rail corridor such as temples, shrines, makeshift shelters?
The temple and shrines have been relocated or removed and the site is now vacant. The makeshift shelters are unauthorized and will be/have been removed.
10. Is the Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS) structurally safe?
The BTRS has been assessed to be structurally sound, and will remain opened to the public from 7am to 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
11. Is the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (TPRS) structurally safe?
As detailed structural inspection and survey works are still being carried out at the TPRS, the station will remain closed to the public. More details on the re-opening of TPRS will be announced at a later date.
Source: SLA
Related Content
- 11 structures near former Bt Timah railway station being demolished
- Rail Corridor is now accessible to the public [Press Release]
- Historical Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to open during public holidays [Press Release]
- Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah Railway Stations open for short-term uses
- Public works and future plans for former railway land [Press Releases]
Demolition of Structures.
This Government and it’s departments has still not got it. Why such short or backdated notice? Maybe to prevent any opposition. Fait acCompli. Using the term structurally unsound is only a feeble excuse on very small structures.
With an open period of consultation first there would be an opportunity for Preservation Groups to come forward and offer to restore some of these buildings for uses as shelters etc for public use. There is also other areas were an association or society can get involved such as access, signage at predetermined points and other simple activities which can be coordinated with authorities with minimum cost.
In the UK local authorities often work hand in hand with preservation societies and other groups to do this sort of work and have been very successful in recovering buildings, walls, and antiquities for both pubic viewing and access, some even being operated by a trust.
Singaporeans , where is your “get up and go”. Challenge yes but back it up with offers of positive actions.