The Fullerton Hotel gazetted as 71st national monument

The Fullerton Hotel gazetted as 71st national monument

SINGAPORE - The Fullerton Hotel was gazetted as Singapore's 71st National Monument by the National Heritage Board (NHB) on Monday (Dec 7).

Constructed in 1928, the hotel was once home to the nation's General Post Office as well as government bodies, including The Exchange and Economic Development Board.

The National Heritage Board said: "When a building is gazetted under the Preservation of Monuments Act, it is preserved with the highest form of recognition for its national significance. The evaluation of potential gazettes is based on a building or site's historical, architectural and social importance in Singapore's built heritage landscape."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who attended the gazetting of the hotel this evening, said that the move signified that the building holds a special meaning to Singapore.

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PM Lee added that the building held fond memories for him. He cited the milestones of his and the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew's political careers, which took place at the Fullerton area: "Mr Lee Kuan Yew would speak at the PAP rally, always a major event in the campaign, and delivered many stirring and memorable speeches usually in the sun or in the pouring rain. My mother would listen to him from the balcony of the Fullerton Building.

"When I first entered politics in 1984, I too spoke at the Fullerton Square rally," said PM Lee.

Besides its historical significance, the building is also valued for its architectural grandeur. This Neoclassical building which cost $4.75 million to construct, was made of reinforced concrete and finished in Shanghai plaster. Its five frontages and colossal Doric columns, together with its prominent location at the mouth of the Singapore River, make it visually impressive.

 

debwong@sph.com.sg

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