Award Banner
Award Banner

National monuments of Singapore: Jurong Town Hall

National monuments of Singapore: Jurong Town Hall
PHOTO: Wonderwall.sg

What is a National Monument? Who gazettes them? How many national monuments are there in Singapore? To date, the Preservation of Sites and Monuments, a division of National Heritage Board, has identified and gazetted 75 buildings, structures and sites of national significance as an integral part of Singapore's built heritage.

In this edition, we put delve deeper into a building symbolising Jurong's rapid development during Singapore's post-independence industrialisation, Jurong Town Hall.

Location

Jurong Town Hall was the 69th building to be gazetted as a National Monument. The MRT station nearest to it is Jurong East.

Significant dates

Date built:

  • May 1971- March 1974: Jurong Town Hall was built

Milestones:

  • 1961: The Economic Development Board was founded
  • June 1968: Jurong Town Corporation was established
  • 1969: A nationwide design competition was launched to find a winning design for Jurong Town Hall
  • 2 Jun 1975: Jurong Town Hall was officially inaugurated by then-Minister of Finance Hon Sui Sen
  • 2015: Jurong Town Hall housed the Trade Association Hub

Date gazetted: June 2, 2015

History

When Singapore gained self-governance in 1959, the newly-formed government faced several pressing challenges, including a rapidly growing population, high unemployment, and an over-reliance on trade. The situation was further complicated by the looming withdrawal of British military forces from the island.

Dr Goh Keng Swee, then-Minister of Finance, saw industrialisation as the solution to these issues. Even before the 1959 elections, he identified the expansion of industries as the key to economic growth.

In 1960, the government sought guidance from a United Nations Technical Assistance team led by Dr Albert Winsemius, a World Bank economist. Dr Winsemius, who later served as Singapore's economic advisor until 1984, outlined a four-year plan focused on economic development and industrial expansion.

This included a strong government role in facilitating industrial growth while encouraging private sector participation.

With these recommendations in mind, Singapore launched its ambitious industrialisation programme in 1961. The strategy involved expanding the manufacturing sector, attracting foreign investment, and creating new employment opportunities. This push was intended to stimulate other areas of the economy and set the stage for Singapore's long-term economic success.

The evolution of Jurong Town

In 1961, the Economic Development Board (EDB) was established to lead Singapore's industrialisation efforts, with Hon Sui Sen as its first chairman. One of its landmark projects was transforming Jurong, a largely swampy and underdeveloped area, into the country's first and largest industrial estate.

Jurong was chosen for its proximity to shipping routes and its vast expanses of undeveloped land. Under EDB's supervision, the area underwent a dramatic transformation: swamps were drained, hills levelled, and infrastructure built to accommodate industries ranging from steel production and timber manufacturing to shipbuilding.

The birth of Jurong Town Corporation

By the late 1960s, Jurong's industrial estate had grown significantly, prompting the government to establish a specialised agency to manage and develop industrial estates. This allowed the EDB to focus on broader investment and economic strategies.

Thus, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) was formed in June 1968. In the same year, Dr Goh Keng Swee announced JTC's development plans for Jurong, including the construction of a modern Town Hall to serve as its headquarters.

A national design competition in 1969 attracted over 30 submissions, with local firm Architects Team 3 securing the winning entry.

One of the members of the winning team was Penang-born architect Lim Chong Keat, who had also played a role in designing the former Singapore Conference Hall and Trade Union House (now known as the Singapore Conference Hall, another National Monument) in 1962.

Uses of Jurong Town Hall

Construction of Jurong Town Hall (JTH) began in May 1971 and was completed in March 1974.

JTC officially moved into its new headquarters in 1974, and on 2 Jun 1975, then-Minister of Finance Hon Sui Sen formally inaugurated the building. The opening coincided with JTC's seventh anniversary, marked by a week-long celebration, including exhibitions showcasing locally manufactured products and guided tours of the new Town Hall.

Within its first seven years, JTC had already delivered on its mandate. It provided essential infrastructure and services to Jurong, including road links to the city, rail connections, water supply, and utilities such as electricity and telecommunications.

It also introduced public transport services to and within Jurong Town, making the area self-sufficient and liveable.

During the 1970s and 1980s, JTH played a vital role in fostering international relations. It frequently hosted visiting dignitaries, industrial leaders, and delegations interested in Singapore's industrialisation model. These visits often led to economic co-operation and expanded trade opportunities.

In 1981, JTH made history by hosting the first-ever international tea auction outside of London, capitalising on Singapore's strategic location near major tea-producing countries and shipping routes.

PHOTO: Wonderwall.sg

Though JTC relocated to larger headquarters in 2000, JTH remains an important part of Singapore's economic ecosystem. Today, it houses iHub, a collaborative space for start-ups. In 2015, JTC announced plans to establish the new Trade Association Hub at the site.

By early 2017, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry had become the Hub's main tenant, further cementing JTH's legacy as a centre of economic activity and collaboration.

PHOTO: Wonderwall.sg

Design and architecture

JTH was designed to symbolise the success of Singapore's industrialisation efforts, and inspired by the Brutalist architectural style. Derived from the French term of Beton Brut, or 'raw concrete', Brutalism is an architectural style popularised in the 1960s, characterised in many parts of the world by the use of exposed and unfinished concrete.

Perched on a hill, the building features a striking H-shaped design comprising two elongated parallel blocks linked by bridges.

Its ship-like appearance, complete with a 50m-tall clock tower resembling a mast, is a bold statement of progress. The tapering upper floors provide shade from the sun, while its reinforced concrete structure highlights its industrial character.

PHOTO: Wonderwall.sg

Functionality was a key consideration in the design. The building included offices for JTC, a spacious concourse, a multi-purpose auditorium, an air-conditioned theatrette (a large room with theatre-style seating), and meeting rooms. These features made it suitable for public use, hosting exhibitions, and conferences to support Singapore's industrial growth.

Opening hours

JTH is open 24/7 daily.

Admission

Entry is free.

Read Also
lifestyle
National monuments of Singapore: Tou Mu Kung Temple

This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.

homepage

trending

trending
    140 coffeeshops in Singapore offering SG60 promotions and discounts, here's what to expect
    Man, 63, drove through a playground and into a swimming pool after drinking alcohol
    Islamic association says former NMP Calvin Cheng's comments on pro-Palestine activists 'dehumanising, dismissive'
    'I felt lonely and upset': Grandma, 73, worked at hawker stall to support grandkids during daughter's imprisonment
    Govt's response to US tariffs 'partly to instil fear': PSP chairman Tan Cheng Bock
    Thrill or chill: Enjoy more for less at Resorts World Genting
    47 injured in Tokyo expressway bus accident; at least 1 Singaporean on board
    SCDF team recovers body from partially collapsed hotel after Myanmar quake, sets up 2 medical outposts
    Man charged for allegedly stealing over $1,800 worth of items at Changi Airport in 3 hours
    New platform for a new era: Audi A5 Sedan now available in Singapore
    Woman who allegedly cheated son in Netflix's Con Mum charged in Singapore with fraud
    Edwin Goh proposes to Rachel Wan, both returning to Singapore after 2 years in Australia

Singapore

Singapore
    • 'I thought I could outwit scammers': Woman who lost over $78,000 to job scam in 4 days
    • 'Akan datang': WP Sengkang MPs coy on whether they will remain as team in GE2025
    • Woman hit by car at Sengkang East Drive pedestrian crossing after cars refuse to give way
    • Former MOF director Shawn Loh seen at Jalan Besar GRC community events
    • Salt, sauces and instant noodles to have Nutri-Grade labels by mid-2027
    • Singaporeans have to work together to deal with uncertainty, says SM Lee, citing new Trump tariffs
    • Fewer candidates this time, but PSP confirms it is contesting West Coast-Jurong West and Chua Chu Kang GRCs
    • SG60 initiative timing not planned to coincide with GE, says Tan See Leng
    • Man, 55, found dead in car left stationary for 2 days in Paya Lebar
    • PSP's potential new candidates seen at walkabout in Boon Lay

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • NewJeans changes social media handles and deletes posts after court ruling
    • Hong Kong actor Lee Lung Kei still plans to marry fiancee 37 years younger after her release from prison
    • 'My brain got so fried up': Gurmit Singh hit by anxiety attack while acting in his 1st Chinese drama
    • Gossip mill: Diana Ser's son to enlist, Takeshi Kaneshiro back after 3 years, agency says late Sulli wasn't forced to film nude scene
    • Paul Sculfor says his kids gave him 'purpose' after battling addiction issues
    • Ed Sheeran releases new single Azizam
    • UK police charge comedian Russell Brand with rape, sexual assaults
    • Jean-Claude Van Damme accused of having sex with trafficked women
    • 'I was right there just 3cm behind her': Exo's Kai recalls joys of simple life during military service, meeting commuter checking him out online
    • Jim Carrey pays tribute to Val Kilmer's 'grace and courage'

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • The rise of Chinese F&B brands in Singapore: What stirs Singaporeans' appetites?
    • AI and art: Studio Ghibli-inspired trend sparks debate on ethics and consent
    • The iconic Milo Van beverage is now available in supermarkets
    • Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical to make Asia premiere in Singapore this December
    • A bright minimalist condo apartment with a loft
    • The truth about integrated developments in Singapore: 5 homeowners share their living experience
    • How to pay in China like a local: 2025 guide for foreigners and tourists
    • Battlebox, but make it art: Portals will change how you see this underground bunker
    • 5 things I didn't expect to find in my new BTO estate
    • Sunda Festival 2025: 2 friends shaping Singapore's music and festival scene

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • One Beijing man's quest to keep cooking — and connecting with Americans — on camera
    • Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in June with US$449.99 price tag
    • Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game
    • Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes
    • China's Baidu launches 2 new AI models as industry competition heats up
    • China's top universities expand enrolment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas
    • International Women's Day: Meet the Singapore women levelling up in gaming
    • US indicts slew of alleged Chinese hackers, sanctions company over spy campaign

Money

Money
    • Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore
    • US stock futures tumble indicating another plummet on Wall Street
    • Trump compares tariffs to 'medicine' as markets point to rough week ahead
    • Personal loans for new parents: When do they make sense?
    • 9 best personal loans in Singapore with lowest interest rates (April 2025)
    • Best travel insurance policies for places prone to natural disasters (2025)
    • 'We spent just $5,000 on reno': Why some buyers are skipping big renovations in 2025
    • Wedding loan vs personal loan: What's the best way to finance a wedding in Singapore
    • Triple record-breaking $3.06m EC: How did they manage it?
    • US starts collecting Trump's new 10% tariff, smashing global trade norms

Latest

Latest
  • Daily roundup: Man charged for allegedly stealing over $1,800 worth of items at Changi Airport in 3 hours — and other top stories today
  • China calls US tariffs 'bullying', urged others to continue with consultation
  • China holds military drills at newly expanded Cambodian naval base
  • North Korea holds first Pyongyang marathon after pandemic
  • Iran-backed militias in Iraq ready to disarm to avert Trump wrath
  • Australia's opposition dumps policy on return to office as election nears
  • Taiwan eyes zero tariffs with US, pledges more investment
  • Pope Francis makes surprise first appearance at Vatican after hospital stay
  • Anti-Trump protesters gather in Washington, other US cities

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • 'She should be with her family': Employer gives maid plane ticket, $800 to return to Myanmar and search for missing mum
  • 'He needed something to help him fight,' says man who bought Hokkien mee for dying patient
  • Thai woman struggles to evacuate during earthquake while her dog sleeps unfazed
  • Workers painting exterior of Geylang block discover man's skeletal remains in flat
  • 'New, younger' PAP team vows to reclaim WP-controlled Sengkang GRC, says Lam Pin Min
  • New face Jackson Lam 'very good on the ground' and will be asset to Parliament, says Shanmugam
  • Woman who publicised tips on how she evaded GST for luxury purchases fined $18k
  • Powerful quake in Southeast Asia kills several, 81 trapped in Bangkok building rubble
  • Dog dies after being skinned alive in Malaysia, animal welfare group condemns 'barbaric' act
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.