My point: Toa Payoh Library should be conserved

The news that Toa Payoh Public Library could be relocated is extremely surprising, given that it is an instantly recognisable icon and landmark ("Integrated town park plan for Toa Payoh"; last Thursday).

It was one of the first buildings to appear in Toa Payoh New Town and was also one of the first library branches to be opened in Singapore.

Given its proud and rich history, instead of relocation, it should be gazetted for conservation in its current form as a library.

At a time when so many of our country's landmarks, such as the original National Library building, have given way to development, we should do more to ensure that our remaining icons are protected as much as possible.

Gregory Lou Wei Ming

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