Left abandoned for more than 20 years, Matilda House in Punggol (pictured) will be refurbished into a condominium clubhouse in 2015, according to a Straits Times report.
Located opposite Punggol MRT station, the 417 sq m single-storey house is the last historical bungalow in the area. It will be renovated to comprise new facilities for residents at A Treasure Trove condominium, such as a gym, function room and lounge.
Developer Sim Lian Group purchased the residential site two years ago under certain conditions – to retain and restore Matilda House according to conservation guidelines; and include it as part of the housing project.
The move to breathe new life to the site has won support from heritage enthusiasts.
“It’s a great idea that they are integrating old buildings with modern development,” said Chua Ai Lin, Historian and Committee Member of the Singapore Heritage Society.
“Rather than to leave it abandoned or demolish it, it’s better to let it become a part of people’s lives,” she added.
Matilda House was named after the mother of a prominent Eurasian called Alexander Cashin and constructed in 1902 as a gift for his wife. However, it was abandoned and subsequently acquired by the government in the 1980s. Then in 2000, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) designated it for conservation.
Meanwhile, it was recently announced that the Matilda District is one of seven new waterfront housing districts within Punggol that will be developed over the next five years.
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