By Nikki De Guzman:
Construction has started on the Indian Heritage Centre (pictured), a four-storey building showcasing the trades and culture of Singapore’s early Indian settlers, reported The Straits Times.
At an estimated cost of S$12 million, the centre will have a gross floor area of about 3,000 sq m and will be located in Little India. Set to be completed by 2015, it will house five permanent galleries, a rooftop garden, small-scale museum, activity spaces and other amenities.
The Indian Heritage Centre will also “offer an immersive and interactive experience for all visitors, through multimedia displays which contain images and interviews, guiding devices… Tracing key migration patterns”, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam at yesterday’s ground-breaking ceremony.
Aside from being a focal point for the Indian community, the centre will also welcome visitors interested in Indian heritage and culture.
Upon completion, the centre which is a collaboration between Robert Greg Shand Architects and URBNarc, will look like a “shining jewel” by day and a “glowing lantern” by night, Mr Shanmugaratnam noted.
Singapore’s links to India date back to the early colonial days. Presently, the city-state is home to more than 50,000 Indians and is considered one of the most popular destinations among Indian tourists and businessmen.
Image Source: Robert Greg Shand Architects and URBNarc
Nikki De Guzman, Junior Reporter at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email nikki@propertyguru.com.sg
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