Padang to be gazetted as Singapore’s 75th national monument on National Day
The Padang will be gazetted on National Day on Tuesday (Aug 9) as Singapore’s 75th national monument in view of its “strong national, historical and social significance”, said the National Heritage Board (NHB) on Monday.
This will make it the first green open space to be preserved and accorded the highest level of protection in Singapore under the Preservation of Monuments Act, added the agency.
“With the gazette, the character and appearance of the Padang will be preserved for future generations, while ensuring all current uses can continue,” said NHB.
The Padang, which is Malay for “field”, has been retained as an open green space despite many changes in its Civic District vicinity.
It is bordered by several national monuments including Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, the Lim Bo Seng and Civilian War memorials as well as the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.
Since it came into existence in 1822, the historic site has been associated with key milestones in Singapore’s history, including the inaugural National Day Parade on Aug 9, 1966 and every parade thereafter until 1975.
The Padang has also continued to function over the years as a key space for public recreation, celebrations and sporting events.
It hosts major sporting events such as the Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby Sevens and serves as the start and end point of the Singapore Marathon.
Following the gazette, the NHB will promote greater awareness and appreciation of the Padang’s significance in Singapore’s history through various initiatives to be launched in August, including tours and interactive games for students and members of the public.
New guided tours focusing on the Padang and two surrounding national monuments, the former City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings, will also be launched in August.
“The successful gazette of the Padang reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the preservation and promotion of places and spaces of national significance to Singapore,” said NHB’s director of the preservation of sites and monuments Jean Wee.
“Together with our 74 other National Monuments, it will contribute to the architectural and cultural diversity of our nation’s built heritage, and be celebrated as one of the many places that define Singapore and our people.”
SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES