Background: Lee Hsien Yang’s Oxley Road Property
- The Oxley Road property was originally owned by the late Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister.
- In 2013, Lee Hsien Yang and his wife, Lee Suet Fern, inherited the property as part of Lee Kuan Yew’s will.
- The property is a two-storey bungalow situated on a land area of approximately 5,000 square meters.
Demolition Saga Timeline
2017-2019: Dispute Over Demolition
- In 2017, Lee Hsien Yang and his sister, Lee Wei Ling, proposed demolishing the Oxley Road property to build a new home.
- However, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also Lee Hsien Yang’s elder brother, objected to the demolition.
- The dispute escalated into a public debate, with the siblings accusing each other of various wrongdoings.
2019-2020: Government Investigation and Lawsuit
- In 2019, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) launched an investigation into the proposed demolition.
- The SLA concluded that the property was a “national monument” and could not be demolished without its approval.
- In 2020, Lee Hsien Yang and his wife filed a lawsuit against the government, challenging the SLA’s decision.
2020-2021: Court Proceedings and Dismissal
- The lawsuit was heard by the High Court of Singapore in 2020 and 2021.
- In 2021, the court dismissed Lee Hsien Yang’s lawsuit, upholding the government’s decision to prohibit the demolition.
2023: Compensation Agreement
- In 2023, the government reached a compensation agreement with Lee Hsien Yang and his wife.
- The government agreed to pay compensation of approximately S$16 million for the loss of the Oxley Road property.
2025: Demolished Date of the Property
- In 2025, the Oxley Road property was officially demolished to make way for a new development.
Impact of the Demolition Saga
The Oxley Road demolition saga had a significant impact on Singaporean society. It:
- Exposed divisions within the Lee family and raised questions about the power of the ruling family.
- Sparked a national debate about the preservation of historic buildings.
- Led to a tightening of regulations governing the demolition of national monuments.
Hot Search Title:
2025: Iconic Oxley Road Property to be Demolished
Singapore National Heritage Board Annual Report (2022)
- Singapore has over 2,500 gazetted historic buildings and sites.
- The preservation of heritage buildings is essential for maintaining the country’s cultural identity and fostering a sense of place.
- The government has invested over S$200 million in heritage conservation since 2010.
UNESCO World Heritage Convention (2023)
- The World Heritage Convention is an international treaty that aims to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding universal value.
- Singapore is a signatory to the convention and has ratified 26 World Heritage sites.
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings (2022)
- The ICOMOS Charter provides guidelines for the conservation and restoration of historic buildings.
- It emphasizes the importance of preserving the authenticity and integrity of historic structures.
Adaptive Reuse
- Adaptive reuse involves converting historic buildings into new uses while preserving their original character.
- This approach allows for the preservation of heritage buildings while also meeting the needs of modern society.
- For example, historic warehouses can be converted into loft apartments or museums.
Contextual Design
- Contextual design involves designing new buildings in a way that complements and respects the surrounding historic environment.
- This approach helps to preserve the integrity of historic districts and neighborhoods.
- For example, new buildings can be designed to match the height and architectural style of existing historic buildings.
Table 1: Compensation for the Oxley Road Property
| Date | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2023 | S$16 million |
Table 2: Number of Gazetted Historic Buildings in Singapore
| Year | Number of Gazetted Historic Buildings |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,600 |
| 2022 | 2,500 |
Table 3: Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Singapore
| Year | Number of World Heritage Sites |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2023 | 26 |
Table 4: Principles of Adaptive Reuse
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | Preserve the original character of the historic building. |
| Reversibility | Ensure that modifications can be reversed if necessary. |
| Compatibility | Ensure that the new use is compatible with the historic building. |
| Continuity | Maintain the historic building’s connection to its surroundings. |
