Colonial black and white houses have been the stately
backdrop of many striking pictures on social media, and are
prefered dwellings of people who like to escape the daily grind of
city living. InstaScram explores the fascinating stories behind a
few of these picturesque neighbourhoods right here in Singapore, in
#colonialestates.
First up, we ride the Moto Guzzi Bobber to a quiet
enclave in Sembawang. The colonial houses here were originally
built in the 1920s to house Royal Navy personnel who worked at the
Singapore Naval Base, a strategic cornerstone of the British
defense policy in Singapore.
Now, the black-and-white houses in the area are managed
by the Singapore Land Authority, most of which are leased out.
And that’s what you can see above ground. Underground
and hidden from sight, more than a dozen World War II bunkers, shelters, and storehouses had been built to
support the Singapore Naval Base. Unfortunately, all entrances to
the underground network have been sealed up, but you can still
experience wonder as you take a stroll through the
fragments of Singapore’s military past.
This small connection of roads named after streets,
cities and countries like Canada Road, Durban Road, Ottawa Road and
even Kenya Crescent Road are open to public access, and even hosts
joggers and cyclists looking to take in different sights of
Singapore. However, explore with care, so as not to disturb
residents or damage any relics you see.
Wessex Estate, on the other hand, has little history of
such militarisation. Ride down with InstaScram to explore the
vibrant hipster town that is ever so prominent on Instagram.
Built in the 1940s, it was originally meant to house
British officers and soldiers. Even until today, not everyone can
take up residence here. Jurong Town Corporation only rents out the
estate’s apartments and houses to people working in the One-North
area.
Wessex Estate today is also known for its burgeoning
community of artists, photographers and craftsmen. Every year for
one weekend, the estate hosts [email protected], where artist studios are opened to
the public. Visitors are invited to view and buy artwork, or even
just to experience a snippet of the thriving arts scene in
Singapore.
And this estate is complete with eateries as well, like
Wessex Tavern and Colbar. Colbar is the most well-known, and is short for
‘Colonial Bar’. It was established in 1953 where residents gathered
to wine and dine. In 2003, it was demolished and Colbar moved from
its original location at Jalan Hang Jebat to where it is today,
sitting proudly as one of the icons of Wessex Estate - at 9A
Whitchurch Road.
The legacy and design of colonial houses in
Singapore still lives on to this day, and remain an inextricable
part of our local history. From Wessex to Sembawang, and even other
estates in Changi, Seletar and Dempsey, Singapore truly lives up to
its name of being a melting pot of all cultures, races and
nationalities.
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