Lau Pa Sat could be better preserved

Clivebenss SG

I AGREE with Mr Thomas Toh's comments on the treatment of Clifford Pier ('Restore Clifford Pier to former glory'; March 23). Like Mr Toh, I do not think it works, and I am unconvinced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority's response ('Why Clifford Pier had to be adapted'; March30).

Would it not be better for the pier to have housed a permanent exhibition of local and regional water craft - a tongkang with the traditional painted bow; a long fishing boat such as those manned by a dozen or so oarsmen, which used to ply the East Coast; and waxwork figures of the heroes and heroines of the past, namely the 'coolies' and samsui women who hauled bales of sheet rubber from tongkangs into the godowns on Boat Quay?

Another sad story concerns Lau Pa Sat, originally Telok Ayer Market. This wonderful old cast-iron building is in a miserable state - a clutter of stalls and murky tarpaulins - and not helped by the new elevated road nearby.

The present building (not the original one which was built in the early 1800s), now a national monument, was constructed in the late 19th century. I suggest that this wonderful national asset be dismantled, piece by piece, and re-erected at Marina South, where it would be visible for miles around.

On the present site, erect a modern, purpose-built hawker centre.

Joe Grimberg

Clivebenss SG

at least they can spurce up Lau Pat Sat a bit, it now look so shabby.

Clivebenss SG

I APPRECIATE the concern among historians and those of us who fear the bastardisation of the spirit and flavour of buildings such as Lau Pa Sat, Chijmes or even The Cathay building.

It is true that while their forms may have been preserved and restored, their functions in many cases have changed markedly with the passage of time. Yet considering the scarcity of land here, urban planners face the constant challenge of meshing the old with the new. For obvious reasons, we cannot afford the luxury of retaining the original flavour of every such building.

The efforts by the Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB), the Urban Redevelopment Authority and possibly the Singapore Land Authority, to legislate the preservation and restoration of buildings of historical or architectural significance, are commendable.

I propose that PMB step up its public education efforts by providing more visible markers in the form of mini galleries that celebrate the history of such buildings.

Narendran Krishnan