- Lee Hsien Yang applies to demolish 38 Oxley Road.
- National Heritage Board to study site’s significance.
- Government keeps options open for property’s future.
The fate of Lee Kuan Yew’s former home at 38 Oxley Rd hangs in the balance as family wishes clash with national interests.
Lee Family Seeks Demolition of 38 Oxley Road
On 21 October 2024, Mr Lee Hsien Yang asked for permission to tear down 38 Oxley Rd.
He sent his request to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
This house was once home to Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
The request comes after Dr Lee Wei Ling, Mr LKY’s daughter, passed away.
Government’s Response to Demolition Request
The government is not rushing to make a decision about 38 Oxley Road.
Instead, they want to study the house’s importance to Singapore’s history.
The National Heritage Board (NHB) will start this study soon.
They will look at the house’s historical, heritage, and architectural value.
According to NHB, “This will ensure a well-considered decision that will strengthen our solidarity and unity as a nation.”
Options for 38 Oxley Rd’s Future
The government is considering several options for the house:
- Keep the whole building
- Keep only the basement dining room
- Tear down the house and use the land for something else
These options come from a report by the Ministerial Committee on 38 Oxley Road in 2018.
The report looked at the building’s importance to Singapore’s history and architecture.
Lee Kuan Yew’s Wishes and Public Interest
Mr LKY wanted the house to be torn down.
But he was open to other options if the building was refurbished and kept in a habitable state; and protected his family’s privacy.
The NHB stated, “While Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s preference was for the building to be demolished, he was prepared to accept options other than demolition.”
The government knows that Singaporeans have different views on this issue.
They want to make a decision that balances the family’s wishes and the public’s interest.
Preservation Order: A Tool for Keeping Options Open
The government might use a Preservation Order to protect 38 Oxley Road.
This order would stop any changes to the building for now.
It would give the government time to think about all the options.
NHB’s Study: A Crucial Step
The NHB’s study is a key part of the decision-making process.
Experts from different fields will be part of this study.
They will look at why 38 Oxley Rd is important to Singapore’s history.
Their findings will help the government decide what to do with the house.
Impact on Singapore’s Heritage
The decision about 38 Oxley Rd could affect how Singapore treats other historic sites.
It raises questions about balancing progress with preserving history.
This echoes debates about Singapore’s development in other areas.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Keep whole building | Preserves history | Goes against family wishes |
| Keep basement only | Partial preservation | Loses some historical context |
| Full demolition | Respects family wishes | Loses historical site |
Next Steps in the Process
The NHB will start its study on 38 Oxley Rd soon.
Their findings will help guide the government’s decision.
If a Preservation Order is issued, it can be changed or removed later.
This means the government can still consider new options in the future.
Do you think 38 Oxley Road should be preserved as a national monument?
