The Bukit Timah Waterworks, Singapore's first water treatment plant, is set to undergo an assessment by the National Heritage Board (NHB) to determine its national significance and heritage value. Built in 1891, the facility has been a cornerstone in Singapore's water treatment history. The assessment aims to inform potential future uses of the site, as the facility is no longer in active use.
The Bukit Timah Waterworks comprises a subterranean old clear water tank, notable for its magnificent brick columns and arches, which have been seen by few. In 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced plans by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) to convert the old clear water tank into an education centre and exhibition space. This proposal was part of a PUB-commissioned study conducted between 2020 and 2022, which envisioned transforming the facility into a "potential world-class water museum," offering a "multi-sensory underground water experience."
Following this, the NHB is set to commission additional studies on the site, including a heritage baseline study and an assessment of the condition of the facility’s buildings. These studies aim to determine the best approach to protect and commemorate the site's heritage value while optimizing land use and ensuring long-term sustainability. The NHB's involvement underscores the importance of preserving Singapore's historical landmarks and integrating them into the nation's cultural and educational landscape.
The facility, located near the Istana and bounded by Cavenagh, Bukit Timah, and Mackenzie roads, occupies a site of close to 3 hectares, equivalent to about four football fields. The complex includes infrastructure essential for water treatment, such as chemical stores, flocculators, clarifiers, and clear water tanks for clean water storage. Historically, the Bukit Timah Waterworks drew and treated water from MacRitchie Reservoir for distribution to more central areas on the island, reducing reliance on water wells. In 1957, a chemical treatment plant was constructed at the facility—the first in Singapore to add fluoride to the water supply. From December 2005, it became a standby facility, and later, from March 2009, operated as a relift station to boost water pressure from the network to Fort Canning Service Reservoir.
Architect Randy Chan, principal of multidisciplinary design studio Zarch Collaboratives, was involved in the PUB study. The study explored converting the old clear water tank and MacKenzie Apartments into a visitor centre, while other infrastructure, such as the new clear water tank and the pumping station, were beyond the scope of the study. Chan's team submitted several proposals, including demolishing the apartment block or repurposing it for offices, galleries, and eateries. Public surveys indicated a general desire to retain the site for heritage purposes and incorporate lifestyle elements, similar to Marina Barrage.
However, the site faces challenges, particularly in accessibility. Despite its central location, it is a 600-meter walk from Little India MRT station, largely unsheltered, and lacks parking facilities for visitors. Nevertheless, there are opportunities to integrate the facility into the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor, a linear park that runs along Bukit Timah Canal, potentially serving as a stopover for cyclists and other users. The site's French-inspired architectural style adds to its uniqueness compared to other monuments, which are typically institutional buildings or places of worship.
Heritage author and blogger Jerome Lim emphasized the site's significance, stating that it is "significant to the nation’s water story as it is part of the continuous effort to provide residents with clean, sediment-free water, without which Singapore could not have developed as well as it has." He noted that the facility is a rare example of Victorian waterworks engineering in this part of the world and that it is a site that many Singaporeans may remember for National Day light-ups at its fountain in the 1970s. Lim expressed hope that the site could be repurposed to tell the story of Singapore’s water journey as a waterworks museum.
Chan added that Singapore can draw inspiration from similar efforts overseas. For instance, former pump stations in Sapporo and Tokyo, Japan, have been converted for public education use, while the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir in Hong Kong is open for self-guided tours. These examples demonstrate the potential for repurposing such facilities to serve educational and cultural purposes, enriching the public's understanding of Singapore's water history.
The NHB's forthcoming studies and the ongoing discussions highlight the importance of balancing heritage preservation with modern development. As Singapore continues to evolve, integrating historical sites like the Bukit Timah Waterworks into the urban landscape can provide valuable educational experiences and a deeper connection to the nation's past.
In conclusion, the assessment of the Bukit Timah Waterworks by the NHB represents a significant step in recognizing and preserving Singapore's historical landmarks. The facility's rich history and architectural uniqueness offer opportunities for adaptive reuse that can serve both heritage conservation and public engagement. As the studies progress, it is hoped that a sustainable and meaningful future for the site will be realized, honoring its legacy while contributing to Singapore's cultural and educational landscape.