FORT TANJONG KATONG AT KATONG PARK

FORT TANJONG KATONG AT KATONG PARK

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(Preservation as national monument): **

35.

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts whether the Preservation of Monuments Board will consider preserving Fort Tanjong Katong at Katong Park as a national monument due to its historical significance.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: The Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB) recognises the significance of the remains of the old Fort Tanjong Katong that is located within the grounds of Katong Park. Built by the Straits Settlements Government as part of the fortification works to defend Singapore, this 127-year-old Fort is one of the oldest remaining built structures from the 19th century colonial period.

Following the discovery of the remains of the Fort, on-site studies were conducted to ascertain the full extent of the underground Fort. The studies have since shown that part of the old Fort is located outside the Katong Park boundary and extends into State Land that is currently zoned for Residential use. A Working Committee has therefore been set up involving NParks, URA and PMB to assess the options that will best meet the needs of long-term protection and development of the site. This assessment will need to take into consideration not only the historical significance of the site, but also the status of the affected State Land and the overall planning for Katong Park. In the interim, as per standard archaeological practice, the partially exposed structures on the site have been covered up to protect it from damage by the elements or human interference.

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I would like to assure Mr Lim and the public that the PMB will continue to work closely with the government agencies to address the long-term future of the Fort, and ensure that its historical significance is appropriately recognised.

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