The City Hall has been established as the stage for many historic events associated with Singapore’s nationhood. From the defeat of the Japanese to the proclaiming of Singapore’s independence, numerous eventful moments took place at this very site.

look! same building! This picture was after the Japanese surrendered.

Before it was evolved into a prestigious national monument, the area where City Hall was built was the site of former colonial homes. Yes, Singapore’s FIRST architect, George Drumgold Coleman, built houses at the City Hall site for Dr.William Montgomerie, the Residency Surgeon, in 1823 as well as for Thomas Church, the Resident Councillor, in 1830. Must have been huge house, don’t you think? Just look at the vast area that the City Hall stands on.


In 1926, the homes were abolished to make way for the office of the Municipal Council. The Municipal Council office, which was established to administer the town, was completed in 1929. The City Hall Building was designed by Municipal architects, A. Gordon and F. D. Meadows. The design of the building has been maintained even after many years, except for an upgrade in 1987, which allowed more government branches to be brought under the wing of Singapore’s political symbol – the City Hall. As the political situation in Singapore changed, the name of the building also changed. From the Municipal Hall to the Council and finally to the City Hall in 1951, when Singapore acquired city status (Not exactly a very creative name ;) )Ever since then, City Hall remains as a prominent, political landmark for Singapore.

Another feature that highlights the political importance of the building is that the City Hall building housed different government factions. These include the Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the former Ministry of Culture, Supreme Court, the Singapore Academy of Law, the Public Service Commission and the Industrial Arbitration Court.

The significance of the building as a political symbol can be further reiterated through the historic events that were held at the City Hall. Some of the events include:

• The surrender of the Japanese on 12 September 1945, which marked the end of the Second
World War, the Japanese Occupation and the sufferings of the civilians.
• The proclamation of Singapore’s self-government on 5th June 1959
• The Merger with Malaysia on 16th September 1963
• The proclamation of separation from Malayasia and hence, the declaration of full independence
and swearing g in of cabinet ministers, for Singapore on 9th August 1965.


As the City Hall is preserved, with reference to section 9 of the Preservation of Monuments Act, as one of Singapore’s National Monuments, it will never be torn down to make way for another sky scraper. The future plans for the City Hall building is that it will be converted into a museum to house Singapore’s national art collection. Together with the City Hall building, the Old Supreme Court building will also be converted. This conversion is set to be completed by 2012.

Labels: city hall

posted by Jaishree

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