DEMOLISHING the Lee family home at 38 Oxley Road now will “rule out a proper and full consideration” of alternative options for the site, said the National Heritage Board (NHB) on Thursday (Oct 24).
This comes after Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest son of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, announced on Oct 15 that he was applying to demolish the property after the death of his sister, Lee Wei Ling.
NHB cited a 2018 report where the Ministerial Committee on 38 Oxley Road assessed that the building had “architectural, heritage and historical significance”.
It added that while Lee Kuan Yew’s preference was for the building to be demolished, he was “prepared to accept options other than demolition”.
This was provided that suitable arrangements were made to ensure that the building was refurbished and kept in a habitable state, and that the family’s privacy was protected.
Options highlighted by NHB include retaining the entire building; retaining only the basement dining room; or demolishing the building fully but designating the site for alternative use, such as a park or a heritage centre.
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“These options are not exhaustive. The intention is for a future government to consider these, and other options that could emerge later, and make an informed and considered decision in the fullness of time, taking into consideration the wishes of Mr Lee Kuan Yew,” said the board.
Noting that Lee Hsien Yang had made an application to the Urban Redevelopment Authority to demolish 38 Oxley Road on Oct 21, NHB said that “making such a move now will rule out a proper and full consideration of the above options”.
The board therefore intends to commence a study of the site to assess if its national historical, heritage, and architectural significance deems it worthy of preservation.
It added that a preservation order would give the government time to carefully consider the different options identified in the Ministerial Committee report, along with other options that may emerge.
“This will ensure a well-considered decision that will stand the test of time and will strengthen our solidarity and unity as a nation,” said NHB.
It also said it recognises that there will be “diverse range of views amongst Singaporeans on this matter”.
