Bid to conserve Cantonese temple, 19 pre-WWII bungalows

URA plans to propose conservation of these two sites in Sims Drive and Adam Park

- Ng Keng Gene

The Mun San Fook Tuck Chee temple in Sims Drive and 19 pre-World War II bungalows in Adam Park will be proposed for conservation by Singapore's urban planning agency.

On Nov 8, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) plans to propose conservation of these two sites as the agency works on the next Draft Master Plan, set for release in June 2025.

He was speaking at URA's 2024 Architectural Heritage Awards ceremony.

In a statement, URA said conserving these sites would "protect their built heritage as important physical markers that capture the collective history and memories of our nation and different communities".

The Sims Drive temple, dating back to the 1860s, is one of Singapore's oldest surviving Cantonese temples.

It is a rare marker of an early settlement in the area called "Sar Kong village". Its inhabitants worked in nearby brick kilns, sago processing workshops and tanneries, URA said.

The temple was a hub for the community, setting up the now defunct Mong Yang Chinese School and the Sar Kong Athletic Association, which is still active and promotes lion and dragon dance.

Speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines of the event, Mr Toh Yong Soon, the temple's vice-chairman, said the proposal to have it conserved comes after many years of uncertainty over the temple's fate as development plans for the area were being decided.

The temple's previous long-term lease expired in 2009, and it has been on yearly temporary occupation licences since then.

Mr Toh added that the temple's management is in discussion with the authorities to take on a fresh 30-year lease once the building has been conserved.

He noted that the temple continues to play an active role in the community and is a spot frequented by residents to socialise.