Istana to undergo major restoration works from second half of 2024
The Istana main building, a national monument, last underwent significant renovation in the 1990s.
The view of the Istana from the Ceremonial Plaza on Sep 14, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Try Sutrisno Foo)
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SINGAPORE: The main building of the Istana is scheduled to undergo major restoration works from the second half of 2024 to fix wear and tear issues.
"Restoration works are needed to address deterioration due to environmental factors such as rain and humidity, which have affected the building’s structure and woodwork," the National Heritage Board (NHB) said on Friday (Jan 12).
"Measures also need to be taken to prevent future moisture retention, restore portions of the structure and overhaul the aged electrical and mechanical systems to achieve better performance and higher energy efficiency."
The works are expected to be completed in 2027, NHB said on Saturday in response to CNA's queries.
The Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore.Â
It was built by the British colonial government between 1867 and 1869 to house its governors.Â
The main building of the Istana was gazetted as a national monument in 1992 and its last significant renovation was in the 1990s.
"It requires periodic specialised restoration and maintenance works to preserve it as a monument that all Singaporeans can be proud of and enjoy, and to maintain its functionality as a working government building and a venue for state and community events," NHB said.
NHB also told CNA on Saturday that daily work at the Istana will continue as before and staff will be housed in existing buildings and temporary buildings on Istana grounds. Â
"If there is insufficient space in the Istana buildings for major state, ceremonial, or community functions, alternative venues will be used."
Istana open houses will continue to be held within the Istana grounds, it added.
Plans for restoration were first announced in 2021. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong told parliament at the time that work would begin in 2023.
"Since the announcement of the planned restoration in March 2021, investigative works have been carried out to determine the scope of works to be carried out," NHB told CNA.
Mr Tong said in an update last March that restoration was expected to begin in early 2024.
NHB said a tender was called on Friday for shortlisted contractors to submit proposals and price bids for the Istana restoration project, adding that the tender is set to be awarded in the second half of 2024.
