With renewed discussions and proposed gazetting as a national monument, 38 Oxley Road stands at a crossroads. Singapore must now decide how to honour its history while respecting the sensitivities surrounding the property.
What Gazetting Means
If gazetted as a national monument:
- The building cannot be demolished without approval
- Alterations will require strict oversight
- The government may acquire the site
- The landmark may be conserved for public education
Gazetting does not automatically mean the house becomes a museum — the government has emphasised that it will not be turned into a “Lee Kuan Yew shrine.”
Possible Future Scenarios
Scenario 1: Full Conservation
The entire structure is preserved, stabilised and possibly opened to the public on guided tours.
Scenario 2: Partial Preservation
Specific parts — such as the basement meeting room — are conserved, while the rest of the house is rebuilt.
Scenario 3: Redevelopment with Memorial Elements
The house is demolished but elements (e.g., foundation layout, archival installations) are retained within a new public space.
Scenario 4: Private Ownership with Restrictions
The house remains in the family but with statutory protection over certain areas.
Balancing Heritage and Wishes
The central question remains:
How can Singapore preserve its national history while respecting Lee Kuan Yew’s personal wish for demolition?
Different stakeholders, from heritage experts to the general public, have expressed diverse opinions.
The future of 38 Oxley Road is still evolving. Regardless of the decision, the site will continue to hold deep symbolic meaning for Singapore’s nation-building story.