The Singapore Sporting Club, former body of the current Singapore Turf Club (STC), was formed as early as 1842 by Scottish businessman and the chairman of Singapore Chamber of Commerce William Henry Macleod Read (1819-1907).
Singapore’s first horse racing track and stand was built in present-day Farrer Park, and the first race took place in 1843. Being an amateur sport during that era, the ground were shared for sheep-rearing and golfing on non-racing days.
The club purchased part of Bukit Timah Rubber Estate in 1927 and the new racecourse at Bukit Timah, Singapore’s second, was completed six years later. However, the racing activities was soon disrupted by World War II, and it was not until 1960 before races were opened to the public. Horse racing proved to be so popular that two giant grandstands were built to accommodate 50,000 spectators.
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip paid a visit to the Bukit Timah racecourse in 1972, and the Turf Club honoured her visit by establishing a Queen Elizabeth II Cup in that year.
Bukit Timah Saddle Club was set up in 1950 at nearby Fairways Drive, allowing retired race horses to be re-trained in other skills such as show jumping or dressage (also known as “horse ballet”).
Today, remnants of the former race course can still be found, such as the former designs of street name signs and speed limit signs.
Due to the prime location of Bukit Timah, the authority decided to relocate the racing premises to Kranji. By 2000, the new Kranji course, after four years of work and at a cost of S$5 million, was finally opened to facilitate professional horse racing.
Part of the facilities and stables at the Bukit Timah site were demolished after the relocation, as the area was being redeveloped into a food and sale hub known as Turf City. Some of the large fields are also leased out to other sports such as golf, soccer and rugby.
Published: 16 July 2011
Remember Singapore 
Fantastic memories of an old Singapore I remember, from my childhood days where I was born in 1935 Many thanks.
Hi Shirley, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
My in laws and husband used to live at the quarters near the racecourse. My father in law worked at the turf club and still working at kranji turf club.
My father LJC Bailey was secretary to the Singapore Turf Club and the Straits Racing Association from 1948 -1961 and I together with my family lived on the Race Course at Bukit Timah. He was put in charge of the rehabilitation of the Race Course after the war, having been a POW and worked there as a labourer during the war.
I am planning to visit in January 2014 and wonder whether anyone has any suggestions as I would like to visit my old home and anyone interested or with memories. My name is Mark Bailey.
My mother arranged flowers sometimes at the race course between 1958 and 1960. Her name was Joan Macksey and I think it was arranged through Robinsons the big departmental store at that time.
Hi Sue, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Hi Mark, my father took over from your dad as secretary, he was Derek Brown. Did you go back in 2014?
Joanna Beardsworth (nee Brown)
Hi Joanna, yes I did and found the two houses we lived in. Where do you live now?
Mark Bailey
Hi Mark, I am now living in U.K. in Somerset. Lovely part of the world. Funnily enough one of my daughters is currently living and working in Singapore. Which part of the world are you living in?
I live in Norfolk, not too far from the NW coast. Funnily enough I am in Cape Town at the moment visiting my sister. If you are in East Anglia it would be good to meet up. Mark
Hi Joanna, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that holds everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Very much forgotten. There used to be a used car scene and even that is gone now (The grandstands where you can see in the first picture used to have steamboat restaurants a long time ago when i was a kid) Whatever happened to the RC scene there?
All that’s left are just a Giant hypermarket and some shops and a kopitiam. that’s all
A sad ending to a rich historic area. I fear it’s going to follow what happened to Ama Keng
As indicated I am heading out that way. Is there any likelihood of being able to recognise the area immediately around the racecourse where my parents had their house, which I believe was called “The Secretary’s House” ? Or any way to contact the Secretary of the current racing organisation?
Now renamed to The Grandstand. -.-
Beautiful childhood memories.ex resident ..stayed at d worker’s quaters.my
father was a driver for Mr.Bailey n Mr.Brown.
Mardiana, I am not sure how to say this. My name is Mark Bailey; I am the son of the man who was privileged to have your father as a driver. Indeed I and my siblings were often driven to school by him. I remember you and your brother, Amin?, very well and we had a wonderful childhood together.! I think it quite likely that you were my first girlfriend! I have pictures of us at the Secretaries house, where we all lived, playing together, when we were children..Wonderful days!
I have just been out to Singapore and I found the house. Sadly the whole racecourse has been developed and lost the magic that we were privileged to enjoy.
I would very much like to contact you privately and perhaps go out to Singapore to catch up with you and your family. Perhaps the adjudicators may be able to facilitate this. Can’t wait to catch up with you !!!!!!!!!!! .
Hi Mardianna, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Hi Mark…,yes that’s my father and Amin is my eldest brother but about the first girlfriend,I think that’s my eldest sister.Anyway I’m too young to be your first girlfriend…hahaha…here are her email address( mossham53@gmail.com) and mine (mardiana@live.com.sg).Hope to hear from you soon.Before I forget…she did mention about your sister..Suzanna…byeeee
Hello Mark, wow..!!!!!!!!!!!! Im lost for words, speechless to be exact, my younger sister, Mardiana,told me abt you this morning, Im Musriah, the oldest daughter of your driver, my dad Kassim.Yes..we had a wonderful childhood together..Mardiana is my younger sister residing in Singapore, but I live in Ipoh, Malaysia, with my husband and three grown up children..my Email address is mossham53@gmail.com would be lovely to be in contact with you. Its been a decade uhh..!!
I remember Kassim very well. I was Joanna Brown one of Derek Browns three kids.
I used to live at No.2 Holland Grove Drive, from around 1959 to 1989, when my father sold the house. As children, my brother Billy and I would ride our bikes in the early hours to the Turf Club and take horses out from the Saddle Club’s stables for hacks around the property. It was a lovely, semi wild area. Sadly our interest in horses waned, and we stopped riding not long afterwards, but I remember those outings with fondness. My father’s good friend, Cyril Bridge, was a keen horseman and rode often at the Turf Club.
We’re you and Billy at Tanglin school? I am sure I remember your names. We lived on the Turf Club. 1957 to late 70’s
Joanna (Brown)
Yes Joanna, we were at Tanglin School up to 1967. I can’t recall your name, but it was a long time ago. Then we went to boarding school in Perth, W Australia, along with many others at the time since there were no suitable schools in S’pore until the International School opened. Then we went there (now called United World College of SE Asia) in 1974. When did you leave Tanglin?
Somewhat belated but I think that it was your father who became Secretary to the Turf Club when my father retired to England
Hi Alan, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
See the correspondence above. My father was involved in rebuilding the Racecourse after the war having been a POW in Changhi and indeed on the racecourse. We lived in a house on the course which still exists, as I saw it in January this year, and he was the Secretary to the Turf Club, almost certainly when you were riding there.
Incidentally, Musria, Amin and Mardiana I intend to come out and see you all when I can find time.
Hi Mark, yes that’s correct my father Derek Brown, took over from your dad when your father retired. I was born in ’57 don’t really remember your parents.
I remember going to an outdoors nightclub there in 2009, anyone know if it’s still there and what the name is/was??
I was a member of STC from ,”63_65 and had a share in a facing pony there. The organiser was a nice American lady .We had a great BBQ
Mark, my mother was also a POW at Changi, and later at the town site camp, can’t remember what it was called…
Would it have been at Sime Road by any chance? That’s where they moved the women from Changi in order to make more room for male POW’s.
Sue, I believe you’re right. The girl POWs secretly produced a patchwork quilt which now hangs in the Imperial War Museum in London. My mother and her sister both have their names on it. Apparently if they’d been caught it would have led to severe punishment. The quilt was written about in the Daily Mail a few years back after it appeared in an exhibition of quilts in the Tate museum.
Re your Tanglin School question….. I left in ’67 to go to UK (to boarding school when 10yrs of age) I think I was in the same year as Billy. You (if younger than Billy) might have been my brother Justin’s year? I could have it wrong but something in my failing memory about a Billy in my class who was quite naughty!?
Your memory is less faded than mine, I think. So we left in the same year. I was born in 1958 so probably in the same year as your brother. The UK seemed such a long way away in those days, so dad opted for Perth so that we could return each holiday. I’m now living in Devon – where are you? Yes, Billy was very naughty in those days, but he became very serious and studious, eventually gaining a DPhil in Philosophy from Oxford and is now a barrister. I eventually left UWCSEA to go to boarding school in England. Have you been back to S’pore recently? I went last year for the first time in 30 yrs and it was nearly unrecognisable.
Somerset! Right in the middle, Between Castle Cary/Somerton. Only been here a year, back from HK where my husband did a 4 year stint. Loving it here although it’s a little wet…….
Alan apologies for the delay. I hope to come out again sometime and would welcome the chance to meet up. The same applies to Musriah, Amin and Mardiana.
I don’t live there any more Mark. I’m in Devon now. Did you make it to S’pore? I went last year and was rather startled at how much has changed.
A very late response; I did make it there and was sad to see the state of the old racecourse, but did find the two houses that we (Bailey’s and Browns).lived in.
i use to stayin the quaters there as my father and gramps workas a syce at the club, the kampong spirit is the most enjoyful moment of my life, i stay right nxt to the new stable which is nearer to the race course, exactly down the hill, there’s a canteen and the big monsoon drain where i always go fishing at… especially when it rains thats when all the fishes gets stucked and we go down picking it up just like apples fallen on the ground… the best memories in my life was there… ouh! theres this two brothers who’s called rikishi, they were so big and fat just like rikishi most kids are scared of them. hahaha
Hi Ridhwan, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
I go near here for taekwondo.
My school used to conduct its annual x-country there, and I’m relieved to say the place still looks much like it used to. Redevelopment has left most of the infrastructure intact, and revenue from tuition centres, childcare facilities, sports clubs, novelty stores etc. are hopefully satisfying the owners of today’s ‘Grandstand’ (enough, at least, for them not to contemplate any further meddling). It is a monumental hulk and a remarkable, remarkable place to explore, especially in light of how much floor space has been allowed to simply idle. I dearly hope no developer gets any ideas about it.
Mark
When I went to S’pore in 2015 I found my old house in Holland Grove Drive. It, and our immediate neighbour’s house, still survive, but literally ALL the other old bungalows and the newer housing estate which was build later have been demolished and rather smart (but very packed together) houses have been built in their place. When my father first bought the house he was teased about moving to the “ulu” (jungle) because our house was practically in the countryside, which still existed then, with kampongs and semi-wild land all around us.
It’s such a shame S’pore has destroyed so much of its heritage, but I suppose land is at a premium there. At least they saved a few of the old shophouses in Orchard Rd and elsewhere before they were all gone. Now they’re busy tourist areas. I found it quite strange to revisit and not recognise most of what I saw.
One of the oddest things is the way the sea is no longer where it was, especially at Collyer Quay and near the Padang.
Hi Everyone,
Further to my post in 2013 (time flies!) I did find my parental home on the old race course.
I am heading back that way at the end of February 2019 and wondering if there have been any developments ?
Hi Mark, my sister Caroline visited last week! Your house is rented out and ours is being decorated for rental currently. So at least still standing……..
Dear all, my name is Jane Iyer & I run a small specialist tour company here in Singapore specialising in history & heritage; my website is http://www.janestours.sg if you’d like to know more.
Found this blog/discussion as I’ve had an enquiry from a Josephine Johnson relating to her great uncle, Keith Johnson, who was Superintendent of the Marine Police when Singapore fell in the 1940’s & also Secretary of the Singapore Turf Club and “apparently lived in a house at the racecourse”. It must be the same house you guys have mentioned and I wonder if you could please tell me its address.
Many thanks, Jane PS in addition to living here for nearly 20 years as an adult I also lived in this part of the world (JB to be precise) as a kid from Feb 1963 to 1967 & then again 1970-72 – in a UK boarding school by then so just out for holidays.
Hello Jane, I will be in Singapore on 10 &16 March this year. Wondering if you have anything doing on those dates. My father was secretary to the Bukit Timah Turf Club in the late 60’s. Regards Mark Bailey
Hello Mark, great to hear you’re coming back to Singapore & yes I’ll be around from the 12th March (in Europe for about 10 days beforehand) & would love to meet you. Could we continue that conversation by email (jane@janestours.sg).
In the meantime I did notice mention of your old home in this chat; could you tell me its address or at least exactly where it is? Next to the old Turf Club (the area is now known as Turf City!) or a little further away? I’m hoping to show it to the Johnsons this Saturday when I take them on a tour. Thx, Jane
Ps we also lived in a house on the racecourse which still exists as did the Brown family ….see above. MCB
If you go through Turf City and follow the road at the end of the car park, right behind and at the end of the grandstand, with the old racecourse on your right, I think you go round a small bend and it is 192 Race Course Road (the other being 198). I’ll try and send you some photographs. Best Wishes, Mark
Thanks Mark, glad we’re also in touch by email; as mentioned, I visited the house today, met the resident and she’s OK with visits – esp from people who have a connection!
Hi am Segar and am also from Turf Club from 50s.. 60s. My dad, Mr Rama was a Supervisor and most of my family members resided at the quarters for many years till we were told to move out from the estate. Most of my uncles were staff from turf club, too. Any familiar people here whom I can reach please. Good to reunite. Hope to catch up with my Kampung friends.
Cheers!
Hi Saralatamilsegar, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Hi thanks for your email.
Am glad to assist you with this👍
Please contact 97700821
Mr Tamilsegar, my husband who is from Turf Club. He and his extended family grew up in Turf Club and today my husband is still in touch with his community.
They have formed and named themselves as Turb Club bros and are active in FB, too. They have wide collections of their memories and have recently added on to the list by even reaching out to others from the community.
Their aim is to ensure their legacy continues
and for the younger gen to know where their ancestors are from Turf Club Kampung!
Would like to contact Mark Bailey via email
markbailey30@btinternet.com
Father in RAF. Was at Butterworth from February 1959 & moved down to Changi in 1961 – he was an air traffic controller. I was at Alexandra Grammar School, Singapore boarding at Kinloss House. Father took me to the Singapore Derby at Bukit Timah in 1961 & being a Scot I had to pick White Heather. But having raced the horses on my Totopoly board the night before the race, when Dreamboat won, I decided to pick them in a straight forecast with White Heather as the winner. My father gave me $2 & he was delighted to say the least when I presented him with the ticket after the race. They were the two biggest outsiders in the race & the forecast paid around $760. Happy times!!!!
Hi Brian, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Wow! Some great memories. I remember the new grandstand and new entrance were being built. We used to sit on the hill opposite the grandstand with our picnics and watch the races. I left Singapore when the racetrack was still being used and was a vibrant community of its own. I remember the crowds walking up on Saturdays and Sundays and the roar that would go up during a race. I don’t think I want to see it now, silent and empty.
Hi Yasmine, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that holds everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
I used to live on Blakang Mati in late 50’s my father was in the army and stationed there. I remember being taught to ride there by a Captain Ian Wooldridge, he had two horses that used to race at Bukit Timah race course “Short Hairs” and “One Three One” I still have photos of the horses and the grooms and also a photo of Captain Wooldridge. I absolutely loved my childhood there. I have been back in 2009 and visited the Nature Reserve!
Hi Rowena,
Would love to hear more of your childhood memories here in Singapore. I lived in JB as a kid in the 60s, now been here for 21 years & very involved in the heritage scene, to the extent I set up my own tours business nearly 5 years ago, specialising in history, culture etc.
Hope to hear back from you especially as we’re thinking of curating a tour around the old Turf Club, now known as Turf City.
Regards, Jane (www.janestours.sg)
Hi Rowena & Jane, I lived on the racecourse at that time. They employed an Irish vet named Mike Hennigan (I think) whom Ian Wooldridge may have known, who believed in the “Black Box” (a sort of alternative medicine) ! I was lucky enough to meet Jane this year when she kindly took me to my old house; she does fantastic tours and next time I am in Singapore will join one.
Hi all my name is idil a.k.a Ady Dragko
I’m a Co-Founder in Reality Beyond D’ Chronicles (under “Registered of Society”)
I’m actually from 1 of the Paranormal Explorer in Singapore. I did not stay or even had an experience in turf city, except the horse race. But due to hobbies in Explorer & Paranormal hunting. I had a question to seek from anyone here. If there are any historical stories,old abandoned buildings, Ruins, or World War Bunkers etc. That can be found in anywhere at turf club area. As we are doing some investigation on certain parts of Singapore. Kindly share any of yours experience to me. By email: adrelyeng@yahoo.com.sg I am very much appreciate if anyone can share to me even its just a rumours spread through out the entire turf clubs.
Thank you very much to all of you in advance.
Best
Regards
Mohamad idil bin abdullah
a.k.a Ady Dragko
Hi Ady, Jane Iyer from Jane’s SG Tours here. We are pretty knowledgeable about historical things all over SG, inc Turf Club. Also run “spooky tours”. Check out our website (www.janestours.sg) and email me at jane@janestours.sg. Thx!
My late grandfather drives the racecourse ambulance during race days. From early 1960’s till he retired in late 1980’s. We stayed at 1 of the barracks for staffs opposite the grandstand.
Whenever there are race days, we would climb the hill opposite grandstand and watch the race and the ambulance go by. Grew up here for a good 8years, occassionally returning over the weekends to visit friends, neighbours and cousins who stayed there till they was asked to vacate the area in the early 1990’s. Wonderful memories here. Nowadays, the area where I used to reside is run down, fenced up. Hopefully to visit soon.
Hi Don, I am the researcher from NUS. Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be a development project going on in that area, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments will be a really strong point to preserve the place that holds everyone’s memory. May we do an interview with you? it will be around 15-20 minutes. if you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg!
Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Hi everyone, I am working as a researcher in National University of Singapore (NUS).
Recently, we are doing a project that aims to document the history and social value of Bukit Timah Turf Club, and we think your sharing will be very helpful and fruitful for our research. As there might be several development projects going on in the future, we want to record as many memories as possible. These sentiments and experiences will be a really strong point to preserve the place that hold’s everyone’s memory.
If you are willing to share with us your story, please email us through sdeyl@nus.edu.sg or akinj@nus.edu.sg! We will do an interview with you, and the session will be around 15-20 minutes.
Looking forward to hearing from you guys🙂
Thanks so much for the information! We lived just off in Bukit Timah road in 2002-2003 and I still have boxes from ‘Giant.’ I could remember shopping at ‘Giant’ regularly with my young children and remember, when outdoors I looked out over a race course of some description but I could not remember where that was; I started to think I’d imagined all this until I read your posts- wonderful. Thanks again,
Sally
MRT station will affect heritage of former Bukit Timah Turf Club but area’s value can be retained: Report
The construction of a Cross Island Line MRT station in the former Bukit Timah Turf Club will affect the site’s heritage value, but keeping many of the buildings – including the two grandstands – will help retain the area’s history.
A heritage impact assessment report released on Monday concluded that it is still possible to retain “sufficient heritage value” within the former racecourse site while building Turf City station, despite the “inevitable” need to destroy some structures in the process.
It recommended preserving several historic sites of high or exceptional importance, including the grandstands, former secretaries’ bungalows, duplex flat and Saddle Club compound.
Parts of the racetrack, parts of the stables and hay barn, however, will be demolished.
The report, commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), follows the announcement that Turf City station will be sited underneath the former Bukit Timah Turf Club horse racing tracks in September. It is one of six stations along CRL stage two, slated to open in 2032.
The news sparked concern among heritage watchers that extensive construction work would damage historic buildings of high heritage value.
For instance, the two grandstands were where the public used to watch and bet on horse races until 1999, with horse racing one of Singapore’s earlier mass spectator sports, together with cricket.
The venue is also closely associated with Singapore Turf Club, formerly Singapore Sporting Club, which was formed in 1842 and which organised horse races twice a year.
As one of many racecourses founded by expatriates in South-east Asia, the site also speaks to the region’s colonial legacy, and how these places were later reclaimed by locals from a wide variety of backgrounds.
The heritage assessment was conducted by National University of Singapore’s Department of Architecture and heritage consultant Purcell, and focuses specifically on the areas immediately affected by and near to Turf City station works.
These works include tunnelling and open-cut excavations that will take place near preserved structures.
Contractors should come up with a protection plan for the buildings that are being kept, the report said, and set up temporary protective structures to minimise disturbance to these buildings. Any new infrastructure such as the station entrances should be mindful of heritage elements, it added.
“The proposed new entrance buildings should be of compatible design and still be distinguishable from the existing historic buildings, structures, and open spaces,” it said, adding that the setting around buildings could also be retained as far as possible.
The report also highlighted the importance of proper documentation of areas where changes are made to the site, including via 3D scanning and drone surveys “as it stands as the last chance to record before the historic fabric is lost”.
A separate heritage report on the full redevelopment of the former Bukit Timah Turf Club, which is earmarked for housing, will be published at a later date.
According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s website, the heritage impact assessment report for Turf City station was completed first due to the urgency of starting MRT works to meet transport demand.
Among the Turf City tenants, Bukit Timah Saddle Club has already been asked to return an affected 0.8ha area from the first half of 2023, needed for a worksite to support tunnelling works for the CRL. Leases for other tenants expire on Dec 31, 2023.
International Council of Monuments and Sites Singapore president Yeo Kang Shua said he hoped planners of future residential and MRT developments can appreciate historical sites as a whole, instead of fragmenting elements into isolated parts.
While the demolition of some structures is understandable, “a spectrum of tangible heritage, from the more important structures like the grandstand and secretary’s bungalows to supporting structures like stables will have to be kept to tell the site’s complete history”, Dr Yeo, who is assistant professor of architectural history at Singapore University of Technology and Design, said.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/mrt-station-will-affect-heritage-of-former-bukit-timah-turf-club-but-areas-value-can-be-retained-report
I worked at the BTC/STC in the 90’s and I took care of the properties of the turf club.
i have a strong attachement to his place and I am very annoyed and sad to hear of the redevelopmet of this hisrotical site to give way to a train station.
Dear All,
What a wonderful trip down memory lane for me ! My late father, Tim Thompson , took over as GM of the STC / BTC from Joanna’s father, Derek, in 1981 and my two siblings and I loved our summer & Christmas hols at 198 until our parents left Singapore in 1989 . We were also expertly looked after by Kassim before his retirement . Such a kind , cheerful & very patient gentleman . Poor Kassim had to put up with the ’80s pop music ‘ pirate ‘ cassette tapes we constantly played on shopping trips & excursions around the island !
Hope 198 won’t be demolished to make way for the new Turf City train station / line when they start building it this year ? Does anyone know if it’s been given listed heritage status like the old Grandstands etc .
My eldest landed at Changi today before she heads off to Cambodia tomorrow for a month and further travels around SE Asia. This prompted a bit of nostalgic searching by me late last night and I’m so glad I stumbled across ‘ remembersingapore.org ‘ and the thread above going back to 2013 !
Best wishes to you all.
Ben
Ben Thompson Events
sales@benthompsonevents.co.uk
Goodbye to Bukit Timah Saddle Club, which has vacated its decades-old premises in March 2023…
S’pore Turf Club to close Kranji racecourse by March 2027 to make way for housing, other uses
6 June 2023
The Straits Times
The land where the Singapore Turf Club (STC) in Kranji sits will be returned to the Government by March 2027, making way for housing and other developments in the area.
These include previously announced plans to redevelop the area around Woodlands Checkpoint, enhance Woodlands Town under the Remaking Our Heartland programme, and transform the Lim Chu Kang area into a high-tech agri-food cluster.
The closure also means the end of over 180 years of horse racing in Singapore, which has seen dwindling spectatorship over the years.
“This was not an easy decision but necessary… There have been increasing needs and demands for land, and the Government regularly reviews our land use plans, because we want to ensure that resources are optimised to meet Singaporeans’ needs,” said Second Minister for Finance and National Development Indranee Rajah at a press conference held at the Ministry of Communications and Information on Monday.
She added: “We plan not just for this generation, but for the next.”
The area, covering around 120ha of land, is the size of about 200 football fields and is larger than the whole of Gardens by the Bay, which spans 101ha.
STC, which employs about 350 people, will run its last race, the 100th Grand Singapore Gold Cup, on Oct, 5, 2024, before it shuts its facility by March 2027.
The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of National Development (MND) said in a joint statement on Monday: “The Government continually reviews its land-use plans to meet today’s needs while ensuring there is sufficient land for future generations. Local horse racing has also experienced declining spectatorship over the years.”
The statement added that the decision to redevelop the Singapore Racecourse site will allow for the land and its surroundings to be holistically master-planned to better meet future land-use needs.
Apart from housing, MND is also studying other potential uses, including leisure and recreation.
t will also take into consideration the needs and requirements of various equestrian entities that intend to continue operating in Singapore, including compatibility with other land uses being considered for the area.
STC staff will be retrenched in phases starting 16 months from now, in October 2024, said both ministries in the statement.
They will receive retrenchment packages, as well as transition support including counselling, job placement assistance, personal career guidance and skills training courses.
Racehorse trainers and owners, who are not STC staff, will receive support for horse maintenance and exportation.
Horse exportation will begin following the last race on Oct 5, 2024, and be completed by March 2026.
There are currently about 700 racehorses at the club and 38 livery horses, which are for personal use. STC will continue to honour existing contractual obligations with its tenants and livery horse owners.
The Government will also work with the Tote Board, STC and other stakeholders to commemorate the heritage of the club and local horse racing.
When asked if the closure of the club would impact government revenue, Ms Indranee said she did not think there would be a significant impact on government finances.
STC currently holds about 550 races per year, or about one race day per week, during which 10 to 13 races are held.
Between 2010 and 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the average attendance per race day had declined from about 11,000 spectators to some 6,000, the club said.
When the racecourse reopened to the public in April 2022, the average attendance per race day was about 2,600, which is less than half of the average pre-Covid-19 attendance.
STC chairman Niam Chiang Meng said each race brings in about $400,000. This contributes to the overall revenue from horse wagering in Singapore of about $1.1 billion a year currently, which includes betting on overseas races.
The figure has fallen from about $1.8 billion in 2010, when the integrated resorts were opened in Singapore.
That was roughly when interest in horse racing began its decline as other sports betting options came up, Mr Niam added. This decline is also seen in other countries such as the United States and Britain.
STC had in 1999 moved to Kranji from its old Bukit Timah location, which has also been earmarked for housing and other uses.
The Kranji racecourse seats up to 30,000 spectators in a five-storey grandstand and includes light masts, which allowed for the introduction of night racing then.
The club was founded in 1842, and in 1988 became managed by the Tote Board when the board was set up. Singapore Pools took over the management of horse betting in 2019.
Tote Board chief executive Fong Yong Kian said Singapore Pools will continue to allow betting on races overseas, even after racing in Singapore ceases in October 2024.
Mr Niam said that while the club is saddened by the Government’s decision, it understands the land needs of Singapore and will do its best to ensure business as usual till the final race meeting.
He added that the club’s chief executive officer had briefed all the staff on Monday morning, and told them they would receive fair compensation.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/s-pore-turf-club-to-close-racecourse-in-kranji-by-march-2027-to-make-way-for-housing-and-other-uses