The potential designation could preserve Lee Kuan Yew’s historic home while balancing legal and heritage concerns.
The future of Singapore’s 38 Oxley Road, home to the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew from the mid-1940s until his passing in 2015, has become a focal point of national debate. The National Heritage Board (NHB) announced an ongoing assessment to determine whether the site holds sufficient historical, heritage, and architectural significance to warrant preservation as a national monument.
The Gazetting Process
Gazetting a site as a national monument is a formal process that imposes restrictions on modifications while mandating maintenance. If approved, 38 Oxley Road would gain the highest level of protection under the Preservation of Monuments Act. The NHB’s Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) advisory board evaluates sites for potential gazetting, relying on historical research and expert consultation.
This process follows a 2018 ministerial committee study, which identified the property’s significance in shaping Singapore’s political landscape. The house was a meeting place for founding members of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and served as its de facto headquarters during its early years.
Implications of Monument Status
A gazetted monument cannot be defaced or altered without approval, and its owners must adhere to strict preservation guidelines. While this status restricts demolition, it does not prevent partial preservation. For example, the historically significant basement dining room—where PAP leaders strategized—could be preserved independently or relocated.
Balancing Ownership and Heritage
The current owner, Lee Hsien Yang, has applied to demolish the house, citing his father’s wish for its removal. However, the NHB’s study has delayed the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) decision on this application. Should the house gain national monument status, it would remain under government protection unless the state opts not to acquire the property, which would nullify the designation after one year.
Historical Precedents
While private homes have previously been gazetted as national monuments, such as the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, these properties were no longer residences at the time. The unique circumstances of 38 Oxley Road underscore the complexities of balancing private ownership, historical preservation, and public interest.
For now, the fate of 38 Oxley Road lies in the hands of NHB and the Singaporean government, offering a chance to preserve a site integral to the nation’s history.
