S’pore authorities to study historical significance of preserving Oxley Road house

National Heritage Board to assess if 38 Oxley Road is “worthy of preservation”

Following Dr Lee Wei Ling’s passing earlier this month, the issue surrounding 38 Oxley Road — where she had been staying — was once again brought into the spotlight.

Days after Dr Lee’s cremation, his younger brother Lee Hsien Yang shared his intention to demolish the Oxley Road house, in what was described as an attempt to “honour his (my) parents’ last wish”.

On Thursday (24 Oct), the National Heritage Board (NHB) published a statement saying it will commence a study of the site to assess if the structure is “worthy of preservation”.

During the process, NHB will look into the site’s national historical, heritage, and architectural significance.

National Heritage Board says demolishing property will rule out “proper and full consideration” of options

Referencing the report published by the Ministerial Committee on 38 Oxley Road, NHB said the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was prepared to accept options that do not involve demolition of the property.

This was, however, subject to two conditions:

• The property was refurbished and kept in a habitable state, and
• The family’s privacy was protected

The committee has listed three options for the property and the site on which it sits:

• Retain the property
• Retain the dining room and tear down the rest of the property
• Demolish the property and allow for redevelopment

NHB pointed out that the proposals were not exhaustive, given that other options may emerge in the future.

However, NHB pointed out that demolishing the property — which is Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s intention — would “rule out a proper and full consideration of the above options”.

As such, NHB will commence a study of the site to assess if it is “worthy of preservation”.

If a Preservation Order is made, the government will have the luxury of time to consider the options mentioned in the Ministerial Committee Report, as well as future ones.

NHB did not mention how long the study is expected to take.

Minister Edwin Tong says it’s important to approach issue with “open mind”

Resharing the statement, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said it is important that Singapore approaches the issue with an “open mind”.

Echoing points from the NHB statement, Minister Tong said the irreversible move of demolishing the property would “rule out options which can be considered”.

He also said:

We do not think that any option should be precluded, or closed off, at this stage.

Mr Tong added that the assessment will be conducted by NHB’s Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board, which comprises experts from various sectors.

Lee Hsien Yang applied to demolish Oxley Road property after sister’s death

The property that sits on 38 Oxley Road was brought into the spotlight in 2015 following Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s passing.

The late Mr Lee’s two youngest children — Dr Lee Wei Ling and Mr Lee Hsien Yang — wanted the house demolished, claiming it was their late father’s wish.

They also accused their older brother, Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong, of going against their father’s wishes for political gain.

Even though a Ministerial Committee was convened to look into the matter, no immediate decision was made as Dr Lee was residing in the property.

However, with Dr Lee’s passing, the property is now unoccupied.

The property is currently owned by Mr Lee Hsien Yang after SM sold it to him at market price back in 2015.

Also read: ‘It has been 9 years. That day is today’: Lee Hsien Yang to apply for demolition of 38 Oxley Road

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Featured image adapted from Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook.