NDP SG61- Gillman Barracks, Insignia Crests, Low Wall, Swimming Pool, Heritage Building #HikingElite

We will revisit the historic Gillman Barracks and its surrounding forest before redevelopment transforms this unique military landscape. We will visit the SOC low wall, high wall, Insignia Crests, former Swimming Pool, and heritage buildings of high "heritage rating". We will be walking in/beside streams, wear "kampung adidas" shoes. 😇🎉
Gillman Barracks is one of Singapore's most historically significant former military camps. Commissioned in 1935 for the British Army, it later served the Japanese Occupation forces, the Royal Engineers and the Singapore Armed Forces before becoming today's arts precinct.
The Gillman Barracks Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), a 231-page study commissioned by HDB, identifies Gillman Barracks as one of Singapore's best-preserved colonial military landscapes. The report recommends retaining the site's most significant heritage assets while integrating them into the future housing estate.
According to Appendices 1 & 2 of the HIA, only 4 buildings and 2 landscape elements received the highest heritage rating of "Exceptional". Sadly, I heard that the 2 Insignia Crests are not going to be preserved! 😓
During this hike, we plan to visit these remarkable heritage locations while they can still be experienced in their original setting.
📌 Key Highlights We’ll Visit:
- Middlesex & Loyal Regiment Insignias (Malan Road Slope / Near Former SAJC) — [Exceptional Significance] Historic military emblems carved into the landscape.
- Remnant SOC Climbing Wall & Forest Trails — Remnants from the SAF Combat Engineers era hidden amidst the surrounding greenery.
- Some buildings with heritage rating of "Exceptional" or "High" value.
Gillman Barracks was once a self-contained military town with family quarters, schools, messes, workshops, sports facilities and even a cinema (Regal Cinema), housing generations of British and Singaporean servicemen.
Please sign and support the petitions calling for better urban planning that considers our remaining forests. Once these habitats are cleared, they cannot be brought back. Sadly, many Singaporeans only come to appreciate these natural spaces during another Covid-like crisis, or when climate extremes hit us harder.
https://www.facebook.com/HikingElite/posts/pfbid032Arr1vbfMmshB7Kk9YWbBnhiKhggLDH3boQccNRA7HQhggoM8oDe8zkBsSQRRaeyl
How to Join:
✅ Join our Facebook groups: Hiking Elite and Hiking Elite Group (private).
✅ Click "Going" on the Facebook Event to secure your spot. Additional details will be shared in the Discussion tab of the Event page.
✅ One day before the event, check the Discussion tab for updates. Confirmed attendees will be added to an exclusive WhatsApp group for final details on meeting point and time, and photos sharing.
Disclaimer:
The event organizer and hosts are not liable for participants' safety or property loss. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.
Search in Hiking Elite and Hiking Elite Group (private) on previous Events to Gillman Barracks, Maju Forest, Dover Forest, Clementi Forest.
Look out for our Maju/Dover Forests hike! Maju Forest soon to be redevelop too. 😥
https://www.facebook.com/events/4638218213119726
Gillman-Barracks-HIA_Report.pdf, Appendix 1 & 2
https://www.hdb.gov.sg/-/media/about-us/our-role/plan-and-design-towns/planning-with-the-environment-in-mind/Gillman-Barracks-HIA_Report.pdf
#HikingElite #HikingEliteGroup #GillmanBarracks #GillmanBarracksForest #SingaporeHeritage #MilitaryHistory #NatureWalk #ForestHike #HeritageTrail #ColonialArchitecture #BritishArmy #LabradorPark #Alexandra #NatureConservation #SaveOurForests #VisitBeforeItsGone #SGHeritage #SGHistory #ExploreSingapore #NDP61 #SG61 #ExploreSG #NatureHikeSG #SouthernRidges #SingaporeForests
260810 NDP SG61- Gillman Barracks, Insignia Crests, Low Wall, Swimming Pool, Heritage Buildings, Forest Trails, Redevelopment #HikingElite Group
https://www.facebook.com/events/1393755962895941