Physical Changes of Singapore River

In this map of 1819, the area surrounding the Singapore River was largely occupied by swamps, forests and hills. There was nothing but impenetrable forests to the water's edge in all directions. The only open space that was not occupied by forests was the Temenggong's compound in which a small community of people resided.

There was a rocky point near to mouth of Singapore River which had a tooth-like rock formation. This gave rise to the name "Dragon Teeth Strait", which the locals and travelers alike used to call the area near the mouth of Singapore River.

Title: Singapore River and Environs 1819

Source: Dobbs , S. (2003). The Singapore River – A Social History 1819-2002. Singapore: Singapore University Press

In this map, Raffles had drawn out the Town Plan on which he had designed for Singapore's future development. One of the islets which was closest to the mouth of Singapore River, had been reclaimed and joined to the South Bank. Swamps and areas which were prone to flooding were also reclaimed and leveled up. This land was then set aside for the locals for residential purposes. Part of the land closer to the mouth of the river on the South Bank was reserved for 'public purposes', such as banks and markets.

Title: Raffles Town Plan 1819

Source: Dobbs , S. (2003). The Singapore River – A Social History 1819-2002. Singapore: Singapore University Press.

Title: Singapore River 1969

Source: Dobbs , S. (2003). The Singapore River – A Social History 1819-2002. Singapore: Singapore University Press

By 1869, only 3 islets were left in the Singapore River. The rest of the islets had been reclaimed by connecting to the South Bank of the Singapore River.

The forests surrounding the river were also cleared for plantations such as pepper. In addition, factories were built in the upper reaches of the river. There was also a distillery.

By 1869, there were at least three bridges connecting the North Bank and South Bank (North and South Boat Quay) of the river. These three bridges are Cavenagh Bridge (1868), Coleman Bridge (1840) and Elgin Bridge (1863).

By 1983, there was only one islet left in the river. The rest of the islets had been reclaimed and joined to the North Bank and the area was named Robertson Quay.

Singapore was undergoing large scale land reclamation during this period. As a result, the area near the mouth of the Singapore River had been reclaimed forming a bay which was the Marina Bay.

There was a Merlion Park near the Anderson Bridge which was opened by then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The Merlion, which symbolises the ancient city of Temasek with its fish-like body and the head of a lion, was a design inspired by the legend of the discovery of Singapore by Prince Nila Utama in the 11th century. The lion head of the Merlion represented the lion from the legend of Singapore's discovery, whereas the fish-like body symbolises the ancient city of Temasek.

Title: Singapore River 1983

Source: Dobbs , S. (2003). The Singapore River – A Social History 1819-2002. Singapore: Singapore University Press

The Merlion, which was built by a local craftsman - Lim Nang Seng, was formally installed in the Merlion Park on 15th September 1972 by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, greeting visitors to Singapore from the mouth of the Singapore River.

There were also many Quays along the Singapore River, namely Ho Puah Quay, Peng Siang Quay, Alkaff Quay, Earle Quay, Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, North Boat Quay and Boat Quay. The development of the river went further upstream with many of the plantations being converted into factories and godowns. This was because the land around the river was not suitable for cultivation due to poor soil quality.

Title: Singapore River Planning Area Sub-zones

Source: Dobbs , S. (2003). The Singapore River – A Social History 1819-2002. Singapore: Singapore University Press.

However in 1994, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) took over the urban planning of the Singapore River. The river was divided into 3 main quays, which were Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. The land use of this area was divided to serve different purposes.

Boat Quay, which used to be a location that catered mainly to different business and financial houses, continued to house most of the international companies and banks. However, different restaurants and pubs now operate in the shop houses along the banks. Clarke Quay was planned as an area for dining, shopping and entertainment and Robertson Quay was to be a upmarket residential and commercial area.

By 2002, Pulau Saigon, which was the last islet in the river, had been reclaimed connecting it to the South Bank forming part of the Clarke Quay. The old Pulau Saigon Bridge,was demolished due to the reclamation process. A new Pulau Saigon Bridge was rebuilt in 1997 close to the original site.

Facilities for recreation (e.g. dining and entertainment) were also being set up along the river and in its vicinity. One of which was the food court located next to river in front of Empress Place Building. Much of the development taking place along the river was focused on Boat Quay and part of Clarke Quay.

 

 

 

In the recent years, Singapore River again underwent several changes. New buildings are constantly being built along the river, especially large scale residential projects along the upper reaches.

On the other hand, old buildings are also given a new lease of life and this can be seen through the old Fullerton Building that had been converted to a hotel and the Empress Place Building into the Asian Civilisation Museum.

Title: Tourist Map of Singapore

Source: Singapore Tourism Board. (2005). The Official Map of Singapore. Singapore: Red Dot Publishing Inc.

A new bridge, the Esplanade Bridge, was constructed across the mouth of Singapore River, connecting the Esplanade and the Fullerton. Next to this bridge, the new Merlion Park was constructed and the Merlion was moved from its old residence to this new one in 2002.