Straits Times: Save these Buildings

Some of the properties the Historic Architecture Rescue Plan hopes to conserve are listed here. The Urban Redevelopment Authority says it is studying whether this can be done for the state-owned properties on the list. As for the privately owned ones - the National Aerated Water Company building in Serangoon Road and Shaw Brothers movie studio in Jalan Ampas, off Balestier Road - the URA said: 'If their owners are willing to consider an alternative to complete redevelopment, we will welcome them to a discussion.'

Old Kandang Kerbau Hospital in Hampshire Road
More than one million babies were born in this hospital, opened in 1924. It has since moved to bigger premises in Bukit Timah Road, and the old building houses the Land Transport Authority headquarters. There are no development plans for the site until 2015.
National Aerated Water Company building in Serangoon Road
The company moved into this building in the 1950s, producing soft drinks like Sinalco, Kickapoo and Royal Crown Cola. The art deco factory exudes an understated charm, despite the stacks of plastic crates that block its ground floor facade these days.

Former Nafa campus in Sophia Road
107A Sophia Road used to be the site of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts' San San Campus from 1984 to 1990. Nafa acquired the site with the help of the Hokkien Clan Association. Notable features include wall art in the courtyard, one wall depicting different sports and the other showcasing various art forms.

Alexandra Hospital in Alexandra Road
Established in 1938, it was the principal hospital for the British in the Far East. It became a public hospital in 1971. Staff at the hospital will move to a new 450-bed facility in Yishun in 2009.

Ellison building in MacKenzie Road
Erected in 1924, the yellow and green building is unique for the two domes on its roof, from which British governors reportedly watched horse races. Named after its original Jewish owner, the building still bears a Star of David sign beside its name. Now owned by the Government, it is leased out to eating houses, convenience stores and clothing stores.

Old Fire Station in Upper Bukit Timah Road
The station was used by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) from 1956 to 2005. According to the SCDF, it was used by the British military before that.

Former police headquarters in Pearl's Hill Terrace
Built in 1934, this building was used in pre-war days as the living quarters of the Sikh Contingent, which was disbanded in 1946 after World War II. It was used as police headquarters from 1989 to 2001.

Shaw Brothers film studio in Jalan Ampas
Behind the discoloured walls of the Shaw Brothers film studio in Jalan Ampas is an illustrious history. Established in 1937, it was used by the Japanese to make propaganda films during World War II and reopened by Shaw in 1947 as Malay Film Production Ltd, which closed in 1967. This was the place which shot the film legend P. Ramlee to fame.

House at 25 Gilstead Road
The imposing manor, built in 1927, was the childhood home of author Leslie Charteris, whose books inspired The Saint TV series.

Old Yan Kit Swimming Complex in Tanjong Pagar
A locked gate greets visitors these days, since the complex was closed permanently in 2001, having been deemed unsafe. It was the first public swimming complex to open in Singapore in 1952. It was named after a wealthy, influential Cantonese dentist, Look Yan Kit.

Atbara House at 5 Gallop Road
The French embassy used to be located in this black and white building, which was designed by Regent Alfred John Bidwell in 1898.