Potential Gillman Barracks housing would be sought after but must balance heritage, environment needs: Experts

For now, it's business as usual for tenants operating within the art cluster, which has been announced as a site for possible residential development.

It also includes the campus of the Academy of Singapore Teachers, and a sizeable forest that separates it from public housing estates in Telok Blangah. Apart from being located near the city centre, Gillman Barracks is also in close proximity to a business park in Pasir Panjang and the future Dr Joshi recommended that a heritage impact assessment be done for the site to ascertain its tangible and intangible significance as well as the impact of any new development; and to suggest mitigation measures.

In 1971, as the British withdrew its military from Singapore, Gillman Barracks was handed over to the Singapore government for a token sum of S$1. It said then that it planned to attract more tenants with “novel concepts” such as unique dining options and farmers’ markets.Former military barracks and buildings at the Gillman Barracks are now home to more than 20 restaurants, cafes and art galleries.

It also has potential as a safe haven for migratory forest birds. If given enough time, the forested area can develop into an even richer, more complex and ecologically valuable habitat than it is today, said Dr Lum.This is because the Gillman Barracks provides a connection between the Southern Ridges to its north and Berlayer Creek and Labrador Nature Reserve to its south, Dr Lum explained.

“Remove the forested area of Gillman entirely and the ability of wildlife to move from north to south across the island, and then east and west along the southern shores, could be curtailed considerably,” Dr Lum concluded. Didi's co-head of lifestyle operations Ewan Wong told CNA the announcement of a possible housing development brought “mixed reactions”.

Likewise, Mr Roger Yip, director of Hopscotch, said reassurance from the authorities on their leases has soothed the biggest concern for business owners like him. Ms Audrey Yeo, owner of the Yeo Workshop, said art galleries like hers have been “integral” to building up Gillman Barrack's identity, by organising exhibitions and events over the years.

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