[14 June 2001]
RAdm Teo Chee Hean Previews Singapore Management
University's Bukit Timah Campus
Record Refurbishment Period
for Historic University Site
On 14 June 2001, Minister of Education
RAdm Teo Chee Hean will make an official site tour
of the Singapore Management University's (SMU) new
Bukit Timah campus.
Having taken over the premises from
the National Institute of Education (NIE) only on
31 December 2000, SMU faced the challenge of transforming
the campus into a modern facility with state-of-the-art
equipment ready to be occupied by SMU's second intake
of students in August 2001. Design and preparation
works began about one year before the taking over
of the premises. Renovated at an estimated cost of
$35 million, the project is nearing its Phase 1A
completion comprising a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of
about 26,000 m2. This is arguably the fastest redevelopment
project in Singapore's building history involving
conserved buildings.
With the latest teaching facilities
and IT infrastructure, the campus will be fully restored
and revitalised in phases to house up to a total
of 3,500 students by year 2005, when the students
will move to its permanent campus in the city.
| 1A |
2,000 |
$27 million |
August 2001 |
| 1B |
$3.5 million |
| 1C |
3,000 |
Tender not called yet |
December 2001 |
| 1D |
3,500 |
Tender not called yet |
June 2002 |
The Bukit Timah campus is a historic
site, having been home to major tertiary institutions
in Singapore such as the University of Malaya, the
University of Singapore and most recently, the NIE.
Some of the buildings have existed as early as 1925
and are currently under a URA conservation programme.
One of the biggest challenges in renovating the campus
has been balancing the need for high technology and
cutting edge facilities in an existing built environment
while satisfying conservation regulations and preserving
architectural features and the lush greenery. A landscape
consultant has been engaged to ensure that the ambience
and overall concept plan of the SMU Bukit Timah campus
complements the existing Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Students can look forward to a charming and conducive
environment for studies and relaxation within the
vicinity.
During his visit, the Minister will
be shown the progress of the campus refurbishment
and SMU's conservation efforts. |
