Former Serangoon Garden South School at 49 Kensington Park Road
Turns out old schools don’t have to stay in the past. After New Bahru transformed the former Nan Chiau High School campus into one of Singapore’s hottest lifestyle destinations, another former school is also getting a second lease of life.
This time, it’s the former Serangoon Garden South School, a 71-year-old building that’s slated to become a new lifestyle hub. While plans are still in the works, here’s everything we know so far.
A school with over 70 years of history
Image credit: MOE Heritage Centre
Established in 1955 at 49 Kensington Park Road, the school even welcomed a visit from then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1963.
Image credit: MOE Heritage Centre
One of its more unique features came in 1984, when a dome-shaped aviary was unveiled on its grounds, and it became home to birds donated by Jurong Bird Park.
Serangoon Garden South School continued to evolve over the years. In 1988, it merged with Serangoon Garden North Primary, before merging again with Zhonghua Primary School in January 2007.
Set to become a health, wellness & community-focused lifestyle destination
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
The former school site, which spans more than 78,000sqft, has been awarded to Top Pave Pte Ltd following a Price-Quality tender.
According to the proposal, the campus will feature a mix of fitness studios, physiotherapy services, TCM clinics, recovery facilities, and community spaces. There’ll also be regular programmes planned to encourage residents of all ages to come together, with an emphasis on inter-generational bonding.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Sustainability is another key focus of the redevelopment. The proposal includes eco-friendly features such as solar panels and energy-efficient systems, allowing the hub to better serve the community while reducing its environmental footprint.
A sneak peek at what the transformed space could look like
For illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Top Pave Pte Ltd
Based on the artist’s impressions, the upcoming lifestyle hub may be called Lumina, although the name has yet to be officially confirmed.
For illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Top Pave Pte Ltd
The visuals suggest a tranquil, nature-inspired space with warm wood finishes, lush greenery and plenty of open-air areas.
For illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Top Pave Pte Ltd
Dedicated spaces for activities such as yoga and ice baths also hint at the health-focused experience visitors can expect.
For illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Top Pave Pte Ltd
There also appear to be communal areas that could host weekend markets and community events.
A new chapter for a familiar landmark
There isn’t an official opening date just yet, but given the scale of the redevelopment, it’ll probably be a few years before the campus welcomes visitors once again. Until then, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates.
More former schools & their history:
- Former SCGS building in Orchard
- Former Teacher’s Training College at 25 Paterson Road
- Old Swiss Cottage Secondary School building
Cover image adapted from: Singapore Land Authority, Top Pave Pte Ltd