4th Dream of the Singapore River series:
Imagine how Singapore would look like…
If we had not demolished the many Victorian and Moorish buildings that once decorated the Collyer Quay waterfront, the Fullerton Square and Raffles Place,
If we had not flattened Mount Wallich, Scotts Hill and reclaimed the Telok Ayer Bay,
If we had not cleared all the boats off Boat Quay.
““***““
The original Lau Pat Sat would be jutting out into the sea.
Singapore would have a square as charming as those found in Europe.
The Tan Kim Seng Fountain would be standing proudly in the centre of Fullerton Square.
We would have a Fort by the sea at the tip of Battery Road, like the Fort in Penang and Galle.
““***““
I thought the current Fullerton Building and the Victoria Concert Hall are grand old dames. When I learnt about their predecessors – the original General Post Office and the Old Town Hall respectively, I thought they were even more beautiful!
““***““
I imagine how the mighty Pinnacles could be integrated smartly into this charming heritage district of Singapore.
I imagine our dear Merlion gracing our historic Merlion Park happily ever before.
I imagine, with a tinge of regret, what an enchanting city centre Singapore once had.
““***““