The former National Aerated Water Company is one of the last few reminders of Singapore’s industrial past.(Photo: Savills Singapore)
In recognition of its heritage value and role as a landmark within the area, the main building of the former National Aerated Water Factory will be gazetted for conservation, announced the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on 15 December.
Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB), the building owner, is supportive of the conservation efforts and is closely working with URA in keeping the building as part of Singapore’s national history.
SDB managing director Teh Lip Kim said the Art Deco Style building is set to be transformed into a “unique and lively commercial area located next to a park connector, adjacent to the Kallang River”.
A well-known local landmark along Serangoon Road, the building was completed in 1954 and served as a bottling factory that produced famous soft drinks such as Kickapoo Joy Juice, Sinalco and Royal Crown Cola.
URA revealed that its two-storey L-shaped main building facing Serangoon Road will be conserved, together with the signage tower, balcony with brick parapets, concrete sun shading ledge and the Art Deco timber transom panels.
The conserved building, which will be kept fenceless along the river and the main road, will be integrated into a new residential development, it added.
Commenting on the conservation, URA chief executive officer Lim Eng Hwee, said: “This building is not only historically significant as a familiar landmark along the Kallang River, it also holds fond memories for Singaporeans for the popular soft drinks it produced from the 1950s to 1990s.”
“We are heartened that Selangor Dredging Berhad sees the significance of the building and supports its conservation. The conservation of this heritage-rich building would not have been possible without the support from the owner and recognition of the building’s significance from the community,” he added.
This article was edited by Keshia Faculin.
