25 May 2013 (Saturday)
Restoration and Renovation works are underway for the pre-war Old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha building which served as a prayer hall for more than 50 years from 1931 to 1981.
The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Building Committee has embarked on restoring and renovating the Old Gurdwara Sahib Building. A donation drive is underway to raise funds for this work, which is targeting to bring new life and new use to the once prayer premises.
The old Gurdwara building seats adjoining to the current building complex, being a pre-war neoclassic style double story bungalow which was built in 1918. It was purchased in 1932 and served the local congregation for close to 50 years until 1981.
After the new land was purchased and a new building constructed, the old premises was left vacant for much of the time, with occasional use as dormitory and lecture facilities venue for the Gurmat Parchar Samelans for Sikh Youth (Camps) and as classrooms for the Punjabi Language programme of the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF).
Due to its age, with wear and tear; its physical condition has deteriorated progressively over the years.
Now it requires major repair, restoration and refurbishment to make it safe and conducive for occupation and use.
Details of the Project
While retaining the external facade intact, the project involves virtually rebuilding the entire interior structure:
- Strengthening the foundations - this will require a new foundation slab to be constructed under the entire building.
- Strengthening the pillars and beams.
- Replacing the 2nd storey with a new reinforced concrete floor slab.
- Replacing the roof of the building.
- Replacing the windows, doors and other incidental interior works.
- Replacing and upgrading the mechanical and electrical systems.
- Plastering and repainting the building.
As of May 2013, some preliminary works have been completed. Formal approvals from relevant Government agencies are awaited. The current target for completion is by October 2013.
The estimated cost for the works is S$1.5m. On completion of the works, parts of the building will be a source of regular income while other areas can be used to serve emerging religious and social needs of the Sangat.
The first floor has been earmarked for childcare/kindergarten use. The second floor will be developed on an open concept for the Sangat/ Management Committee to allocate its usage.