Kampong Gelam Historic Area shines as an exemplary reflection of Singapore’s history and evolution.
This mapping project is a live repository created by the Kampong Gelam Alliance (KGA) that showcases the multi-faceted cultural elements of the Kampong Gelam Historic Area, including activities and events, heritage businesses, institutions and organisations, key buildings, sites and spaces, and nature and greenery, among others.
Today...
Kampong Gelam’s extraordinary culture remains ever-present today, and its diverse history comes alive as you stroll through the neighbourhood’s streets and shops. Rows of historic shophouses lining narrow, winding roadways are interrupted beautifully by goods spilling out of storefronts and people sharing meals in outdoor refreshment areas. Arts, murals and colour abound. Many call the area home, intermixed with spaces that house traditional and modern trades. Stunning cultural institutions
and long established enterprises including the Sultan Mosque, Malay Heritage Centre, Aliwal Arts Centre, traditional restaurants and cafes emerge as the streets wind to an end and serve as gathering places for the community.
Kampong Gelam abounds with unique experiences, opportunities and potential which have yet to be fully realised. This plan aims to bring this potential to light.
What Makes Kampong Gelam Unique?
An Authentic Identity
- Living history, vibrant heritage and culture
- Iconic cultural, community and commercial institutions
- Arts and creative sectors reflecting both the old and the emerging scenes
- Multi-Generational ownership of buildings and businesses
- Conserved buildings, each with a story to tell
- Three national monuments – the Sultan Mosque, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque and Istana Kampong Gelam
An Multicultural Community
- Respect for the Islamic religion
- A social space for Malays, Muslims and other ethnicities of all ages
- A multi-ethnic Singaporean community with a sense of mutual respect that is welcoming to all
- Strong connections to South East Asia and populations around the globe
Local Businesses & Brands
- Local independent businesses, many of which are based on historic trades
- Strong entrepreneurial spirit and Kampong Gelam-based brands
- Street shopping with a large diversity of locally and regionally made goods
- Diverse dining options including traditional, contemporary and halal offerings
- Investment in and celebration of local artists, artisans and craftsmen
However, just like many other places, it faces challenges, competition, a historic public realm that needs refreshing, access and infrastructure issues, the need to modernise its offer and attract the right type of investment, whilst protecting its unique identity, culture and population. It needs to work with a fast changing business environment and the aspirations of a range of cultures and communities. It needs to satisfy the
demands of both residents and those that visit. As a place it needs to have a strong voice and the organisational and funding stability that underpins that. These matters have of course not been helped by the unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. It is against this backdrop and the desire to continue to evolve and succeed that the concept of a better performing and managed place is considered vital.
Place Plan Boundary
This map shows the Kampong Gelam Historic Area in red. The area in green is the conservation area.
There’s a story behind many of the streets, businesses, landmarks and conserved buildings.
Consultation & Engagement Feedback
Our Kampong Gelam Values Are:
Values
Our values guide our work and are a touchstone for everything we do. They should be shared with every member of the Kampong Gelam community and be non-negotiable standards that we want to maintain. Our values will be acknowledged, honoured and constantly defended to ensure that change and development occur in accordance with them. They will be presented as a charter for our community to sign up to.
Vision Statement
Kampong Gelam is Singapore’s multi-cultural hub. Home to rich history, craftspeople, creative trades, culinary experiences and a diverse community of residents, we are anchored by our past and inspired by the opportunity to establish a place that welcomes and charms people from all walks of life.
How Can I Be Part of Kampong Gelam Alliance
(CLG)
If you are eligible to be a formal member of the CLG, then you can apply and join. This will enable you to have full rights including voting on appropriate company matters as well as standing for any relevant positions such as a Board Director.
You could be part of one of the work streams, bringing your knowledge and expertise. This would not require you to be a formal member of the CLG.
You could be a ‘Friend of Kampong Gelam’ and be an ambassador for our place as well as a sounding board in relation to the development of our programmes, projects and services.
As a Kampong, we pay attention to our needs as well as the needs of our neighbours because we recognise that we are always stronger together.
You may wish to become a corporate or project sponsor
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Thank you for being part of the Kampong Gelam community.