RAdm Teo Chee Hean Previews Singapore Management University's Bukit Timah Campus
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[14 June 2001] On 14 June 2001, Minister of Education RAdm Teo Chee Hean will make an official site tour of the Singapore Management University's (SMU) new Bukit Timah campus. Having taken over the premises from the National Institute of Education (NIE) only on 31 December 2000, SMU faced the challenge of transforming the campus into a modern facility with state-of-the-art equipment ready to be occupied by SMU's second intake of students in August 2001. Design and preparation works began about one year before the taking over of the premises. Renovated at an estimated cost of $35 million, the project is nearing its Phase 1A completion comprising a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of about 26,000 m2. This is arguably the fastest redevelopment project in Singapore's building history involving conserved buildings. With the latest teaching facilities and IT infrastructure, the campus will be fully restored and revitalised in phases to house up to a total of 3,500 students by year 2005, when the students will move to its permanent campus in the city.
The Bukit Timah campus is a historic site, having been home to major tertiary institutions in Singapore such as the University of Malaya, the University of Singapore and most recently, the NIE. Some of the buildings have existed as early as 1925 and are currently under a URA conservation programme. One of the biggest challenges in renovating the campus has been balancing the need for high technology and cutting edge facilities in an existing built environment while satisfying conservation regulations and preserving architectural features and the lush greenery. A landscape consultant has been engaged to ensure that the ambience and overall concept plan of the SMU Bukit Timah campus complements the existing Singapore Botanic Gardens. Students can look forward to a charming and conducive environment for studies and relaxation within the vicinity. During his visit, the Minister will be shown the progress of the campus refurbishment and SMU's conservation efforts. |