Articles
Clementi
Topic
Society
Subtopic
Heritage
Places
6 May 2024
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📷: Clementi Town Centre in the 1970s (HDB)
Situated in the southwestern part of mainland Singapore, ‘Clementi’ brings to mind an area filled with polytechnic and university students, but #DidYouKnow that it was once known as 'Reformatory Road' as there was a boys' home situated along the road? It has been suggested that Clementi Road was named after Sir Cecil Clementi, governor of the Straits Settlements from 1929 to 1934, who was known for establishing the Societies Ordinance in 1889 to suppress Chinese secret societies, and for starting the Queen's Scholarships. However, the road is generally believed to be named after his uncle, Cecil Clementi Smith, governor of the Straits Settlements from 1887 to 1893.
Part of Clementi used to be swamp land; while the other part was made up of kampongs and villages with squatter-type homes, backyard trades, cottage industries, and farms. As the eighth new town to be developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), Clementi was built to be self-sufficient and development took place primarily between 1975 and 1979. While private residential estates such as the Clementi Housing Estate were retained, the HDB resettled more than 800 villagers to make way for the new town. In addition, swamps where the town now borders West Coast Park were reclaimed using earth taken from the town’s northern hills.
Serving the entire town population, the Clementi Town Centre offers a wide range of amenities including a polyclinic, a market-cum-food centre, retail shops and a cinema. In 2011, Clementi Mall – the first development built by HDB with public housing, commercial facilities, and a bus interchange together in one complex – was opened. Clementi is also known for the many tertiary educational institutions located there, including Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore University of Social Sciences, and the National University of Singapore.
Just a few years ago, a gorgeous shot of the charming and rustic-looking Clementi Forest captured in the misty morning managed to seize Singaporeans' attention. Occupying about 85 hectares in area, the Clementi Forest offers a unique hike with abandoned railway tracks, secret tunnels and crossings over muddy streams. Many avid hikers travel to the west in search of this tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Balancing development and conservation in land-limited Singapore is a nuanced task. However, much like Clementi's transformation from Reformatory Road, we can collectively progress by having faith that possible environmental impacts will be carefully managed, and natural elements will be integrated within developments where possible, even as Singapore continues its commitment to future planning and meeting the evolving needs of her citizens.
We’d love to hear about your favourite Clementi moments! Share your experiences, memories, and discoveries, and let’s celebrate the unique charm of Clementi together!