THE PERANAKANNyonya Stella Clare Wee shares upcoming plans and the new art installations for the Katong-Joo Chiat area.
The debate over where the true “Peranakan heart” of Singapore resides often centres on two iconic neighbourhoods: Emerald Hill and the Katong-Joo Chiat area. Both districts hold deep historical and cultural significance for Bibiks and Babas, paralleling the importance of Geylang Serai and Kampong Gelam to the Malay community. Recognising their value, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) designated these areas as among Singapore’s first conservation zones in 1989. Today, they stand as vibrant repositories of history and heritage, with countless stories ready to be uncovered.
URA’s Identity Corridors can be viewed here.
Community Engagement in Shaping Identity Corridors
TPAS was among more than 2,300 residents and stakeholders invited by the URA to take part in a series of visioning workshops, site walks, and focus group discussions held from July 2024 to May 2025 as part of the Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025) public engagement. These sessions were aimed at shaping three key Identity Corridors: Historic East, Inner Ring, and Kallang River. Members of our General Committee represented the Association in discussions with the URA in March 2025, participating in both online Zoom focus groups and in-person brainstorming sessions with Katong-Joo Chiat residents and business owners at the Joo Chiat Community Club. Although TPAS does not maintain a physical presence within the precinct, many of our members live in the area, and the Association was honoured to contribute ideas and feedback, considering it a privilege to be “called up for national service” in shaping this significant heritage area.
Unveiling New Public Installations
On 30 August 2025, TPAS attended a special event in the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood for the unveiling of new public installations created by the community. The event was held at 341 Joo Chiat Road, formerly the Joo Chiat Maternal and Child Health Clinic. During the occasion, Mr Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Executive Officer of the URA, announced plans for a new pedestrian mall along East Coast, situated between i12 Katong and Katong V. This pedestrian mall will include landscaping, seating, and open spaces, all inspired by feedback from residents, business owners, and visitors. It is anticipated that this addition will bring new life to the neighbourhood and provide a welcome respite for the area’s many tourists and visitors.
(left) CEO of URA, Mr Lim Eng Hwee, announcing the plans for the Katong-Joo Chiat area
Celebrating Heritage Through Community Art
Following the unveiling, attendees toured the newly installed public spaces, which were developed by a diverse group including students from Institutes of Higher Education and professionals from the architecture and design sectors. Installations such as Kueh Kueh at Katong, Sit in with Tiffin, and The Jetty celebrate Katong-Joo Chiat and Singapore’s heritage, offering vibrant, photogenic moments for visitors.
Additionally, architects Ar Goy Zhenru, Ar Lim Pin Jie, and Ar Lee Hui Lian—featured in URA’s fourth edition of the ‘20 Under 45’ initiative—worked together with the community to introduce a bench and mural at Katong Square and 462 Joo Chiat Road, respectively. These projects were supported by the URA’s Lively Places Fund.
(Right) The Jetty, an installation located along Marine Parade Road and opposite Parkway Parade, conjures echoes of the old Joo Chiat Jetty.
Enriching the Historic East Identity Corridor
Inspired by the rich heritage of Katong-Joo Chiat, these new initiatives will further enhance the charm and vibrancy of the neighbourhood. Much like the welcoming pintu pagar at the entrances of Katong-Joo Chiat’s shophouses, these projects invite residents, stakeholders, and visitors to discover, engage, and create new memories together as part of the Historic East Identity Corridor.
Blueprint of a Shophouse (at 462 Joo Chiat Road), a community mural by OMG Atelier (Ar Lee Hui Lian and Ar Lim Pin Jie), with Jerome Ng and Shivshankar Nair
Further Information
For more details on the Identity Corridors and the Historic East Corridor on the respective links.
URA has also published a guide, available here.
If you are interested in the Draft Masterplan, which is open until 29 November 2025 at 45 Maxwell Road, The URA Centre, Singapore 069118, further information is available here.
