Part of Tanjong Pagar rail terminus to make way for new Cantonment Station

According to The Straits Times, parts of the historic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station's platforms will be making way for the construction of the new underground Cantonment station on the Circle Line. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said yesterday it will seek advice from the heritage community on "possible solutions" for the two affected parallel stretches. The railway station was gazetted a national monument in 2011, alongside two 80m stretches of the platforms. The remaining 350m on each side are not part of the gazette.

The Straits Times understands that the authorities met six heritage experts on Tuesday and presented them with three options. They were: to preserve the old platforms by dismantling, storing and reinstating them; to produce a replica; or to create a "new interpretation" of the railway platforms.

All the experts picked the first option. Singapore Heritage Society (SHS) President Chua Ai Lin said, "It is the only choice if you are serious about preserving history. The platforms must be reinstated as they are crucial in maintaining the railway's integrity."

LTA has also engaged Studio Lapis, an architectural conservation specialist consultancy. Its co-founder, architectural restoration specialist Ho Weng Hin, said the second option is not feasible because builders cannot replicate the former station's reinforced concrete platform structures to the "same level of craftsmanship and proportions", he said.

LTA Chief Executive Chew Men Leong said the Cantonment location was selected as it fits in with the overall alignment, will serve existing catchments, and cater to future developments such as the Greater Southern Waterfront.