Seletar Reservoir Lookout Tower
This “space age” rocket was completed in 1969—coincidentally the same year when the first human landed and walked on the Moon. It was designed by the Public Works Department and constructed by civil engineers and building contractors Toh Seng Sit at what is today’s Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. The 60-foot (18-metre) concrete tower encircled with a platform, which is reached by a circular stairway, offers an expansive view of what was then the largest reservoir in Singapore at the time.
The tower was created as part of a S$27-million scheme to increase the capacity of Seletar Reservoir. Besides expanding it by over 35 times from the original 150-million gallons when it was first completed in the 1920s, the government laid out plans to turn the reservoir’s surroundings into a recreational destination. The completion of the tower was followed by the construction of a zoological gardens nearby and allowing boating on the reservoir.
Both tower and reservoir were officially opened by Princess Alexandra of Great Britain on 11 August 1969. The timing coincided with celebrations for Singapore’s 150th anniversary since it was founded as a British trading post. From the top of the glass-encased viewing tower, she witnessed various performances put up by students before being taken on a boat ride to see the reservoir.
Locations: Upper Seletar Reservoir
Architects: Public Works Department
Year: 1969
Status: Conserved
Sources:
“Big step forward in the Republic’s search for water.” The Straits Times, 10 August 1969, 30.
“Scenic sight reservoir.” The Straits Times, 10 July 1969, 5.
“Princess Alex opens Seletar Reservoir.” The Straits Times, 11 August 1969, 1.
“We are proud to be entrusted by the Public Utilities Board for the Construction of the Viewing Tower Seletar Reservoir.” The Straits Times, 10 August 1969, 34.
Last modified on 17/5/2021. Description by Justin Zhuang.
