Singapore’s Gillman Barracks arts centre to become lifestyle destination after several major galleries give up their leases
- After 10 years as a centre for contemporary art the former barracks are being refashioned, with restaurants and a farmer’s market among the new attractions
- Some art galleries will remain there in the hope this revitalises the area, but others doubt an increase in visitors will translate to more art purchases
Singapore’s Gillman Barracks was built for the British Army in 1936 and continued to serve as a military training centre after the city state gained independence in 1965. However, since being demobilised, the complex has found it difficult to adjust to civilian life.
In September 2012, the restored barracks were repurposed as a cluster of international art galleries with other art-related tenants, but the complex is now set to be refashioned into a lifestyle destination, with culinary options such as farm-to-table dining and a farmer’s market.
The S$2 million (US$1.45 million) rejuvenation plans were announced on May 24 by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the government agency that took over as landlord from JTC Corporation in March 2020.
Many of the arts tenants who have renewed their leases with SLA view the transformation of Gillman Barracks as necessary for the viability of the district.
“Any effort to increase engagement and to bring more visitors to GB is very much welcome,” says Mae Anderson, chairperson of non-profit Art Outreach. “I don’t think we would thrive if it’s only an arts enclave.”
