We don’t often consider the history behind the local businesses we patronise, but we’ll certainly get the chance to do so soon enough. Making such information more accessible to the masses is new initiative Street Corner Heritage Galleries, put together by the National Heritage Board.
From Mar 10 onwards, learn more about the shops and stores within the Balestier neighbourhood thanks to small-scale exhibitions held within the outlets. Expect displays of historical documents, photographs, artefacts, and all sorts of memorabilia that tell stories of the brand and its relation to the precinct.
Part of the Board’s Our SG Heritage Plan which works to strengthen partnerships with communities, NHB has collaborated with local entrepreneurs who own shops that have at least 30 years of history in the area, to put forth these showcases that are not unlike mini, site-specific museums.
Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah (Credit: Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth)
The places now part of the Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme include well-known traditional bakery Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah and beloved restaurant Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice; as well as places like Lim Kay Khee Optical and Contact Lens Centre, Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory, and Sweetlands Confectionery and Bakery.
And there’ll be more to come. Following the launch of Balestier’s galleries, the initiative will also head to other districts in Singapore, specifically at Kampong Gelam, Little India, Kreta Ayer/Chinatown and Geylang Serai all within the next two years.
So the next time you’re hanging around Balestier, be sure to keep an eye out for these cool exhibits found at the various stores. You just might learn something new about your favourite tau sar piah pastry shop.
More information about the Street Corner Heritage Galleries here.
