Raffles' Town Plan Information Board

In 1819, before Raffles had left he had given instructions to Farquhar on how land could be allocated in town. However, this was not done and Raffles set up a planning town committee made up of Captain Davis, George Bonham, a civil servant and A. L. Johnston, a leading merchant. The surveyor Lieutenant Philip Jackson was recruited to draw up the first Singapore Town Plan. There was an emphasised on harmony, efficiency and good sanitation the town.

This was done so as to prevent the same scenario, similar to that of Georgetown Penang from reoccurring. They did not want the place to develop separately like in India which eventually resulted in poor living conditions for the people. Adapting the Indian colonial plan, a fort was also built in Singapore which is known to us as Fort Canning Park.

The main purpose of the town plan was aimed at curbing disorderly growth of the settlement. The Singapore River is used as a natural boundary used to divide the ethinic zone. The North Bank was allocated for government use while the South Bank was allocated for finance and commercial use.

The layout for street was clearly stated and design of the buildings was also included. Kampong Glam was allocated the Malays, Bugis, Javanese and Arabs as the Sultan’s palace was allocated there. Intially, Telok Ayer was allocated to the Chinese but due ito the increase in population of the Chinese immigrants, more space had to be allocated to the them like, Kreta Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh. The Indians was allocated to Kampong Chulia and was given more space.

The River Merchants

This sculpture shows a merchant interacting with local coolies carrying goods on their bullock cart. This man was one of Singapore's earliest merchants, Mr Alexander Laurie Johnston. The sculpture is placed at the site of the former godowns owned by Mr Johnston.

"Bird"

Along the river promenade, a sculpture of a bird by famous South American sculptor, Fernando Botero can be seen. It is associated with peace and serenity. It symbolises the joy of living and power of optimism. The sculpture allows one the pleasure of caressing reality. What the sculptor wants to share is the sensual complicity of his sculpture.