The Padang
Event Specific Site
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The history of the Downtown Core dates from the Raffles era. Founded as a trading port, Singapore saw its earliest developments on both banks of the Singapore River. For about one mile inland from the river mouth, the north bank was cleared and reserved for government, civic and other uses associated with the lifestyle of the colonial officials.
The oldest surviving building, now Parliament House, was erected here in 1827. Here laid the first streets in Singapore - High Street, North Bridge Road and Hill Street; some of the earliest churches including the present St. Andrew Cathedral; and one of the island's oldest sports club - the Singapore Cricket Club. The Padang, planned during the Raffles era and later enlarged to its present size, has always been kept as a public open space.
The Padang, located at heart of Singapore's central business district, is not just any ordinary green space. Surrounded by a backdrop of grand, historic buildings and beautiful skylines, the Padang has been a space for pomp and pageantry. It was the venue for the swearing-in of Singapore's first president, Mr Yusof Ishak, on 3 December 1959 and is a popular venue for sports, line-dancing and rock concerts. Like our city's front yard, this is the space where we can enjoy our civic district in its full glory.
The Padang will be the venue for the Singapore Biennale Opening Party on 1 September 2006.
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