Gillman Barracks

The camp included married quarters for officers, barracks buildings, sports facilities, messes, regimental institutes and even a swimming pool.

The main colonial building was repainted and renovated to include commercial spaces such as cafés, restaurants, bars and furniture shops.

[7] The idea was to draw people to this slightly hidden enclave with the promise of colonial charm and delicious food and beverage options.

The Identity Plans were met with strong public support, as shown by surveys done at the URA centre from 23 July to 23 October 2002.

The Singapore design label Supermama, the Creamier ice cream shop and the Australian gallery Sullivan+Strumpf moved in instead.

[15] In 2020, partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two more galleries have left the art district, throwing further doubts on the future of Gillman Barracks amidst the difficulty times.

[18][19] Known as the primary colonial building, it once housed some of the British Army's most well-known warrant officers, such as General Sir Webb Gillman himself.

Similar big windows, wide corridors and high arches are still present, allowing for good ventilation within the building.

Today, the similar side steps which used to lead up to the school are covered by grown trees and vegetation, with art fixtures near Block 37.

In its conception, the Gillman Barracks aims to foster cultural exchange and creation, generating discourse and research and showcasing innovative art.

The galleries, education and outreach efforts are to establish Singapore as an important centre for contemporary art in Asia.

Artists include both the established and emerging such as Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Heman Chong, Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara and Sebastião Salgado.