When it was completed, it occupied an area twice the size of the present compound, which was reduced in 1824 for the construction of North Bridge Road.

[4] The extensive compound of the Istana was enclosed by a perimeter wall, and small kampung-style houses were built around it for the Sultan's kin, servants and artisans.

Leases of portions of the land on which the palace stood had been granted by Sultan Ali, and Tengku Alam continued to collect rents and supported the members of his father's family according to Malay custom.

The Istana has been faithfully restored according to Coleman's design with special emphasis on its setting, retaining the compound, its walled enclosure and the road leading to the building.

The Istana Kampong Gelam was gazetted on 6 August 2015, the eve of Singapore's Golden Jubilee weekend, as a national monument.