The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall restoration project in Singapore has recently been completed. The historic complex, which was designed in the Victorian Revivalist style and first opened in 1905, comprises two buildings and a clock tower joined together. It underwent major refurbishment from 2010 to restore and upgrade the national monument to modern standards while preserving its historic features. This involved excavating two basement levels within the conserved facade, underpinning parts of the wall, and strengthening old foundations. Modern fire safety, ventilation and air conditioning systems were also incorporated discreetly. The restoration works have transformed the spaces into facilities for world-class performances while protecting the aesthetic character of the heritage structure.

1. 64 jan/feb 2015
n Heritage Project
T
he Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
restoration project in Singapore has
recently been completed. Located in
the country’s civic district spanning over
14,000sqm,theentirecomplexwasgazetted
a National Monument in 1992.
It was designed by Municipal engineer
John Bennett during the era of Victorian
Revivalism. The influence of the period
can be seen reflected in its design, which
includes features like Italianate windows
and rusticated columns. The foundation of
the complex was first laid down in 1862, and
officially inaugurated by the governor of the
Straits Settlements, John Anderson, on 18
October 1905.
Since its inception, Victoria Theatre
has been the chosen venue for some of
Singapore’s most prestigious cultural events
like the Singapore Arts Festival, Singapore
Sun Festival and weekly performances by the
Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
The historic complex comprises
two buildings and a clock tower joined
The Everlasting Vintage
Above, all images: The Victoria Theatre
and Concert Hall is a historic complex
that includes two buildings and a clock
tower joined together.
together. Both buildings were closed for
major refurbishment in 2010. T.Y. Lin
International Pte Ltd was commissioned to
carry out the civil and structural (C&S) as
well as mechanical and electrical (M&E)
design services of the project for the
National Arts Council (NAC).
Restoration works
T.Y. Lin, working in conjunction with
NAC, developed a preservation scheme to
overcome technical challenges associated
with protecting the aesthetic features of the
heritagestructureandupgradingittomodern
day standards.

2. jan/feb 201565
n Heritage Project
Restoration of the complex included
the excavation and construction of two
basement levels within the conserved theatre
facade walls that were founded on shallow
brick pedestals. One of the key structural
challenges in delivering the restoration
works was to underpin part of the theatre
facade wall to enable the basement structure
to extend under the Old Parliament Lane
and the Atrium area. The old foundations of
the conserved structures were strengthened
in order to transform both spaces into
modern facilities to cater for world class
performances.
To provide a column-free foyer space, four
pairs of existing columns within the Concert
Hall that were added during the previous
renovation were removed and two pairs of
steel columns concealed in the conserved
load bearing walls were introduced. The
additional loads of the new spiral staircase
and platform located just above the foyer and
the circle seats structure are suspended from
steel trusses by the hangers.
The team was creative, flexible and
innovative in developing the design with the
objective of accommodating to the acoustic
demands of different noise criterion for the
Above, all images: The complex under restoration.
theatre and concert hall. To bring the heritage
structure in line with modern day standards
demanded the introduction of modern
fire protection, smoke extraction and air-
conditioning systems under the preservation
scheme. Focusing heavily on standards and
quality, the team successfully introduced
modern technology and equipment into
the heritage structure despite tight space
constraints. n