An unmapped reservoir the size of three badminton courts and survived two World Wars has been discovered by the National Heritage Board (NHB).
The reservoir was found near Telok Belangah by a group of NHB researchers in February during a routine research about Singapore while looking over historical maps. The “Forgotten Reservoir” disappeared off maps since the 1980s, and the discrepancy piqued their curiosity — leading to further investigation and the eventual stumble on the long abandoned body of water.
The team of researchers made five visits to the reservoir to study more about its significance, and have even produced a documentary with footage recorded through Google Glass.
The research found that the waterbody measuring two metres deep, was a water source for Tanjong Pagar Dock in 1905, and subsequently became a private reservoir and swimming pool that regularly changed owners before being abandoned.
According to historical newspaper reports, NHB also found out that two soldiers and a youth drowned in the reservoir in 1936 and 1948 respectively.
Speaking to TODAY, NHB group director Alvin Tan mentions that the land has been zoned for park use and did not see any forthcoming developments.
Photo: YouTube screengrab
Read Also: Video: Old Singapore Airlines TVC shows Collyer Quay, Orchard Road, Paya Lebar Airport in late '70s
An unmapped reservoir the size of three badminton courts and survived two World Wars has been discovered by the National Heritage Board (NHB).
The reservoir was found near Telok Belangah by a group of NHB researchers in February during a routine research about Singapore while looking over historical maps. The “Forgotten Reservoir” disappeared off maps since the 1980s, and the discrepancy piqued their curiosity — leading to further investigation and the eventual stumble on the long abandoned body of water.
The team of researchers made five visits to the reservoir to study more about its significance, and have even produced a documentary with footage recorded through Google Glass.
The research found that the waterbody measuring two metres deep, was a water source for Tanjong Pagar Dock in 1905, and subsequently became a private reservoir and swimming pool that regularly changed owners before being abandoned.
According to historical newspaper reports, NHB also found out that two soldiers and a youth drowned in the reservoir in 1936 and 1948 respectively.
Speaking to TODAY, NHB group director Alvin Tan mentions that the land has been zoned for park use and did not see any forthcoming developments.
Photo: YouTube screengrab
Read Also: Video: Old Singapore Airlines TVC shows Collyer Quay, Orchard Road, Paya Lebar Airport in late '70s