Gillman Barracks, Singapore

I haven’t got down to Singapore for a while or posted anything on Singapore for a bit so I thought I’d make quick mention of the Gillman Barracks which has been converted into an art space and a collection of art galleries. Gillman Barracks is located on the site of a former military camp named after the late General Sir Webb Gillman, a well-known British army officer. Set up in 1936 to accommodate the expansion of the British infantry in Singapore, the camp consists of 14 buildings that were taken over by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in August 1971 as part of the withdrawal of the British military from Singapore. After the SAF vacated the camp in the 1990s, the buildings were used for commercial purposes and the site was renamed Gillman Village in 1996. The site reverted to its original name, Gillman Barracks in 2010 and will open its doors as a contemporary art destination, housing art and creative businesses, as well as dining options.

I’m heading to Singapore the first weekend of November to speak at the Singapore Writers Week so expect to have more on the site then when I can actually get out and see it for myself.

And, by the way, thanks to Sue Anne Tay of the Shanghai Street Stories blog for recommending this great site on Singapore heritage to me.

Gillman Barracks Officers Mess building