The Bukit Timah Railway Station has finally reopened to the public after two years of restoration works. Located around the midway point of the 24km Rail Corridor, the Railway Station is part of a new 4.3-hectare space for the community.
Visitors can now learn about the history of the former railway station in a heritage gallery located in the old railway station. There, you can also pick up a cup of coffee at the cafe housed in the former staff quarters and enjoy the new amenities, gardens and lawns.
The station’s heritage has been properly preserved to retain its nostalgic charm. Built in 1932, the Bukit Timah Railway Station building retains its original features such as its key architectural and railway elements – think track switching levers, ticketing booth and the replica of a signals diagram in the signal room. It has been repurposed as a heritage gallery for you to learn about the history of the Rail Corridor, said URA and NParks. The conserved Railway Staff Quarters, on the other hand, has turned into a cafe offering local and fusion fare.
In front of the building, more restored features can be found, including station signs and token poles. There are also replicas of railway station wagons that were used as railway maintenance vehicles.
To make the area accessible and interactive to the public, URA has added ramps and wagons as a play feature and photo opportunity. The toilet block is also given an upgrade while showcasing how sanitation systems evolved throughout the decades. A new sheltered yard has also been built as a rest area and gathering point. The Bukit Timah Railway Station community node also has two new gardens – Kampung Garden, and Herb and Spice Garden – a community and an event lawn.
Other developments for the corridor are also in the pipeline. A 6.3km segment between Hillview and Kranji will be open by the end of this year. It will provide more access paths with more greenery around it. A pedestrian bridge will also be reinstated across Hillview Road in 2023.
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