The Rural Balestier Market

In the 1920s, the Balestier Market was built for the locals to sell their produce. During World War II, it was a centre for the distribution of food rations in the area. This is now the only 'rural' market still standing and in operation. Many of the stallholders have been operating their family stalls in the market for generations.

As Singapore's population grew, more residents moved outwards from the city centre. Wealthy developers built more ornate Late-style shophouses in the late 1920s. They can be seen at the junction of Kim Keat Road and Jalan Kemaman. Charming terrace houses were also built along Pegu and Martaban Roads in the simpler Transitional style.

The 1950s was when the Shaw Brothers Film Studios at Jalan Ampas produced many of the films that made up the Golden Age of Singapore and Malay cinema. The well known P Ramlee — actor, musician and director — created his masterpieces off Balestier Road.

In the 1950s and 1970s, public housing was developed by Singapore Improvement Trust and the Housing and Development Board in the Balestier area at St Michael's Estate. This spurred further growth in buildings and activities along the road and the Modern-style shophouses were built. Cinemas, schools, markets were built, adding to the excitement of the street.

A new generation of Singaporeans began to use Balestier Road as their local shopping area. Shops and eateries were established along the road and this continues to this day.

Balestier today has a special mix of the old and new buildings, with an interesting streetscape, a colourful past and a vibrant present. The shophouses and terraces have since given way in part to newer developments such as apartment blocks and shopping centres. Through its buildings and activities — some decades old, some newly established — Balestier Road today reflects its physical and social developmental history over time. Conservation of the more significant older buildings will allow for its rich history to be told and passed on to future generations.