Dating back to 1862, The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is Singapore’s oldest performing arts venue, with a long and distinguished history: serving as a hospital during the Battle of Singapore, hosting numerous key political events, and seeing the first ever performance of Singapore’s national anthem, Majulah Singapura, in 1958. The entire complex was designated a National Monument in 1992. Restoration of the complex included the excavation of two basement levels, the restoration and strengthening of façade walls, the creation of new, column-free spaces, the restoration of the Atrium and new, improved access to the clock tower.
The judges were impressed by this bold structural undertaking which restores an intricate 150 year old concert hall, requiring numerous structural interventions in order to bring it into the 21st Century. It was notable how the structural work was carried out with sensitivity and great care for the historical features, further enhancing the building.