HAW PAR VILLA GOES BACK TO TIGER BALM GARDENS ROOTS

Haw Par Villa in Singapore will revert to its original name, Tiger Balm Gardens, and concept that inspired its creators - Tiger Balm ointment tycoons, the Aw brothers.

The 64-year-old Chinese mythological garden was due to close temporarily on 1 April 2001 for renovation works but the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced today that the park would stay open free to the public under the management of a new operator, Orient Management Pte Ltd.

STB's Senior Director of Special Projects, Mrs Pamelia Lee said: "The plan to reinstate the old charms of the park that was announced in December last year has not changed. What is new though is that the renovation works can now be undertaken gradually without having to close the park and inconvenience visitors."

"We are not planning a major redevelopment. We plan to preserve what we have and slowly upgrade the facilities for the comfort of visitors so that people can spend a pleasant time there in a truly unique Singapore setting", said Mrs Lee.

The preservation plan centres on scaling the park back to its original four hectare core, as created by the Aw brothers in 1937. The use of the land parcels on both sides of the park, which housed audio-visual theatres, a flume ride, amphitheatres and restaurants, are being assessed to see how they can be optimally used to reinforce the overall theme.

Work to restore the statues to their former glory has already started. Two artisans who worked in the park during its heyday in the '60s and '70s will continue to apply their art in the cause of protecting the Chinese mythological exhibits - the only remaining collection of statues of this genre in Asia - against the ravages of time.

In returning the park to its original concept the STB will position the park as a place where visitors can learn about the Chinese heritage and mythology, rather than as a Western-styled entertainment centre which its previous formulation entailed. Making the park a free-access attraction will also entice more visitors such as families, students and tourists to visit the attraction.

By consolidating the park back to its original size, the overheads associated with operating the park could be reduced, making free admission a viable alternative, with income derived from food, beverage and retail elements within the park.

The STB had signed a two-year contract (with an option to re-new for another three years) with Orient Management, led by Colonel (Ret) Chua Tiong Guan to manage the maintenance and security of the park.

Col (Ret) Chua also operates Eco Industrial Environmental Engineering Pte Ltd, a $60 million eco-environment business in Singapore. As a child who grew up with fond memories of the original Tiger Balm Gardens, he sees the potential of the park and the opportunity to play a part in bringing life and activities back to this historic garden.

The improvement works to the park are expected to continue for two years.

The STB would also take into consideration the feedback it received from the public on various ways to make the park more attractive to visitors.

Mrs Lee said: "Some people think that the Haw Par Villa is outdated. The feedback that we received, however, suggests that many Singaporeans would like to see the park remain open. Our challenge is to entice more visitors to the park so that they can appreciate how valuable the park is as a cultural asset that gives insight not just into Chinese mythology, but also into the life and times when the park was built."