SELEGIE

This is an old block of flats at Selegie where my classmate and a relative used to stay. After some upgrading a few years ago, the facade definitely looked more presentable.


I passed by the area recently and took these photos of the gardening by the residents of the block. Most of them are making full use of the opening in the railings to grow plants. Anyway, I do think that people who stay in older residences are often more attuned towards growing plants. I absolutely adore the Plumbago capensis or auriculata with blue flowers. Mine is growing through a gap in the corridor wall and hope it would soon look like this.

SELEGIE ROAD

These old HDB blocks along Selegie Road became an icon only after they were upgraded and painted in red and white.

Just like the blocks in Rochor Centre that were painted green, yellow, blue and red, the blocks never stood out in this cityscape until they were given a of fresh coat of bright paint!

On the left of this photo is a new institutional building and on the right are concrete foundation blocks that tell of a development project that would sprout up in its place.

Would these HDB blocks remain amidst the changing landscape? Would we lose it like our National Library at Stamford Road and National Theatre at River Valley Road? Whilst these blocks do not hold as much heritage value as the former 2 iconic buildings, they hold a place in my heart.

I am sure it holds a much bigger place in my classmate's heart as he was still staying there the last time we were in contact with each other. A few of us used to gather at his place to play board games e.g. Risk, before we go out for our makan or movies etc. It has been years since he spoke of plans to move to a bigger place with his parents and I suppose he no longer stays there?