Located in the heart of Singapore and surrounded by the lushness of MacRitchie Reservoir, the future Catholic Hub at 49 Upper Thomson Road will serve the long-term needs of our Church. Sited on the Church’s largest freehold property in Singapore, it will have a total gross floor area of 46,100 m2, and will be developed in three phases.
Provisional planning approval has been obtained for the first phase of the project, estimated to cost $83 million. Written permission of the design is expected by end-2022 and a tender for construction is in progress. St Theresa’s Home, currently located there and run by Catholic Welfare Services, will move to improved facilities before Phase 2 begins.
Since 2015, the building committee under the Archdiocesan Land and Properties Singapore (ALPS) has consulted potential users on their needs and engaged the authorities on design and construction plans, including during the 18-month delay while the government studied the environmental impact of the MRT Cross Island Line.
As a large shared resource, the Catholic Hub ensures that organisations, parishes and other Church groups using it as a venue for activities can focus on their ministries and fuel the growth of the Church through a wider outreach. Key archdiocesan organisations will be relocated here, strengthening their existing collaborations to serve the community better, with the support of amenities such as a configurable multi-purpose hall and retreat facilities.
Designed with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ in mind, the Catholic Hub will be interspersed with greenery and several themed gardens, providing conducive areas for prayer and reminding us of our oneness with all creation.
Several existing St Theresa’s Home buildings have been identified for conservation to preserve the historical significance of the site, dating as far back as 1937 when the Little Sisters of the Poor ran Singapore’s first home for the aged and destitute. To help Singaporeans appreciate our faith’s enduring legacy, there are plans for a heritage centre in one of these conserved buildings. In addition, a residence for senior clergy will ensure that our priests can retire with comfort and grace, yet still continue to exercise their ministry for those who come to the Catholic Hub. As one Body of Christ, let us look forward to the completion of the Catholic Hub that will provide restoration and renewal.
Producer-Presenter, CatholicSG Radio
