What happened to Singapore's old Outram Prison?

Outram Prison, also known as Pearl's Hill Prison or Civil Jail, operated from 1882 until its closure and demolition in 1963. It served as Singapore's main penal facility before being replaced by Changi Prison to manage overcrowding. Today, the former prison site at the foot of Pearl's Hill is occupied by Housing and Development Board blocks and a shopping complex.

What we know

• Outram Prison was opened in 1882 and originally known as the Civil Jail. [2]
• The prison was demolished in 1963 following the construction of Changi Prison. [2, 4]
• The former prison site was redeveloped to feature Housing and Development Board blocks and a shopping complex. [2]

Where to go next

• what caused itWhy was Changi Prison built to replace Outram?
• what followedWhat stands on the former prison site today?
• a case in pointHow does Outram Park MRT station connect the area?
• the bigger pictureWhat are the subzones of the Outram planning area?
• compared withHow did Changi Prison function during the Japanese occupation?
• an unexpected connectionHow does a major transit hub connect to a demolished jail?Outram Park MRT station features public art like Memories that captures the local heritage and history surrounding the former Pearl's Hill prison site.

Sources

• [1]Outram Prison (Wikidata Q111032603) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Outram Prison · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Outram, Singapore · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Changi Prison · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Outram Park MRT station · CC BY-SA 4.0