A Quiet Departure of a Powerhouse

SINGAPORE – Nestled along the Woodlands Waterfront Promenade, the remnants of Singapore's industrial might loom behind a tangle of vegetation. Once a vibrant hub, the former Shell Woodlands North Lube Oil Blending Plant is now a ghost of its former self, standing abandoned on a five-hectare plot that was once alive with activity.

With little reason to visit Woodlands, the site was off my radar until an invitation from local tour operator Hidden Heritage Singapore opened the door to this forgotten world.

Unlocking the Gates of the Past

Operated by the dynamic duo of Stanley Cheah and Amanda Cheong, the Industrial Relics and Wartime Secrets tour invites thrill-seekers to explore the dilapidated factory. This tour is not just about the old plant; it also takes visitors to the haunting grounds of the former View Road Hospital and Singapore's only refugee camp, Hawkins Road Refugee Camp.

Shell moved its operations to a state-of-the-art facility in Tuas in 2017, rendering the Woodlands plant obsolete. Its doors have remained largely shut since, preserving a page from Singapore's industrial history.

A Glimpse into Industrial Glory

Inaugurated in 1963 by then Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee, the plant played a pivotal role in positioning Singapore as a key player in the petrochemical industry, producing upwards of 200 million liters of lubricants annually at its peak. Today, the Tuas facility, with its advanced technology, eclipses this output, boasting a capacity of 430 million liters.

Inside the old plant, remnants of its storied past come to life through stories from guides. Tour-goers learned that conveyor belts once hustled empty drums, where workers painstakingly labeled them before they were filled with oils and greases.

Echoes from Employees of Yesteryear

The tour was punctuated by anecdotes from those who toiled within these walls, including Zulkhairi Khalil, who reminisced about his experiences as one of the last operators in the plant. The once-thriving noise of workers sharing tales over lunch has been replaced with silence, evoking a profound sense of loss.

Further insights came from local heritage bloggers like Jerome Lim, who pointed out that the land's history stretches back to the British naval base that once thrived in the area, making it ideal for industrial use.

A Community Lost and Gentrified

Not just the blending plant faces oblivion; nearby residential blocks in Marsiling are also set for demolition in favor of an expanded Woodlands Checkpoint. This acquisition affects hundreds of families, prompting nostalgia and a bittersweet goodbye as they prepare for relocation.

What Lies Ahead for the Shell Site?

As speculation mounts about the future of the Shell plant, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority confirmed that the old facility will indeed face demolition. This move is part of a larger strategy to modernize and manage Singapore's ever-evolving landscape.

While the shell of the Woodlands North plant may soon witness its end, its legacy as a foundation of Singapore's industrial journey remains etched in the memories of those who walked its halls. The collapse of such structures raises questions about what is preserved in the march towards progress.

A Balance Between the Old and the New

As Singapore continues to evolve, the challenge lies in keeping the balance between progress and heritage. While the Shell Woodlands North plant may not boast the charm of other historic landmarks, it encapsulates a pivotal chapter of Singapore's industrial narrative. As it prepares to fade from the skyline, only memories and stories will linger, waiting for the next transformative chapter in Singapore's ongoing story.