Geylang, a neighbourhood in Singapore's city-state, is east of the Central Area, the central business district. It is to the east of the Singapore River, an area that locals have associated, from the days of Sir Stamford Raffles, as a Malay kampong opposite facing two islands Batin and Rokok (where the former National Stadium used to stand), reclaimed to make space for Singapore's first commercial airport opened in 1937. The airport control tower has been preserved that served, in its day, as an observation deck and is today used by the People's Association. The location of Old Airport Road bears witness to the fact that Geylang, under the British administration, was thought to be outside the limits of the city proper and, therefore, suitable for the siting of Singapore's first commercial airport. The hangars for repair for the light aircraft can still be seen today that have been slated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for redevelopment into commercial and shopping precincts linked by the nearby Kallang MRT station.
Over the next 50 years, Geylang's development is most evident along the main road leading to Paya Lebar (military) Airbase and Changi (International) airport. This road, bustling with activity, is where Malay, Indian, and Chinese entrepreneurs established micro-businesses. They ventured into diverse fields, from bicycle and motor repair workshops to supplying wood for boats, houses, and furniture. They also traded in iron, floor and roofing tiles, and rubber and later plastics for various uses, including marine, industrial, factory, and home needs. The rich tapestry of Geylang's commerce is further colored by the multitude of temples, mosques, and churches that have taken root in the area, each serving local worshippers in their quest for spirituality and the divine.
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