Clifford Pier, Singapore
Copyright © Timothy Tye
Clifford Pier
Sentosa Island, Singapore
Clifford Pier is a heritage pier in the Central Business District of Singapore. It is located next to Collyer Quay in Marina Bay. Clifford Pier was built between 1927 and 1933, and was named after Sir Hugh Clifford, the Governor of the Straits Settlements between 1927 and 1929. It was designed by the Public Works Department, under Frank Dorrington Ward, the Chief Architect. The pier replaces Johnston Pier, which has today disappeared under land reclamation. Johnston Pier was named after A.L. Johnston, an early European merchant in Singapore and one of the founders of the Chamber of Commerce. The choice of name "Clifford Pier" was opposed by European merchants who wanted the name Johnston Pier to be reinstated. They do not regard Clifford appropriate as Sir Hugh Clifford had no connection with the harbor, other than being governor of the island. Though the official opening of the pier was boycotted by the merchants, the government's choice prevailed.
Clifford Pier was where immigrants of the early 20th century used to arrive in Singapore. The Chinese called the pier Ang Teng Choon T'au in Hokkien and Hoong Tang Mah Thow in Cantonese, meaning Red Lattern Pier. Long after it has ceased that operation, Clifford pier was used for ferry services and boat trips to the outlying islands, particularly for pilgrimage trips to Kusu Island.
The use of Clifford Pier for ferry services ceased on 1 April 2006, and the pier was closed for renovation. Ferry services was then transferred to Marina South Pier. The position of Clifford Pier is safeguarded by it being gazetted by the National Heritage Board for conservation.
