Archbishop’s Vision of the Hub
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Our Archdiocese has been working to build a more vibrant, evangelising and missionary Church. In sharing the Good News, we are bringing the hope and love of Christ to vast numbers of people. ​ Within our Church today, however, there are currently no premises large enough for our organisations and communities to hold their activities on a large scale. After much study, we concluded that the Church’s largest freehold site at 49 Upper Thomson Road could optimally be used to house major Archdiocesan organisations, a convention centre with overnight retreat facilities, a home for senior clergy – and more – for the long-term needs of the Church. Beyond physical infrastructure, such a Catholic Hub can bring about a greater depth of communion. The facilities and organisations located there will enable collaboration for a more effective witnessing of the Gospel to the people of Singapore and reap economies of scale. Catholics of all ages can gather to benefit from different programmes within one venue. In recognition of the site’s rich history, several existing buildings have been identified for conservation. With this, a heritage centre is planned in one of them to showcase the seminal work of the Catholic community these past 200 years, reach out to the broader community and form future generations of disciples. This vision for the Hub is the result of years of discernment. I am deeply grateful to the building committee, project consultants and Archdiocesan organisations who have been part of the development of this project. Once completed, we hope it will be an icon of communion in mission, bringing together clergy and laity, working together to renew and strengthen the evangelising and missionary spirit of the Church in Singapore. We trust that God, who has guided us through the years, will continue to bless and direct the development of the Catholic Hub. May it be a place of God-encounter for all who come to serve and worship here. May God bless you. Cardinal William Goh Archbishop of Singapore
Overview of the Catholic Hub
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. Construction for Phase 1 is ongoing, and is projected for completion in 2026. 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. These key features, expected to be completed in Phase 1, are presented in this booklet. Also briefly covered are plans for Phases 2 and 3. 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.
Learn more about the Catholic Hub
Click on each video to find out more about the Catholic Hub.
​
Please note that the information in the videos and booklet are subject to change as the project develops.
Introducing the Catholic Hub
The Catholic Hub - Dreams
How will the Catholic Hub provide for our Church?
The Catholic Hub - Vision
The Catholic Hub - Progress Update
Download latest Catholic Hub information booklet.
Arrival Plaza
The visuals of the Catholic Hub on this webpage are the artist’s impression. As the development of the Hub continues, the contents of this page are subject to change to reflect updated plans.
