By Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala written on 15-Jan-2003
National Library Board Singapore

Comments on article: InfopediaTalk

Gilstead Road, which connects Dunearn Road and Buckley Road, is lined with old residential units, some dating back to the 1920s.

Description
Gilstead Road probably derives its name from an English family name. It is however not known after whom the road was named. Near a residential unit, Morisama Gardens, Gilstead Road divides into two roads. One part of the road continues as Gilstead Road to connect to Buckley Road, and the other forms Evelyn Road that leads to Newton Road.

At the junction of Gilstead Road and Dunearn Road is the former Home Nursing Foundation that now houses the World Health Organisation office. Gilstead Road is home to many houses, both old and new. One old house that stands till date is an unnamed 2-storey timber and brick house which was constructed in 1920. Near Gilstead Road's junction with Dunearn Road, there are two old unnamed identical grand houses, located within spacious gardens. Another old house named "Westbourne" is now home to the Spastic Children's Association. Old flats on this road whose construction dates back to the 1970s also contribute to the residential diaspora of this road. Gilstead Court is one such flat. This apartment block, a 5-storey building made up of red bricks, was constructed in 1978. Another block of flats, a 10 - 11 storey twin block units, located at the junction of Gilstead Road and Evelyn Road, was built in 1975.

The Galilee Bible Presbyterian Church used to be located on this road from 1972 to 1979 before relocating to Pandan Gardens. The Life Bible Presbyterian Church, an eclectic and classical architectural building, was constructed in 1962 - 63. A Korean Church can also be found at the junction of Gilstead Road and an unnamed lane that connects Gilstead Road to Chancery Lane.



Author
Naidu Ratnala Thulaja



References 
Dunlop, P. K. G. (2000). Street names of Singapore (p. 93). Singapore: Who's Who Publications.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 DUN)

Edwards, N., & Keys, P. (1988). Singapore: A guide to buildings, streets, places (pp. 35, 100, 107). Singapore: Times Books International.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 EDW)

Tan, Andrea. (2001, December 3). 26 Cluster homes planned for Gilstead Rd. The Business Times, p. 6.