Changes to the building I

In 1998, the Old Hill Street Police Station was gazetted as a national monument. It was to become the new home of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, after being redeveloped and refurbished at a cost of $82 million. The transformation was completed in March 2000. Today, it is known as MICA Building and in addition to housing the ministry, it has as its occupants the National Arts Council, the National Heritage Board, the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the Singapore Kindness Movement.

Raised Flooring

To accommodate the electrical and air-conditioning requirements of a modern office, raised flooring of 60-90 cm was introduced throughout the building while suspended
ceilings were installed to allow the central air-conditioning ducts to pass below the existing beams. As a result the height of the offices has been reduced.

To create more basement space, an existing block had to be demolished which subsequently tripled the basement footprint available. The basement space then could be extended under Fort Canning plaza without having to worry about foundation
getting in the way.