To the Indian community, Balestier was known as 'Water Village', where they drew relatively clean water from the Whampoa River to sell. To the Chinese community, it was "Go Chu Tua Pek Kong"

The road itself appeared on maps as early as the 1840s, linking the area to Singapore Town. As the area became more developed, buildings began to spring up, many of which still survive.

At the heart of Balestier road is the Balestier market. Although people today still visit the market, it has become considerably quieter over the years.

The many Burmese Road names such as Ava Road, Pegu Road, Martaban Road and Mandalay Road, testify to the early presence of the Burmese community who settled in the area. The landmark Burmese temple however, moved into Tai Gin Road from Kinta Road only in the 1990s.

Another significant building is Sun Yat Sen Villa, which dates from the 1880s. From 1906 to 1911, this Victorian-style bungalow served as the headquarters for Chinese resistance activities against the Manchu Dynasty. Dr Sun himself visited the villa three times during this period. The Villa has recently re-opened as the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.

In the 1950s and 60s, Balestier made history in a different way - the Shaw Film Studios opened and many a P Ramlee movie was shot there. This also led to the opening of famous cinemas such as the President and the Ruby in this area. The President has now been redeveloped into the new Shaw Plaza.

At around the same time, two of Singapore's earliest public housing estates were developed at St Michael's and Kim Keat. The influx of new residents contributed to the further growth of Balestier.

With the arrival of more shops and eateries in the 1970s, Balestier began to establish itself as a food and shopping street.

This is the site of Joseph Balestier's house. His house fell down around 30 years ago. The trees here are as old as the road.