CONSERVATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Over the past two decades, Singapore has been carrying out a comprehensive unban renewal programme to renew the Central Area to meet the needs of our developing nation. Much emphasis has been placed on urban redevelopment while urban conservation has been unduly neglected. This has resulted in the loss of many buildings of historical and architectural interest. The Preservation of Monuments Board was established in 1971 to preserve buildings of historic and architectural interest it body has be ineffective. In 12 years, only 19 buildings have have been declared national monuments and placed under statutory protection. This reflects the low priority that preservation and conservation has had in Singapore in the past. What Singapore still lacks is a comprehensive conservation policy. Seattle is an example of a city that has a comprehensive urban conservation policy. The result of that policy is the Pioneer Square Historic District which shows that conservation is a viable and necessary option to redevelopment. Today, Singapore is beginning to think more about its rapidly vanishing building heritage. The Emerald Hill Conservation Area project shows changing attitudes of Singaporeans towards conservation but the future of many many other historical areas like Chinatown remain uncertain. If nothing is done soon, Chinatown will deteroriate to a point where it cannot be conserved at all. The author seeks to show the importance of government commitment and support to conservation work if such work were to succeed. Singapore has a unique building heritage which reflects the history of our people and our nation. We must not lose it completely.