CONSERVATION FOR RESIDENTIAL USE

Abstract

It is important to conserve physical evidences of a country's history. With Singapore's development successes, there has been a greater awareness for the need for conservation, and increasing efforts by the government to conserve many of our historic buildings and landmarks. The adaptive use of restored premises is an important part of their conservation, to prevent buildings from being just 'museum pieces'. Besides commercial uses, the rehabilitation of historic buildings for residential use is another viable option. The conservation of Emerald Hill in 1981, was a pilot project where a whole area was involved. Since the environment improvement works by the authorities, the area has been upgraded through efforts of individual owners to restore their properties. Values of the pre-war terraces have also increased to rival those of the newer, contemporary terraces. Emerald Hill is now an attractive area for locals and expatriates, who appreciate its convenience of locality, uniqueness and historical charm. The more recent conservation of Townerville represents an alternative approach to conserving historic buildings for residential use. The restoration and sale of the varied units by the authorities met with enthusiastic response by the public. The returns from the sale, which greatly exceeded expectations, shows that such projects are not only viable but profitable ventures. The units are currently held as investments and favourable returns are expected from their rental. Thus, potential exists for the conservation of areas for residential use. The beauty and grace of historic buildings are difficult to duplicate and their conservation represents a challenge to the industry. As more people become aware of the possibilities of historic properties as alternative accommodations, greater conservation efforts are expected, to give them a renewed lease of life as attractive housing solutions.