Conservation of our built heritage is an integral part of urban planning and development in Singapore. The restoration of our historic areas add variety to our streetscapes and modulate the scale of our urban fabric, creating the visual contrast and excitement within the city while protecting the important reminders and representations of our past. In addition, it adds to the distinctive character and identity of our city, giving it a sense of history and memory of the place.
Buildings are selected for conservation based on their historical and architectural significance, rarity in terms of building types, styles, and their contribution to the overall environment.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is the national planning authority for Singapore. Its active involvement in conservation started as early as the 1970s with the rehabilitation of some state-owned properties for adaptive reuse. To-date, conservation status has been given to 94 conservation areas involving some 6823 buildings throughout the island (last updated on 31 Mar 08).
URA's role in conservation encompasses five areas. They are:
Identifies and recommends buildings of historical, architectural and cultural merits for conservation. |
Adopts a three-prong strategy to encourage the private sector to participate in the conservation programme. They are: |
| - |
The pilot projects to show government's commitment to conservation and to demonstrate appropriate restoration techniques for old buildings. |
| - |
The timely release of conservation buildings to the private sector for restoration through the URA Sale of Sites Programme. |
| - |
The environmental improvement works to conservation areas. |
Provides the legal framework for conservation as well as documents/materials to guide owners and professionals in their conservation works. |
Seeks the views of professionals and owners of conservation buildings before deciding on policies and guidelines. |
Creates a better understanding of conservation and shares with professionals and owners of conservation buildings the appropriate restoration methods so as to achieve quality restoration. |
|
Overview
