URA's reply, 22 Apr 2017

Community buy-in needed to create vibrant public spaces

We thank Mr Hwang Soo Jin for his letter ("Make space for unobstructed views of mural", 17 April).

We are happy to work with local communities to shape the character and identity of our conservation areas. One example is the extension of Car-Free Sunday SG into the Telok Ayer conservation area since last October where we work with local stakeholders to introduce activities and programming during the road closure hours. This has drawn more people to explore and further enliven the conservation area. If there is support from the local communities to reduce parking spaces in the area to create vibrant streets and public spaces, we will study this further.

Chou Mei (Ms)
Group Director (Conservation and Urban Design)
Urban Redevelopment Authority

Letter, 17 Apr 2017, Straits Times

Make space for unobstructed views of mural

The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan should be commended for commissioning the creation of a mural display on the back wall of the Thian Hock Keng temple depicting the lives of early immigrants.

The mural has attracted considerable public attention and interest. The clan association has set a fine example of contributing to the promotion of art and a greater awareness of our rich cultural heritage.

The only pity is that on weekdays, the viewing of the mural is obstructed by motor vehicles parked in front of it.

Would the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which controls the car parking spaces, consider sacrificing the few spaces concerned and putting up a suitable barricade in front of the mural to facilitate unobstructed viewing by the public?

Hwang Soo Jin