Singapore adopts a systematic approach to determine and mitigate the potential impact of development. In general, all development projects are required to undergo a thorough evaluation process to assess and address the development’s impact across various aspects, e.g. traffic, public health, the environment and heritage, before planning approval is given.
As part of our urban rejuvenation efforts, we facilitate the retention and recollection of Singapore’s built heritage. We adopt a consultative and calibrated approach when managing the trade-offs between our built heritage and development needs. The evaluation process takes into consideration the heritage significance of sites, buildings and structures including a myriad of factors such as architectural, historical and social significance. The intended use of the site, future development needs, and the interests of relevant stakeholders such as the heritage community, future users, and our broader national interest, are also considered. Regular consultation with stakeholder groups and panels such as the Heritage and Identity Partnership and the National Heritage Board (NHB)’s Heritage Advisory Panel have allowed agencies to involve and engage the community upstream in the planning process. Such engagement also promotes greater public education and understanding of our built heritage. This collaborative approach has resulted in the conservation of over 7,200 buildings and structures, the sensitive integration of heritage buildings and structures into our modern cityscape, and the implementation of design interventions and initiatives that celebrate our unique identity and collective memories.
Findings from heritage studies including the potential impact and adequacy of proposed mitigating measures, as well as feedback from community and heritage stakeholders, will guide agencies as they draw up comprehensive and detailed strategies to mitigate the impact of development while celebrating the distinctive character and identity of the site.
The Ministry of National Development and URA will assess development projects against their potential impact, before granting planning approval for the project to proceed. The developing agency is required to ensure that measures to mitigate the impact of development are implemented as appropriate.
CRL2 Works at former Bukit Timah Turf Club
The former Bukit Timah Turf Club site has been safeguarded for residential use since the Master Plan 1998. This is to cater to future housing demand and add to the variety of housing choices, in terms of location, density mix and forms, to meet the diverse housing needs and aspirations of Singaporeans. Agencies are studying the development plans for the former Bukit Timah Turf Club site. As part of the planning process, detailed technical studies are being carried out to ensure that the site is developed sensitively. This includes a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), given the long history and large number of old buildings and structures within the site. On 20 Sep 2022, the Land Transport Authority announced the alignment and station location for Phase 2 of the Cross Island Line (CRL2), indicating that one of the six CRL2 stations will be sited within the former Bukit Timah Turf Club site. As there is a need to commence construction work for CRL2 earlier to meet public transport demand, the heritage impact assessment (HIA) has been completed first for the areas affected by or in close proximity to the construction of the Turf City (CR14) station. The HIA concluded that the plans for CR14 which include access for construction and location of worksites have taken into consideration the heritage significance of the former Bukit Timah Turf Club site. Any potential impact will be appropriately addressed through mitigation measures proposed as part of the site monitoring and heritage management for the construction project. The report on the HIA relating to the proposed construction of CR14 and associated tunnels can be viewed below. Following the publishing of the EIA and HIA reports on 10 Oct 2022, the public feedback period from 10 Oct 2022 to 7 Nov 2022 has closed. We will carefully consider all feedback received.