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Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Residential Historic Districts

Explore Blair Plain, Cairnhill and Emerald Hill Conservation Areas, featuring two- and three-storey terrace houses contrasting with modern high-rises. Their low-rise form, narrow streets and architectural significance create a unique streetscape rarely found in Singapore.

Last updated on 26 June 2026

Areas

Blair Plain

The Blair Plain Residential Historic District, located to the west of the Downtown Core, is still an attractive residential area with some commercial activities along Kampong Bahru Road. It is a compact cluster of two-and three-storey shophouses and residential terrace houses of the Early, Transitional, Late Shophouse and Art Deco Styles.

Cairnhill

The Cairnhill Residential Historic District, located to the north-west of the Downtown Core, is a quiet residential area of predominantly two-storey terrace houses built in the Late Shophouse and Art Deco Styles. Today, though the area is surrounded by high-rise buildings of varying scale, the charm of the prewar terrace houses is still retained.

Emerald Hill

The Emerald Hill Residential Historic District located to the north-west of the Downtown Core, is an attractive and quiet residential area. It has some commercial premises in the shopping zone along Orchard Road. The predominantly two-storey terrace houses showcase a variety of architectural styles ranging from Transitional to Art Deco Styles built over ninety years. There are some modern high-rise buildings towards the northern end of Emerald Hill Road.

Guidelines for Residential Historic Districts

All proposed works will need to comply with the conservation guidelines and the Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG). Conservation Permission is required before all additions & alteration works and operations of new use can begin. If you are unsure whether your proposed works require Conservation Permission, please consult URA.

  1. Submission Process for Additions and Alterations (A&A) Works

  2. Apply for Specific Restoration Guidelines (opens in new tab)

  3. Planning Parameters and Restoration Guidelines for Residential Historic Districts

  4. Signage Guidelines and Submission Process

  5. Use of Buildings in Conservation Areas

  6. Envelope Control Guidelines for Historic Districts and Residential Historic Districts

Resources

  1. Understanding the Shophouse

    • Learn more about the design, material, and key elements of shophouses and terrace houses.

  2. Do-It-Right Guides

    • Do-It-Right Guide for Shophouses and Terraces features visual examples and diagrams to help one better understand the requirements and processes for carrying out works, including allowable works, submission requirements, and maintenance best practices.

For more resources about the fundamental hallmarks of any quality restoration, irrespective of scale and complexity of the project, click here.