This carefully researched and compelling book written by Lily Kong brings the reader through the changing landscapes of Singapore from its early colonial roots (Raffles Town Plan), its overcrowded squalor and its aggressive demolition-and-rebuilding phases to the greater sensitivity that characterises urban planning today, acknowledging the place of history, memory and heritage in the making of the city. Within the pages of six well-illustrated chapters, the reader is reminded of Singapore’s lost landscapes, demolished before conservation efforts kicked in, as well as the conserved charm of landmarks and districts that were spared the wrecker’s ball. As the city-state matures and negotiates its existence in a globalised world, the balance between the search for a unique identity and the response to and fulfilment of economic and development imperatives remains a delicate balance. This is the mission of URA (Urban Redevelopment Agency)–Singapore ‘s national land use planning and conservation authority.
Three Case Studies
Chinatown
Chinatown is many ways the first district-level effort at conservation in Singapore, and blazed the trial that future projects might learn from. The Chinatown Conservation Area, south of Singapore River, comprises four sub-districts–Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Bukit Pasoh and Tanjong Pagar. The conservation plans for Chinatown were preceded by a period of uncertainty before its fate until mid-1980s. The proposed rehousing of hawkers and demolition of shophouses elicited much public feedback. Another dimension of the public debate focused on the level of government involvement in the entire exercise. In 1987, Tanjong Pagar led the way with the restoration of 220 government-owned two- and three-storey pre-war terrace houses, with URA taking charge of the first 32 units. In addition, in order to attract owners to the cause of conservation, government assistance might also be given to owners of conserved building e.g. the development charge payable for any building or part of building that was conserved if conservation guidelines were fully complied with and the conservation work was completed in accordance with approved plans.
In 1995, STB launched Tourism21 to establish Singapore as a Tourism Capital. This also set the stage for STB’s multi-million dollar revitalisation plan for Chinatown. The plan aimed to attract people to live and work in the area. The implementation of the plan was interrupted by the onset of the Asian financial crisis in 1997. It was also resisted by others like SHS (Singapore Heritage Society), which criticised the plan as “sterile, static and ultimately uninteresting encounter with the past”. In acknowledgement of the tremendous public interest, a forum was held in February 1999, where some 200 people turned up to voice their views. The story of Chinatown is a complex one. It was slated for demolition when its potential as an asset was recognised. In the midst of continuity and change, Chinatown has come to be an anchor for a young nation in search of an identity.
Kampong Glam
Together with Chinatown, Kampong Glam was also one of the first historic districts given conservation status in 1989. It was the seat of Malay royalties and traditionally a Malay residential area. Two major landmarks stand out in the area–Sultan Mosque, Singapore’s biggest and oldest mosque, and Sultan Palace (The Malay Heritage Centre had been set up here since 2005). The district also consists of popular locales like Gedung Kuning, Madrasah Alsagoff, Arab Street, Haiji Lane and Bussorah Street. Gedung Kuning used to be the house of the Malay prime minister. Madrasah Alsagoff was one of the oldest Madrasahs and is still in operation. The other three streets are still commercial and touristic in business.
Little India
Bounded by Serangoon Road, Sungei Road and Jalan Besar, Little India has been a hub of Indian community life, though other races are well-represented. It today is a thriving historic district, with a distinct flavour, attractive to the local population as well as to tourists. The conservation of Little India was undertaken in a variety of ways. For instance, there were the buildings restored and managed by the HDB subsequently. After conservation, there appears to be a comfortable and authentic ambience there. The S$48 million Mustafa Centre on Syed Alwin Road has injected new life into the area. Market forces have prevailed and the area reflects a good mix of stalls trading in traditional Indian and “ethnic” goods, but also chain stores, fast food outlets, restaurants and eateries, and pubs. While some worry that the “South” Indian presence has been diluted, newcomers have added to the flavour and interest of Little India. In recent years, Little India has become a melting pot of different cultures that have arrived in Singapore in search of work.
Key Takeaways
- This book is worth reading if the reader is interested in conservation, urban planning, architecture, and history.
- Be it Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India or other historical locales, Singapore must continue to conserve and develop simultaneously. These locales are only interesting if and when they continue to be alive, for both locals and the tourists.
#Urban Heritage #Lily Kong #Chinatown #Kampong Glam #Little India