Nation-wide heritage survey to be conducted
An archaeological excavation in front of the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall at Empress Place. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — To better understand Singapore’s historical sites and their heritage value for land use planning purposes, the National Heritage Board (NHB) will commission a nation-wide survey, while researchers will get grants to carry out heritage studies.
Things like the age of these buildings, their architectural merits, the social and cultural value of certain landmarks to the community, and sites where significant historical events happened will be considered.
Other than pulling information from archives and conducting field visits, the community and stakeholders will be involved throughout the survey to pool collective knowledge and expertise.
Minister for Community, Culture and Youth Lawrence Wong announced these plans today (March 12) during the debate on his ministry’s budget, saying a systematic process of assessing planned infrastructure’s impact on heritage is needed, as it is done for the environment.
“All this work needs to be done more systematically, to build up a rigorous assessment of Singapore heritage across the entire island,” he said. “With the findings, NHB will work with Urban Redevelopment Authority to enhance heritage considerations at each stage of the land planning process, be it in the 10-year Concept Plan or the 5-year Masterplan.”
A Heritage Advisory Panel, which will comprise non-governmental organisations and experts across different disciplines, will oversee the work, Mr Wong added.
During the debate, several parliamentarians weighed in on suggestions on preserving Singapore’s heritage.
Nominated Member of Parliament Tan Tai Yong noted that there appears to be gaps in the level of information sharing and coordination across ministries for management of heritage issues, such as impact assessments and archaeological excavation.
“Part of the problem lies in the complex links between the different ministries. Such a large number of stakeholder would undoubtedly pose difficulties for effective management of heritage issues,” said Professor Yong, a historian.
Ms Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade GRC) suggested setting up a special fund to allow old neighbourhoods to re-imagine themselves while preserving their defining heritage. For instance, old buildings or infrastructures could be re-purposed with a creative twist, she said.
In response, Mr Wong said the Ministry of National Development already has upgrading programmes that deal with infrastructure, while MCCY will focus on bringing arts and heritage programmes to more estates. More will be done to link up professional artists and curators with different communities and support programmes to bring out a neighbourhood’s distinct heritage and identity, he added.
Separately, NHB will also be topping up the National Monuments Fund with an additional S$12 million over the next five years to support restoration and repair efforts of non-profit national monuments such as the Sri Mariamman Temple and St Andrew’s Cathedral.
There will also be a new maintenance grant for owners of other non-profit monuments to alleviate some of the costs of upkeep and prevent deterioration to the structures, said Mr Wong.
