Forum: International recognition should complement Singapore’s heritage commitment

I was surprised that Singapore will not proceed with the World Heritage nomination for the Padang Civic Ensemble (Singapore decides not to nominate Padang, surrounding buildings as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nov 3).

Having previously supported the nomination, I was naturally disappointed. But I appreciate the National Heritage Board’s decision to explain publicly why Singapore will not proceed. This allows a useful discussion about the trade-offs involved in conservation.

The significance of the Padang extends beyond the historic buildings surrounding it. A colonial civic space gradually acquired new meanings through Singapore’s independence, national celebrations, sport and public life.

But how far should the requirements associated with World Heritage status influence the development of the surrounding city?

The preliminary assessment proposed a substantially enlarged buffer zone and additional measures to protect important views. More than 100 privately owned buildings could potentially be affected. These are important considerations for planners, developers and business owners.

Heritage protection should preserve what gives a place its historical and cultural significance while allowing the wider district to remain economically and socially useful. Our downtown cannot be treated as a static historic precinct. It must continue adapting to how people work, live and play.

World heritage recognition would have brought greater international attention to the Civic District. But international recognition should complement rather than define our commitment to heritage.

What’s more important is to protect the qualities and memories that make the Padang significant while allowing the surrounding city to continue evolving. Achieving that balance will prove more valuable than the validation of a World Heritage Site label.

Ian Tan