Forum: Safeguarding Singapore’s built heritage is a shared responsibility
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We thank Mr Mohamad Nurhafiz Mohd Noor for his feedback in the letter “Penalties must deter irreversible loss of heritage value in conserved buildings” (April 27).
We agree that conserved buildings are important physical markers of Singapore’s shared heritage and identity, and that any unauthorised works, particularly those that cause irreversible damage to our historic fabric must not be condoned. We have put in place conservation guidelines to safeguard the key elements that define a building’s historic character and significance. This ensures continuity amid change and allows future generations to remain connected to our past even as Singapore continues to evolve.
Building owners and their appointed professionals involved in restoration, development or fit-out works to or near to conserved buildings or within conservation areas are required to comply with the conservation guidelines and seek the necessary approvals from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and other relevant agencies before commencing work.
Where unauthorised works occur, URA investigates and takes firm enforcement action against all parties found to be responsible. The penalties under the Planning Act for unauthorised demolition works on conserved buildings were enhanced in May 2017, reflecting the seriousness of offences that may result in irreversible loss of heritage value. The courts may impose fines of up to $500,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, up from the previous maximum penalty of $200,000. In addition, offenders would be required to bear the costs of reinstating and restoring the affected heritage features.
Upstream conservation efforts are critical to prevent the loss of authentic historic materials. This is a shared responsibility where building owners, developers, architects, engineers, builders, interior designers and contractors play an important role in safeguarding Singapore’s built heritage. URA will continue to review and strengthen our regulatory framework and enforcement approach to ensure that they remain robust and commensurate with the seriousness of such offences.
Guidance on good conservation practices for works to conserved buildings is available on URA’s website at https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Conservation/Best-Practices. Members of the public and industry professionals can also contribute by remaining vigilant and reporting suspected unauthorised works via URA’s website at https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/feedbackWeb/
Chou Mei (Ms)
Group Director (Conservation & Urban Design Group)
Urban Redevelopment Authority
