Which old building or space in Singapore would you not want to see go?

The redevelopment of Singapore’s older buildings is often the subject of contentious debates. 

News of yet another older building being acquired for redevelopment is typically met by the vehement protests of long-term residents, tenants and regulars, distressed at the thought of uprooting the communities and lives that they have built, usually over decades, for the sake of modernisation.

The outpouring of grief is then followed by some effort to prevent the redevelopment, typically led by those citing heritage and historical conservation. 

On the other end of the argument, are the pragmatic realists, whose talking points are echoed over and over again regardless of the demolition in question. Their stance is rooted in fact and practicality – as an ever-growing and rapidly urbanising country with limited land, the needs of the many eclipse the nostalgia of the few. 

Sometimes, efforts to extend a building’s lifespan are successful. Peace Centre, which was originally slated for demolition in August 2023, was momentarily transformed into a creative community hub until the end of January 2024, thanks to the efforts of social movement PlayPan.

At other times, the redevelopment proceeds as planned. Before demolition, however, these buildings come alive, as old regulars and newer patrons alike return to reminisce and capture memories of a cherished space for one last time. 

In the upcoming episode of The Usual Place podcast - host Natasha Ann Zachariah sits down with her guests to discuss the art of saying goodbye to old familiar buildings and spaces, and welcoming their new iterations.

Before that, she hits the streets to ask locals which old buildings they would be sad to see go in Singapore, and what redevelopments they’ve grown to love and enjoy.

Hear the full discussion in our upcoming episode - going up on July 18 - on The Straits Times’ Podcasts YouTube channel:

https://str.sg/wEr7u