Conservation and Development: A Singapore Perspective*

This paper looks at the transformation of the built heritage in Singapore in the context of the intense contest for land use by development forces. It looks at the works of the planning authority and the engagement of stakeholders in heritage conservation. It also looks at the dynamism between conservation, tourism and development. Historical buildings are physical links to the past, acting as signposts and repositories for the shared memories of the community. Built heritage give meaning and identity to a place and its people, providing the common bond necessary for social cohesion. Place identity is important in this rapidly changing world where urbanisation and globalisation has erased traces of the past and eroded the richness and diversity of our culture. The built heritage of a city is increasingly seen as providing competitive advantage in the global competition for investment and tourism. It gives cities their unique and distinctive character that attract foreign talents, investment and tourism. Heritage conservation has found its economic value. Singapore is a small city state without natural resources and a limited land space. I