Since becoming independent in 1965, Singapore has transformed rapidly into the global metropolis it is today. This accelerated evolution of the country over the past 60 years has also led to the loss of many landmarks from Singapore’s past. Fortunately, the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) division within the National Heritage Board is the national authority that identifies and researches structures and sites for the highest level of preservation, a process known as gazetting. Once a building or structure is gazetted, it becomes a National Monument.
Gazetting is for the most nationally significant buildings, which have clear links to nation-building, or where nationally significant events have taken place. There are currently 76 National Monuments in Singapore, including the former Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Lau Pa Sat, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Hajjah Fatimah Mosque. Not all National Monuments are religious or state-owned. Gazetting does not affect ownership, such as the land’s freehold title, but it will affect future development plans.
This is because the National Monument is now protected by the Preservation of Monuments Act 2009 (Chapter 239, 2020 edition). The Act also covers all the land containing the monument, as well as any adjacent land under the same ownership as the monument.
A Legal Obligation To Maintain The National Monument
Once a site is gazetted as a National Monument, owners and occupiers have a legal obligation to ensure the proper maintenance of all the Monument’s historic features. Good housekeeping practices and periodic maintenance will reduce the need for large-scale restoration efforts in the future. The National Monument Fund supports eligible National Monuments in their efforts to maintain and restore the building.
However, should there be a need to carry out building works on a National Monument, written permission from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) division is required.
Works On National Monuments That Require Permission From PSM
Owners and occupiers of National Monuments will require prior written permission from PSM before carrying out building works on the National Monument. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Demolishing, reconstructing, making additions or alterations to the National Monument.
- Repairing, renovating, repainting, or redecorating the National Monument.
- Depositing any waste material on the land, or flooding the land on which the National Monument stands.
- Installing signage, setting up tentage and stages, as they may cover the National Monument excessively.
Even non-building-related changes, such as a change of use application or a change of property ownership, need to be approved by PSM first.
PSM will also help advise owners and occupiers of National Monuments on the need for formal submissions to the relevant building authorities, including the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and others.
Works On National Monuments That Do Not Require Permission From PSM
Of course, not every action by the owner or occupier of the National Monument requires written consent from PSM. These include:
- General housekeeping
- Maintenance and repair of fittings, such as carpets, furniture, curtains, paintings, and mirrors
- Landscaping and gardening work
- Pest control treatment
- Holding events, rituals and festivals
Conservation Efforts Go Beyond National Monuments
National Monuments represent an integral part of Singapore’s built heritage and therefore have the highest level of protection. However, Singapore’s conservation efforts go beyond the 76 Monuments and include a number of Marked Historic Sites. Though some of the original buildings no longer exist, a heritage marker is placed there to contain interesting nuggets of information on the history of the site.
Other conservation efforts include guidelines set by the URA for buildings within several districts. Conservation guidelines take into consideration the historical significance of these districts, the context of the surrounding developments and the long-term planning intention for each area.
- Historic Districts: Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India
- Residential Historic Districts: Blair Plain, Cairnhill, and Emerald Hill
- Secondary Settlements: Balestier, Beach Road, Geylang, Jalan Besar, Jalan Jurong Kechil, Joo Chiat, Mount Sophia, River Valley, Tanjong Katong, Upper Circular Road and Tiong Bahru
