Written answer by Ministry of National Development on maintenance of rental levels to preserve cultural identity in places like Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India

May 7, 2024

Question No: 5986

Question by: Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng

To ask the Minister for National Development how can the heritage and cultural identity of places like Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India be preserved and not overly dominated by businesses of a specific nature which can afford high rentals to landlords.

Answer:

The Government is committed to celebrating and sustaining the cultural identity of our Historic Districts, like Chinatown, Kampong Gelam and Little India. To retain the unique character of these districts, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has conserved buildings with heritage significance, and put in place detailed use controls to exclude non-heritage uses, such as fast-food restaurants, supermarkets and new bars, from the core areas of these Historic Districts.

To sustain the intangible culture and heritage of these districts, the Government works closely with our community partners, including precinct associations, building owners and local businesses, to encourage landlords to support heritage trades. For instance, One Kampong Gelam and the Kampong Gelam Alliance have worked with their community stakeholders and the URA to match heritage and cultural businesses with landlords that are open to supporting traditional uses. 

The Government will continue to work with community partners to consider more ways to celebrate and sustain the culture and heritage of our Historic Districts.