CONSERVATION PROGRAMME FOR OLD SHOPHOUSES

Mr Chia Shi Teck asked the Acting Minister for National Development (a) whether the conservation programme for old shophouses in the City has met its objectives; (b) whether there are areas for improvement; and (c) whether there is still room and need for traditional small traders.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, the objectives of the conservation programme have indeed been met. Almost 1,000 buildings in these conservation areas have been restored and revitalised. Areas such as Tanjong Pagar, Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer and Boat Quay are examples where the shophouses have been given new leases of life. Close to another 1,000 buildings have submitted planning applications for restoration.

With conservation now widely accepted and supported, the focus now is turned to improving the quality of restoration. The aim of conservation is to retain the character of the identified buildings. To try and conserve the traditional environment is a different matter. Some incompatible trades are not allowed in these core areas. Aside from these guidelines, the adaptive reuse of the shophouses is left to market forces to decide. The trades that go into the conserved shophouses have to be financially viable.

Mr Chia Shi Teck: Sir, will the Minister consider building small stalls or corners for these traditional small traders, just like the Indian stalls selling betel nuts or flowers?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: We will leave it to the market. 3.00 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), Written answer to Question No. 18 on the Order Paper is reproduced in the section, 'Oral Answers to Questions Not Reached' (Cols. 45 - 46). Question No. 19 has been postponed to the next available sitting of Parliament.]