Conservation Areas

Our conservation guidelines are applied in varying degrees to the different conservation districts. We have to take into consideration the historical significance of each conservation district, the context of the surrounding developments and the long-term plans for the area. The extent of the building to be conserved and the degree of adaptation allowed also varies by district, and in some cases, by the uniqueness of the subject building.

The Historic Districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India

The strictest form of building conservation is practiced in these districts. These districts enrich our built environment with their diverse facades, rich ornamentation and unique architectural styles. To maintain the ambience and physical character of these historic districts, strict conservation guidelines have been put in place. For example, the entire building envelope, including the rear service blocks and rear courts are to be retained and restored, to maintain the overall low-rise scale and fine grain of the urban texture.

Buildings within these historic districts can be used for a diverse range of purposes, including commercial, community and residential. This maintains their original character, where different uses evolved side by side. We encourage established trades and uses that are unique to each area to remain.

The Residential Historic Districts of Emerald Hill, Cairnhill and Blair Plain

Buildings in these historic areas were first developed as residences for the well-to-do. They have traditionally been in continuous use as residences for individual families. One example is Blair Plain, which lies at the South-Western edge of Chinatown.

Blair Plain

Its two to three-storey shophouses and residential homes of various architectural styles are representative of the various designs used in Singapore, ranging from the Early and up to the Modern shophouse style.

They are a reminder of the prestige of the area in the 1930s, when Peranakan families and wealthy merchants built houses in a mix of Chinese, Malay and European styles. To accomodate modern day needs as a family home, an extension at the rear of the house is allowed in this area.

Emerald Hill and Cairnhill

Emerald Hill and Cairnhill are historic areas that are located near the crowded Downtown Core offering an attractive and quiet residential presence. The predominately two-storey terrace houses built over 90 years ago showcase a variety of architectural styles ranging from Transitional to Art Deco.

Units in Emerald Hill are allowed to add an extension at their rear to accommodate the modern day needs of a family home. However, the rear extension must be lower than the eaves of the main roof.

The Secondary Settlements of Jalan Besar, Beach Road, River Valley, Geylang and Joo Chiat

Secondary settlement areas developed outside the central city district after the end of World War 1 and have established their own distinct identities over time. They capture the evolution and change of Singapore’s urban development in the 1910s to 1960s, and also form the transitional urban areas between houses in the historic districts and residences in the new towns in the modern era. A mix of elaborate ‘Late’, ‘Art Deco’ and ‘Modern’  shophouse architectural styles can be found in these areas.

We approach secondary settlements differently, focusing more on streetscapes as the historic low-rise streetblocks in these areas are usually interspersed with many new and higher developments from the 1970s and 1980s. Owners may choose to conserve the entire building, or have a new rear extension up to the maximum height allowed under the Development Guide Plan for the area.

The Joo Chiat area is not only a treasure trove for delectable local food. The area is also known for its decorative and ornate shophouses and residential terraces, which lends a special charm to this secondary settlement. Many terrace houses along Koon Seng Road have successfully adapted the traditional terrace houses for modern contemporary living.

For detached buildings in these areas, such as bungalows, fundamental principles of conservation also apply to the buildings. Owners may choose to conserve the entire detached building including the outhouse/servant’s quarters, or just the main building. The owner can also carry out a subdivision of the rest of the lot for new development plots, if the lot is large enough.

The Good Class Bungalow Areas and the Mountbatten Road Conservation Area

The iconic ‘black-and-white’ and other styles of bungalows built in the 1900s to 1950s were given conservation status from 1991 onwards. They are generally standalone two-storey houses, often with verandahs located along the front and sides of the house, with broad overhanging hipped roofs and set in large grounds. The early bungalows were influenced by Tudor-style construction housing and Malay kampong houses, and catered to the British. The highest ranking colonial officers lived in them, and in later years, the rich local merchant class.

Good Class Bungalow Areas and Fringe include these areas:

• White House Park/Nassim Road Conservation Area
• Chatsworth Park Conservation Area
• Holland Park/Ridout Park Conservation Area

In these areas, the owner can choose between conserving the entire building, or carry out a subdivision of the rest of the lot for new development plots, if the lot is large enough.

For conservation bungalows located outside of a Good Class Bungalow Area and within a site where flat or condominium development is allowed by the Master Plan, the bungalow may be strata-subdivided into apartment units or converted to a clubhouse.