Is conservation a luxury we cannot afford in land-hungry Singapore? This question has sparked debates and grumbling over the allocation of land space to various buildings and cultural legacies. Similar to the argument that golf and horse races are luxuries not everyone can afford, the issue of Ridout Road’s Black & White Bungalows has raised concerns about the allocation of land size and its impact on public benefit and wealth inequality.
Ridout Road, like the Turf Club, may not be an ideal location for public housing due to its inconvenient accessibility. However, tearing down these bungalows and building flats over them may not be the only solution. Instead, these bungalows can be repurposed while still preserving their historical and cultural significance. They can be converted into training hubs, subsidized family retreats, start-up incubators, or even hotels and cafes. By making conservation accessible to the public through these repurposed amenities, the notion of sharing national icons can be fostered.
The issue of optics is also crucial in land conservation. The replacement of SERS sites with condos has created the perception that poorer people are being displaced by wealthier individuals. To address this, Prime Location Housing (PLH) can be implemented to ensure that prime locations are not exclusively occupied by the affluent. In a small country like Singapore, where the wealth and income divide is highly visible due to the close proximity of different housing types, it is important for political leaders and celebrities to have homes that reflect their status yet remain understated to avoid envious outrage.
While conservation may seem like a luxury in a land-hungry country, finding a balance between preservation and repurposing can be a solution. By repurposing historical buildings and making them accessible to the public, the cultural legacy can be preserved while also serving the needs of the community. Optics play a significant role in addressing the perception of wealth inequality and the displacement of less affluent individuals. Implementing measures like Prime Location Housing can ensure that prime locations are not exclusive to the wealthy, thus promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.
In conclusion, conservation in land-hungry Singapore is not a luxury we cannot afford. By repurposing historical buildings and making them accessible to the public, we can preserve our cultural legacy while addressing the needs of the community. Optics and the perception of wealth inequality should also be considered to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources. Conservation can be achieved without sacrificing the need for land and development.
My hot take: Conservation in land-hungry Singapore is not a luxury but a necessity. By repurposing historical buildings and making them accessible to the public, we can preserve our cultural heritage while also addressing the needs of the community. Optics and the perception of wealth inequality should be taken into account to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources. Through a balanced approach, we can achieve both development and conservation in our land-scarce city-state.
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