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Renew historical buildings instead of putting them on the market

Queensway Shopping Centre has been the go-to for sports apparel and equipment for many people, me included. I am glad that this landmark did not face an early death by en bloc.

While historical buildings will eventually make way for taller structures, they hold a special place for many Singaporeans, the writer says.

While historical buildings will eventually make way for taller structures, they hold a special place for many Singaporeans, the writer says.

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Kenneth Tan Sheng Han

I refer to the report, "Queensway Shopping Centre's en-bloc bid falls through; some shop owners rejoice" (Nov 26).

Queensway Shopping Centre has been the go-to for sports apparel and equipment for many people, me included. I am glad that this landmark did not face an early death by en bloc.

Figures for construction waste in Singapore — which include demolition waste — are worth noting. In 2018, the country generated about 1.6 million tonnes of construction waste, up about 15,200 tonnes from the figure in 2017. 

Although the recycling rate has stood well over 93 per cent since 2003, based on statistics from the National Environment Agency, construction waste has nearly quadrupled from 422,900 tonnes in 2003.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore recently warned that a potential oversupply of unsold units could lead to stresses on the property market.

To complicate matters, since the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty was raised in July last year, only one en-bloc sale has succeeded.

Other places of historical value have also come under the en-bloc spotlight.

Take Golden Mile Complex, which was completed in 1973. There has been no word on interested buyers after its second en-bloc attempt closed on April 25. The building had been placed on the market for S$800 million — the same reserve price as its first bid.

Furthermore, groups of people signed a petition and published a position paper last year to conserve iconic buildings such as Golden Mile Complex. 

With an uncertain economic outlook, it would be more prudent for owners of these ageing buildings to look into renewing their facilities instead of putting them up for sale. 

Rather than add to rising construction waste, refurbishment will raise the monetary value of these buildings, while retaining their historical edge.

Singapore is a fast-developing country. While these historical buildings will eventually make way for taller structures, they hold a special place for many Singaporeans, young and old.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number. 

Related topics

en bloc sale Property Heritage history Queensway Shopping Centre Golden Mile Complex

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