Dakota Crescent has been earmarked for redevelopment, but some people are asking the government to reconsider such plans. (Photo: Jnzl, Flickr.com)
Member of Parliament Lim Biow Chuan has called on the government to reconsider its plans to redevelop Dakota Crescent, reported TODAYonline.
Named after a plane that crashed at Kallang Airport, Dakota Crescent was built in 1958 and features 17 blocks of low-rise flats. The government has earmarked 15 of the 17 blocks for redevelopment. As such, residents will have to vacate the site by the end of this year.
“The fact that this estate is older than Singapore is a cause for celebration and should be an important consideration for conservation,” Lim said in Parliament on Monday (10 October).
“I recognise that Singapore needs to progress and development has to take place. However, when Singaporeans experience loss of too many familiar buildings, familiar places of entertainment and environment, there will be this sense of loss of roots, a loss of emotional attachment to Singapore,” noted Lim, who is the MP for Mountbatten.
“One of my concerns is that when a Singaporean leaves the country to work or study for a few years, when he returns, the place becomes unrecognisable because new buildings keep sprouting up and older buildings get demolished.”
In support of Lim’s motion to conserve Dakota Crescent, NMP Kok Heng Leun cited how residents have rallied together and produced their own conservation proposal for the estate.
“(This) is exactly what the government has always been looking for: grounds-up initiatives with a bold vision,” said Kok. “This proposal requires us to work with many different communities within and outside of Dakota, to redevelop the place into something inclusive, yet deeply respectful of the heritage and community of Dakota Crescent.”
The report, prepared for the National Heritage Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, contains good suggestions on how the estate could be redeveloped for use by social enterprises, arts groups or as rental flats for couples waiting for their new flats, said Lim.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Desmond Lee explained that the government has always been mindful of achieving the right balance “between preserving our past, and catering to the needs of the present and the future”.
In fact, the Ministry of National Development has put more emphasis on conservation of buildings as an integral part of the city-state’s urban master plan.
“In the case of Dakota Crescent, we recognise that the area holds special memories for many people who grew up there,” said Lee.
“And that is why the National Heritage Board (NHB) has worked on several initiatives to commemorate the heritage of Dakota Crescent.” These include a research project on key community buildings and landmarks in Dakota Crescent and a video documentary on the estate.
“Beyond these efforts, our planners are open to look at the different ways in which the area can be redeveloped and rejuvenated, while retaining its distinctive identity and character,” added Lee.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
