New agency to conserve old places?

The suggestion is for it to be set up as a sort of heritage-conservation trust to preserve social memories

A NEW body that would help the Government to make decisions on conservation matters is under serious consideration.

The natural beauty of Pulau Ubin has a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans.

If it comes about, it would have a wider scope than just conservation of nature and buildings and could be along the lines of the Heritage Conservation Trust first mooted last year.

The idea of an independent trust was suggested by a group of people who examined how the country could balance intensive land use and identity, and advocated preserving more buildings, places and natural features and shared memories, which they feel can help Singapore to retain its identity.

This group was set up by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

In Parliament yesterday, Nominated MP Simon Tay, who was one of its co-chairmen, spoke earnestly of the importance of conserving Singapore's natural and built heritage, and how supportive people had been of his group's ideas.

'It is hoped that a new entity be created that will improve transparency, increase accountability and involve the public more in development planning, and that this group should stand both independent and equal to the relevant government agencies,' he said.

Responding, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan yesterday said it was 'heartening' to hear that most people cared enough to want social memories preserved.

He said of the group's proposal: 'This is a suggestion we are seriously considering. The relevant government agencies will study it further to see whether and how this concept can work in our local context.'

With economic growth and rising affluence, Singapore can turn its attention to such issues as conservation and identity and shared memories, he said.

'While we cannot keep all the nature areas identified by the focus group, we will try to keep them for as long as they are not required for development. In particular, we will take note of the unique qualities of Pulau Ubin and the special place it holds in the hearts of many Singaporeans,' he said.

Another way to make more green space available could be to open golf courses up for other uses, he suggested. 'NParks will explore whether we can open up some nature areas and water bodies in the vicinity of golf courses for public recreation purposes.'