Golden Mile Complex gazetted as conserved building, first of its kind: Desmond Lee

Singapore – The Golden Mile Complex has been gazetted as a conserved building, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee.

Golden Mile Complex was built in the 1970s and was one of the first high-rise mixed-use developments in Singapore, said Mr Lee in a Facebook post on Friday (Oct 22).

“At the time, it re-defined modern urban living and exemplified the ingenuity and ambition of our pioneer generation of architects, engineers and builders,” said Mr Lee.

“Today, it remains one of our finest examples of Brutalist architecture and an important icon from our initial years of post-war nation-building.”

With the decision, the Golden Mile Complex will be the first modern, large-scale strata-title development conserved in Singapore.

Mr Lee said that the decision was not taken lightly, with extensive and careful study and engagement of building owners and heritage stakeholders.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will ensure that the conservation does not undermine the owners’ collective sale efforts, said Mr Lee.

URA has put together a significant incentive package to make development options more attractive to potential buyers, he added.

“We hope that this will support the owners to move forward with their collective sale efforts and motivate developers to consider the potential of the site, alongside our vision to rejuvenate a national icon.”

Mr Lee noted that through conservation, the development potential of the site is increased.

“The developer will be able to build a new tower block about 30-storeys high, beside the main building,” he said.

“The site boundary may also be extended to include part of the adjacent state land, for more design flexibility.”

According to Our SG Heritage, more than 7,000 buildings have been conserved in the country, such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.

URA noted that conserved buildings need to follow the “3R” principles of maximum Retention, sensitive Restoration and careful Repair./TISG

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