I THANK Mr Goh Yong Kiat for his Forum Online letter on Monday,
'Preserving Kallang Airport'.
We agree that Old Kallang Airport is important in the history of
Singapore's aviation industry. The former airport has been featured
in many books on Singapore as an important milestone in our
nation's development. That is why in 2008, the Urban Redevelopment
Authority (URA) proceeded to conserve the former Kallang Airport
Passenger Terminal Building, along with the office buildings,
former hangar, as well as Old Airport Square and other historical
structures such as the period lamp posts.
After the site ceased operations as an airport, the People's
Association moved in and was based at Old Kallang Airport until
last year. In land-scarce Singapore, it is important that old
buildings remain useful for today's needs. Adaptive re-use allows
owners the flexibility to introduce innovative solutions, to make
full use of their properties for new uses that are relevant and
appropriate in the current context. This has enabled important
heritage streetscapes and significant buildings to be retained. We
are pleased that the Singapore Biennale committee is considering
the former airport as a venue for its festival next year, which is
an example of one innovative interim use.
Members of the public who wish to find a listing of conservation
areas in Singapore can visit
www.ura.gov.sg/conservation/mod2.htm
Ler Seng Ann
Group Director (Conservation & Development Services)
Urban Redevelopment Authority