Under the planned changes, property owners may soon carry out routine additions like solar panels and air-conditioning units without submitting formal applications. The review also aims to establish standardized, code-compliant renovation guides specifically for conserved shophouses and bungalows. Meanwhile, consultancy Verian Group will lead a 12-month study assessing training gaps and professional skills among local conservation specialists. This comprehensive approach ensures heritage standards remain high as the nation's inventory of protected properties continues to expand.
Key points
Authorities are working to reduce bureaucratic delays for property owners undertaking min…: Authorities are working to reduce bureaucratic delays for property owners undertaking minor, low-impact maintenance works.
Standardized guidelines will be developed to simplify code compliance for heritage bungal…: Standardized guidelines will be developed to simplify code compliance for heritage bungalows and shophouses undergoing renovations.
A nationwide study will evaluate industry capabilities to address critical skills gaps am…: A nationwide study will evaluate industry capabilities to address critical skills gaps among conservation architects and contractors.
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SINGAPORE – Maintaining conserved buildings could be made “more practical and less onerous for building owners” under a review of existing rules, said National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on Nov 10.
Among other things, the authorities are studying if some “low-impact works” can be exempted from application requirements so owners can carry out routine upkeep more easily, he said.
Speaking at The URA Centre, where the 2026 Architectural Heritage Awards were presented, Chee added that a new study will be carried out to support the long-term development of Singapore’s conservation sector.
The Built Heritage Sector Consultancy Study will assess the size and profile of the sector, including architects, engineers, contractors and other specialists involved in conservation work.
“We want to identify where our strengths lie, where there are skills and capability gaps, and what may be holding back further training and development,” Chee said.
It will also make recommendations on how the sector’s capabilities can be strengthened in the long term.
“This includes looking at how we can better support training and skills development to equip our people with…
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