WHAT NEXT

INTRODUCTION

On July 25, 2014, the authorities announced the Dakota Crescent estate will be redeveloped under the Mountbatten’s estate renewal plans and residents must relocate by end-2016. This news raises questions about the pace and state of urban heritage conservation in Singapore, and more importantly, the relevance and value of old public housing estates such as Dakota Crescent in a contemporary city-state.

The Dakota Crescent SIT estate is not only a site with rich historical links to Singapore’s national history and nation building journey, but also a classic example of early public housing designed by British town planners. Moreover, it is home to a group of long-time elderly residents and a familiar everyday landscape to ordinary citizens. The historical, architectural and social significance of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate, and the uncertainty surround the estate’s fate gave impetus for the discussion of Dakota Crescent potential for conservation and re-use.

This proposal is prepared by an informal committee comprising Mountbatten grassroots leaders and residents, professional architects, and members of the public who are interested in built heritage conservation. To better inform the drafting of this proposal, the committee interviewed some elderly residents and noted their views and concerns. This proposal will first introduce the historical, architectural and social significance of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate. Next, it will explain the redevelopment and conversation options and put forth a case for conservation. The focus will be centered on the proposed adaptive re-use of existing buildings, structures and landmarks, as well as the rationale behind these suggestions. This proposal will conclude by highlighting the future opportunities following the estate’s conservation.