Threats to Survivability

Despite having unique historical and cultural qualities, the Kreta Ayer district is currently encountering several obstacles and dangers that are impeding its progress as a heritage site. Instead of being viewed as a cultural destination, it is now primarily perceived as a tourist attraction. Due to the area’s emphasis on tourism and economic development, essential facilities like schools, offices, and hospitals have been removed and relocated, causing the district to lose its diverse values of culture and community and resulting in the growing consequences of gentrification. There is currently only one remaining and functioning theatre for the public (others are abandoned or housing new programs, hotels, betting activities). The expanding tourism service facilities have squeezed out the diverse public infrastructure and spaces for the community.

Also, the increasing land value has made it challenging to purchase or rent properties in and around the Kreta Ayer district, causing the development to focus heavily on market-driven initiatives while overlooking the need to preserve the historical and heritage elements. As a result, retail growth has been inconsistent within and outside the district. For example, street vendors are primarily located in Kreta Ayer, while businesses in other areas like China Square and Boat Quay are not conducive to small-scale or cultural trading but focus more on high-end commerce.

Therefore, achieving a balance between catering to the needs of tourists and cultural enthusiasts while also sustaining the demands of the local community is the primary challenge of tourism and Kreta Ayer has not completely succeeded in doing the same. This balance has been overlooked as the excitement of expanding tourism alone has taken over. As a result, the district has not only driven away its native communities but also lost the cultural values it sought to preserve. With the shift towards tourism focus, the shophouses have transformed into market-driven trading spots and locals are being forced to move and isolate in the HDBs.