Golden Mile Complex, a true Singaporean icon, has recently achieved the esteemed status of being a conserved building. This significant development comes a year after the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) first proposed its preservation, marking a historic moment for architectural heritage in Singapore.
Nestled along the prominent Beach Road and Nicoll Highway, Golden Mile Complex is instantly recognizable with its unique step-terraced façade. Constructed in 1973, it represented a pioneering concept as one of Singapore’s earliest high-rise, mixed-use developments.
One fascinating tidbit about Golden Mile Complex is the origin of its name. It derives from its location on Beach Road, often referred to as the “Golden Mile” during its creation in the 1970s due to its newly reclaimed status.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee made the exciting announcement on October 22, hailing Golden Mile Complex as the first modern, big-scale with strata-titled development to be term as conserved in Singapore. This achievement signifies a pivotal moment in the preservation of Singapore’s architectural heritage.
Mr. Lee acknowledged the owners’ aspirations for a collective sale of the complex and the challenges conservation might pose to these efforts. To address these concerns, URA introduced a compelling incentive package aimed at enhancing the appeal of the site to potential buyers. This package includes tax incentives, such as a partial development charge waiver on the bonus floor area as well as a full waiver on the conserved floor area. Additionally, the possibility of lease renewal to a fresh 99-year term is on the table, pending approval from relevant authorities.
Mr. Lee emphasized that the conservation of Golden Mile Complex not only preserves its historical significance but also enhances its development potential. Developers now have the opportunity to construct a new tower block approximately 30 stories high alongside the existing structure. Moreover, the site’s boundaries may expand to encompass part of the adjacent state land, providing greater design flexibility.
In closing, Minister Lee expressed his hope that developers would recognize the immense potential of the site and align their vision with the goal of rejuvenating this national icon. The conservation of Golden Mile Complex stands as a pioneering endeavor, promising to shape the future of architectural preservation in Singapore.
This decision to conserve Golden Mile Complex is not one taken lightly, as Singapore faces the challenge of stewarding its limited land to meet various competing needs. Balancing housing, social amenities, offices, factories, green spaces, and historical preservation requires careful consideration. The government pledges to approach this task with sensitivity, taking into account the historical and architectural significance of buildings like Golden Mile Complex.
While conserving buildings is vital, it must remain highly selective, considering the ever-present competition for land resources. In cases where the physical structure may not be critical, innovative approaches, such as integrating key artifacts and heritage markers into new developments, will be explored.