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Kelvin Ang, director of URA\u2019s conservation management department, said: \u201cConserving built heritage is an integral part of Singapore\u2019s development. These buildings are enduring touchstones of our shared history, culture and identity, providing continuity amid change. Safeguarding them ensures that future generations remain connected to our past, even as the city evolves.\u201d<\/p>\n
“In this case, the parties\u2019 egregious breach of the law led to the irrevocable loss of the original heritage fabric of a rare historic pre-war building that had endured through time,” Mr Ang said.<\/p>\n
“While the building may eventually be reconstructed, its authentic historic materials cannot be recovered or replicated, and new materials will have to be used in its rebuilding,” he added.<\/p>\n
“The parties had knowingly contravened URA\u2019s conservation guidelines and wilfully proceeded with the unauthorised works, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the regulations. URA has taken firm enforcement action against them to uphold the integrity of the guidelines.\u201d<\/p>\n
The renovation works were discovered in January 2023 when URA inspected the shophouse upon receiving feedback.<\/p>\n
A written notice was then issued to Layan informing the company of the breach and requiring that work cease. URA subsequently followed up with inspections to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n
“Nagarajan and Layan\u2019s blatant disregard for the law resulted in the demolition of several architectural features of the conserved shophouse,” said URA.<\/p>\n
The first-storey residential front, the rear facade with timber casement windows and green glazed ceramic vents and the entire rear service block were amongst these features.<\/p>\n
“These were fundamental elements of the conserved shophouse that contributed to its character and should have been fully retained when works were carried out,” the authority said.<\/p>\n
Court documents showed the unauthorised works included demolition of original brickwork, plaster render, stucco decorations and glazed shiwan ceramics.<\/p>\n
“Nagarajan and Layan\u2019s actions have led to the irreversible loss of heritage value of the historic shophouse, which had stood for more than a century,” said URA, adding that Layan is also required to reinstate and restore the building at its own cost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n