Written answer by Ministry of National Development on the mural at 59 Arab Street

Question No.: 1054

Question by: Mr Fadli Fawzi

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Urban Redevelopment Authority can reconsider its decision to order the removal of a mural on 59 Arab Street; and (b) if not, why not.

Answer:

URA ordered the removal of the mural at 59 Arab Street as murals are not allowed on front façades of conserved shophouses, except those at Haji Lane, given that they may obscure key architectural and heritage features, and affect the established character and ambience of the historic district.

In its assessment, URA had consulted the Kampong Gelam Alliance and the Heritage and Identity Partnership, both of whom agreed to maintain the prevailing guidelines for murals on conserved shophouses. The tenant has since removed the mural.