Reconsideration of Decision to Order Removal of Mural on 59 Arab Street

17 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked 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.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (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.