STREET MANAGEMENT OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study offers an understanding of the way to manage street spaces in Singapore involving the joint effort between public and private sectors. The research sites are three Historic Districts in Singapore, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India. The sites used to be the residential settlements for ethnic groups during the British colonial period and now are commercial areas with preserved historical buildings. In Singapore, streets are in general administrated by the government with strict regulations. In these districts, however, business associations which represent the local stakeholders are given some autonomy to manage streets. As a result, these organizations differs in the relationship of the government and the local community, funds rising and thier operation, which enabled each district to develop its own management style suitable for the multi-ethnic society. Consequently, the study clarifies that the local characteristics of each Historic District could be remained and re-created.