Preserve or Remove: How Do We Find the right Balance in Urban Development

21 Jul 2025

8 Min Read

AP Dr Keith Tan Kay Hin (Academic Contributor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Contributed by AP Dr Keith Tan Kay Hin, whose research explores heritage conservation, tourism and the practice of architecture in Southeast Asia. He can be reached at keithkayhin.tan@taylors.edu.my.

In the rush to modernise, Malaysia has witnessed the quiet disappearance of heritage buildings, lost to concrete, glass, and steel. Across Southeast Asia, this pattern repeats itself—centuries-old structures replaced by shopping malls and high-rise condos. In Malaysia, cities like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Malacca stand at the crossroads of heritage and progress. Their streets tell stories not just of the past, but of the choices we make today.

Balancing heritage conservation with urban development is no simple task. With rapid urbanisation, the pressure to build upwards and outwards often overshadows the value of conserving the past. Yet heritage is not merely about old buildings—it is about identity, memory, and meaning, which are the essence of a rich quality of urban life.

Determining the Fate of Heritage Sites

What makes a site worthy of preservation? The answer often lies in its cultural significance. Historical value helps us understand the journey of a nation. Architectural uniqueness captures the craftsmanship of a specific era or culture. More than that, heritage buildings play an essential role in place-making—serving as physical anchors for the stories of local communities.

In Malaysia, defining what constitutes a heritage site goes beyond aesthetics. It involves recognising emotional ties and cultural meaning. George Town, with its colonial architecture and traditional shophouses, exemplifies this. It reflects Penang’s layered identity as a multi-ethnic hub shaped by trade, migration, and colonial history.

_{Malaysia is home to over 200 heritage sites listed under the National Heritage Register but many more go unrecognised simply because they haven’t been officially gazetted. In fact, heritage doesn’t always mean colonial-era buildings or temples; it can include traditional fishing jetties, old cinemas, even post-war housing estates.}

But these sites often stand in the way of development projects. As developers assess land value and growth potential, we face painful decisions regarding what to preserve, what to renovate, and what to remove.

Economic and Developmental Pressures

Urbanisation in Malaysia is driven by the demand for infrastructure, housing, and economic expansion. Unfortunately, these goals often clash with efforts to protect heritage.

Take the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca. The community has long battled land reclamation projects that threaten their historical connection to the sea. Beyond just the physical impact, residents fear the erasure of their cultural legacy. Meanwhile, tourism growth brings its own set of problems—overcrowding, rising property prices, and a loss of authenticity. Heritage zones become tourist attractions, often pushing locals to the margins.

_{The government, seeking to modernise, often views redevelopment as an economic opportunity. But such projects don’t always succeed. The ‘Lisbon Hotel,’ once a bold venture beside the Portuguese Settlement, now stands shuttered—a cautionary tale of misaligned priorities. Image Source: TheVibes}

Malaysia’s National Heritage Act 2005 empowers the government to officially recognise and protect buildings, monuments, and even cultural practices as national heritage. Yet, not all historically significant sites are automatically protected—only those that have been gazetted under the law. This process can be slow and politically influenced, leaving many beloved sites vulnerable to redevelopment.

Urban Development and Its Impact on Cultural Identity

Urbanisation can gradually erode a city’s unique identity. As traditional structures are replaced with high-rise apartments, shopping centres, and modern office blocks, what makes a city distinct often disappears in favour of utility.

_{One striking example is Kampung Siam in George Town, once a vibrant Malaysian-Thai enclave. Despite efforts to conserve its unique cultural blend, the neighbourhood was completely lost to redevelopment by 2025, with the final traditional Siamese houses demolished. The site now reflects commercial ambitions more than cultural continuity, leaving behind memories instead of heritage. Image from Google Maps.}

Gentrification, while often marketed as ‘revitalisation’, also contributes to the displacement of long-standing communities. In some cities, the transformation of heritage properties into boutique hotels and cafés has made it increasingly difficult for local, lower-income families to afford living in certain neighborhoods. The result is a curated version of the city—visually authentic, but no longer grounded in a shared lived experience.

Adaptive Reuse as a Middle Ground

One promising solution is adaptive reuse—the practice of repurposing heritage buildings for new functions while preserving their original character. This approach offers a compromise between development and conservation.

In Malacca, many colonial-era shop houses have been transformed into lively cafés and guesthouses. Penang has converted old godowns into creative hubs and art spaces, fuelling its rise as a cultural destination. In Kuala Lumpur, the transformation of the Sentul KTM railway depot into a performing arts centre and event space shows how industrial heritage can be reimagined for modern urban life.

_{Adaptive reuse maintains architectural and historical value while providing practical benefits. It can generate tourism, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact by cutting down on demolition waste. Yet it also comes with challenges—retrofitting is expensive, and there are strict regulations governing heritage structures. Developers must strike a balance between functionality and historical integrity.}

Community perceptions can also be a hurdle. Some worry that adaptive reuse prioritises the wealthy or the tourist crowd, pushing out everyday users. Transparent planning and inclusive design are essential to ensuring that revitalised spaces reflect the needs of all.

Architects and students alike can champion heritage conservation by showing how it supports UN SDG 11, enhances urban well-being and city appeal, and when done right—drives significant income for owners and investors alike.

— AP Dr Keith Tan Kay Hin

Finding the Balance

Urban development and heritage conservation need not be at odds. With thoughtful planning and inclusive policies, cities can grow while preserving the stories embedded in their streets and structures. Adaptive reuse offers a promising middle path. But success requires collaboration—between government agencies, developers, architects, and most importantly, communities.

A shared vision for sustainable development can ensure that modern cities remain rooted in their histories, to the great benefit of their citizens.

Interested in shaping the cities of tomorrow? Explore the Architecture degree at Taylor’s University and discover how you can lead change through sustainable, heritage-conscious design.  

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