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The Chief Executive today (April 25) visited the Central and Western District to see how historical buildings there have been rejuvenated by being adaptively re-used.
The Central and Western District is one of the earliest developed areas in Hong Kong and, today, many of its historical relics and distinctive historical buildings are still preserved.
Accompanied by the Central and Western District Officer, Miss Eliza Yau, the Chief Executive first visited the Museum of Medical Sciences in Caine Lane.
The elegant red-brick building, constructed in Edwardian style a century ago, used to be the Pathological Institute. It was later occupied by the Department of Health as a medical store and more recently was converted to the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences managed by the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences Society.
Mr Tsang was briefed on the museum's historical background and its architectural designs. He also visited a number of exhibition galleries and the autopsy room to see the exhibits showing the work and equipment of the former Pathological Institute.
During the tour, Mr Tsang was greeted by a group of student visitors. "It was very meaningful to convert the former Pathological Institute into a medical science museum, not only showcasing the development of medical science in Hong Kong, but it is also a venue for public education," Mr Tsang said.
The Chief Executive then visited the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the Old Mental Hospital in High Street. Featuring an imposing granite facade and massive retaining walls, it is the only historical building in Hong Kong built solely with granite.
The Government later decided to keep the facade and verandahs and rebuild a community centre inside to utilise this declared monument. It now houses the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex which provides a wide range of community facilities for district residents, including community hall, nursery centre, day activity centre, singleton hostel, and elderly centre.
"I am pleased to see that the building was preserved by partial retention and integrated into our modern life and interacted with society," Mr Tsang remarked.
The Chief Executive visited the Evangelical Lutheran Church Hong Kong-Amazing Grace Child Care Centre which is located in the complex. He was welcomed by the children there and was impressed by their singing and dancing. He toured the centre and watched the children learning and playing.
Mr Tsang said the area in the vicinity brought back many childhood memories.
The last stop of his visit was the Western Market, another declared monument in the district. The Western Market was originally the North Block of the market building in Sheung Wan. It was later converted into a traditional trade, arts and crafts centre by the former Land Development Corporation. Today, the Western Market and its vicinity have became the focal point of community and leisure activities.
Mr Tsang toured some antique shops and fabrics shops and chatted with the shopkeepers to get a better understanding of how their businesses were faring. He also enjoyed refreshments and chatted with the customers at a local dessert shop before ending his visit.
"Historical buildings are not merely historical artefacts for display," Mr Tsang said. "They are in fact some very important assets of Hong Kong, which can revitalise and rejuvenate a district and even bring about economic benefits."
He added that the significance of heritage conservation was not only the preservation of past traditions and social scenes. Instead, by adopting suitable methods for conservation and injecting creativity, the conserved heritage would provide quality public space for the community and could be developed in a sustainable manner.
Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:28
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