The west wing of the former government headquarters in Central could be saved from demolition after antiquities experts agreed the entire complex should be given the highest heritage rating short of monument status.
The wing, one of three components of the building, is set to be replaced with a commercial tower.
But members of an expert panel of the Antiquities Advisory Board have agreed the whole complex should be have a grade-one historic rating. A panel member said: 'A beauty is a beauty even though not every part of her body is perfect.'
Their recommendation will be handed to the monuments office this month. The rating would need the board's endorsement next month.
Grade-one buildings can still be demolished, unless they are declared monuments by the Antiquities Authority.
Designers and activists are now urging the government to scrap its plan to demolish the west wing.