Historic label for places of learning
THREE of Hong Kong University's oldest buildings were declared historic monuments yesterday.
The declaration means they cannot be demolished and their exteriors cannot be adjusted without government permission.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Wang Gungwu said their preservation would not affect the building programme.
'We are building whether we like it or not and trying to provide more space for the students.' he said. 'We haven't got enough residences and this will be an ongoing problem for a long time to come.' The three historic monuments are: the Tang Chi Ngong building, built in 1931 for the study of Chinese language and literature; the Hung Hing Ying building, built in 1919; and University Hall, built in 1861, now used as student accommodation.
Hong Kong Archaeological Society chairman Bill Meacham works in the Tang Chi Ngong building.
He said the building was not particularly striking, but it was 'pleasing to the eye and has some architectural merit'.
