Edwardian gem back at the seaside at last
Two historic structures which once graced Central have at last been reunited - in Stanley.
More than 40 years after it was dismantled to make way for reclamation, the Edwardian-era Blake Pier, the first steel structure in Hong Kong, has been rebuilt alongside the Victorian-era Murray House, which was re-erected nine years ago on the waterfront.
And it is once again serving its original function as a ferry pier.
The move is part of efforts to beautify the Stanley waterfront which began four years ago.
Blake Pier was built in 1909. The steel truss and superstructure of the pier had been preserved in Morse Park, Wong Tai Sin, since soon after its dismantling.
They have been re-erected at the end of the new, wider waterfront walkway at the popular tourist spot.
Architects have re-created the pier's roof, lamps and other fixtures based on photographs of the original.
Blake Pier is now serving as a terminus for ferries serving Aberdeen and outlying islands.
The waterfront renovation, which cost HK$90 million and was completed in March, has created an open-fronted public space along Stanley Main Street - where there are many bars and restaurants - and a walkway that stretches along the promenade to a nearby soccer pitch.
A piazza with a tent-like roof has been built on the site of temporary wet market. Kiosks there will sell food, drinks, ornaments and souvenirs.
A platform has been built on the promenade to make the most of the sea view, and a plaza has been created to provide more space for public activities.
Government architect Wan Chuck-kwan said the renovation was another example of the government making use of existing structures.
He said Blake Pier's connections with Murray House - originally part of Murray Barracks and built in 1844 - made them a 'perfect match'.
He said the waterfront beautification work - which local businesses criticised for creating excessive noise and clutter - was the latest government project aimed at providing a more pleasant space for the public through the application of sustainable and green architectural features in new buildings.
Five similar beautification projects aimed at opening up waterfront spaces are under way in Sai Kung, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, West Kowloon and at Pak Shek Kok between Sha Tin and Tai Po. They will cost HK$330 million.
Mr Wan said most of the new buildings at these waterfront sites had been designed to use natural light- from skylights and windows - in order to reduce power consumption.
