Nearly 50 traditional shophouses will be preserved thanks to a financial incentive scheme drawn up by the Urban Renewal Authority. Shophouses were featured in the last issue of Property magazine which highlighted the uncertainty which surrounded the traditional Chinese dwellings and business outlets. Campaigners have long argued for their preservation as development saw older districts of Hong Kong losing their character. A study commissioned by the Urban Renewal Authority this year found 48 shophouses in Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai suitable for protection.