HK$20m proposal to turn Star Street in Wan Chai into another Knutsford Terrace
A HK$20 million plan to turn the Star Street precinct in Wan Chai into another Knutsford Terrace and also make it part of a heritage trail was announced yesterday.
Under the plan, initiated by Swire Properties, a lift from Queen's Road East will take visitors to the fourth floor of Lok Moon Mansion, where a terrace will connect to Sun Street, which could be turned into an arts and dining area like Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui. This will mean visitors need no longer take the steep staircase from Wing Lok Lane.
There are already a number of small art studios and a Western restaurant in the ground-floor shops of the old tenement buildings in Sun Street. It is understood that Swire has started acquiring some of the old buildings for redevelopment.
The developer is expected to extend its sphere of influence further from Star Street, site of Pacific Place Three, to Queen's Road East if the project materialises. But the plan has yet to be finalised and it requires the approval of the sites' owners.
The heritage trail was formed to showcase the local history, culture and architectural style of Wan Chai - one of the city's earliest settlements. A study was conducted last year to identify spots that could be linked to form a tour that would attract visitors.
Nine of the 15 spots, such as Wan Chai Market, the Blue House and Nam Koo Terrace, are now being revitalised in preservation projects initiated by the Urban Renewal Authority or the Development Bureau. It will take four to seven years before all the buildings are operating again, but visitors can appreciate their architectural features during the two-hour walk of the trail.
People interested in the culture and lifestyle of Wan Chai are advised to visit Pak Tai Temple in Nullah Lane, the Hung Shing Temple and the former Wan Chai Post Office in Queen's Road East, and the open markets in Cross Street, Tai Yuen Street and Gresson Street.
District council vice-chairman Stephen Ng Kam-chun, who is also convenor of its renewal committee, said more action would be taken by Swire to refurbish areas around Star Street, Sun Street and Moon Street.
District councillor Kenny Lee Kwun-yee welcomed the plan, adding it would make life easier for the elderly. The plan will also refurbish St Francis Yard - one of the city's earliest gathering places for Catholics.
The city's first power plant, built in 1890, was located nearby.
Lee said Swire would hold a consultation by the end of the year to gain consensus from the owners of Lok Moon Mansion.
Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said public-private partnerships were welcomed in setting up the heritage trail. 'The [Wan Chai] trail has adopted a district-based approach,' she said.
Unfinished business
Yet-to-be-completed sites of the Wan Chai Heritage Trail
Star Street precinct:
One of the earliest Catholic settlements in Hong Kong. The area will be revamped under Swire's plan but approvals from owners of various sites are needed. No timeline has been set for the project
Green House
A row of tenement buildings built in the early 20th century in Mallory Street. It will be revitalised with creative uses in 2013
Wan Chai Market
A grade-three historic building in the 'Streamline Moderne' architectural style. A residential development will be built on top of the market, which will be revitalised with commercial elements and open to the public in 2014-15
Nam Koo Terrace
A grade-one historic building owned by Hopewell Holdings. The building was a tycoon's home. Hopewell promised to revitalise it together with its Hopewell Centre II project, which will be completed in 2016
Open Market
Located in Cross Street and Tai Yuen Street. The latter is famous for its toy shops. The market is being revitalised. Hawkers will be given an electricity supply by the end of the year
