Axe hangs over private historic homes on Peak

Amid debate over the future of Ho Tung Gardens, half the remaining private historic homes on The Peak are under threat of redevelopment.

This has prompted heritage advisers to urge a rethink of conservation measures for what one terms an 'endangered species', and a public discussion on the willingness of taxpayers to acquire at-risk sites.

The question of how many graded private homes remain on The Peak and their status was raised at a meeting of the Antiquities Advisory Board as it discussed the case of 23 Coombe Road, believed to be the oldest private home in the area and earmarked for redevelopment by owner Hutchison Whampoa Property.

Members said they had no idea how many colonial houses remained and whether they were under threat.

Checks by the Post found that owners of at least four of eight European-style houses, most of whom are developers, have obtained approval for a new building plan, are waiting for approval, or have developed neighbouring sites.

Heritage advisers said the government should make an effort to preserve those that were reminders of key public figures who contributed to Hong Kong's development, or reflected the life of early residents.

'Old houses dating from the early colonial time are like an endangered species. Whether they are related to a historic figure or have architectural merit, they already have heritage value,' said antiquities board member Dr Ng Cho-nam.