Hidden secrets at Hong Kong's highest court: Builders discover 'bridge of sighs' behind false ceiling during restoration

Historic features buried for decades under the former Legislative Council building were uncovered during the project to restore it as Hong Kong's highest court.

They included a "bridge of sighs", along which defendants were led from their cells to the courtrooms.

The Court of Final Appeal moved back into the imposing granite building in Jackson Road, Central, on September 7.

Read more: Court of Final Appeal building is a timeless symbol of Hong Kong's most cherished legal ideals

Introducing his new office to the media yesterday, Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li said he was glad to move back to the site, built in 1912 to house the former Supreme Court.

"Moving back is of great significance to the courts, and also of significance to the Hong Kong community because this monumental building is a symbol of rule of law in Hong Kong," he said.

The building also served as the headquarters of the Japanese military police during the occupation of the city between 1942 and 1945. Legco took it over in 1985 before moving to the Tamar site in 2011.

The government has spent HK$464 million on the renovation, which took four years to complete. The focus has been on the interior rather than the exterior, which is a declared monument.