A debate is raging over the future of the historic former Marine Police headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The Hong Kong Tourist Association wants to turn the century-old building, which has been empty for two years, into a restaurant and shops, saying its redevelopment could help lure visitors.
But the Police Museum wants to claim it as a new, more central home and extend its operations there.
'The Urban Council had an eye to turning it into a museum and coffee shop,' Force Museum Advisory Committee member Chief Superintendent Anthony McLoughlin said. 'Then I heard the HKTA wanted to turn it into a glorified restaurant,' he said.
'I wouldn't go to a particular restaurant because it happens to be an old government building.
'I'd go there for the food and ambience.' The 1884 building has been empty since Marine Police moved out in November 1996 to their new headquarters in Sai Wan Ho.
'The Police Museum is currently stuck up in Wan Chai Gap. The Urban Council had created the idea of 'Time and Tide', incorporating memorabilia from both police and observatory history - the old observatory tower stands in the Marine Police compound,' Mr McLoughlin said.