Historic buildings must be preserved
SCMP, March 11, 2003
For more than a quarter of a century, Hong Kong's Antiquities and Monuments Office has developed lists of historically valuable structures and had the power to step in to prevent their demolition. A quick glance around the city shows, however, that demolition has too often won the day. Dozens of 19th century facades have disappeared, sometimes before the office even knew of development plans.
A property slump has hardly dented the trend. Now and again, we see a knock-down, drag-out fight, which results in preservation of a gem such as the Leah Opel Synagogue, or Kam Tong Hall. But more often than not, the wrecker's ball comes in, and something new goes up.
We need to take urgent stock of all our pre-World War II buildings. According to the latest survey, some 500 have historical value and should be protected. This is the inventory of our cosmopolitan past. The buildings highlighted in our City section today show just how vulnerable these premises are, particularly if they are privately owned.
Yet relative to other Chinese cities, Hong Kong has had the longest continuous successful relationship with the global community. These 500 buildings should be reminders of the rewards of globalisation.
A government policy overhaul is just one step. On the business side, of course, there needs to be an economically feasible way of preserving history. The first place to start is by viewing the way other cities, from Baltimore in the United States to Sydney and (sigh) Shanghai and Singapore, have turned older parts of their cities into showplaces, using age as an attraction, not a turn-off. In a slow property market, developers should be aggressively seeking out historic properties as keystones for development of mixed-use entertainment, office and retail complexes, and the antiquities office should be imaginative in accepting radical proposals that preserve the old, while making way for the new.
One of the oldest principles in Chinese art and architecture is constant renewal; hardly an ancient monument exists that has not been restored with a difference. Even Tiananmen's Heavenly Gate was given a massive facelift after 1949; the present edifice is two metres higher as a result. Similarly, Hong Kong's guide should be using the past to serve the present, and the future.
Glossary
step in (phrasal v) to try to stop troubles in a difficult situation
property slump (n phrase) the falling off of the property market
inventory (n) a detailed list of property, stock or contents of a building
vulnerable (adj) in danger of being hurt Example: 'If [the Hong Kong dollar] was to become vulnerable to attack by international speculators,the whole of society, especially the middle class - already struggling with negative equity - would face an intolerable burden,' said James Tien Pei-chun.
overhaul (n) a thorough examination, with repairs and changes if necessary
Discussion points
- Are there any buildings you think worth preserving in your neighbourhood? If so, why?
- Some buildings in Hong Kong have been declared historical monuments and are protected. Do you know any? How are they protected?
