Q Should the Stubbs Road mansion be declared a monument?
This historical gem of a mansion captures all that is Hong Kong - the past, present and future. It sits proudly alone on a hill slope - a fine example of an era when excellent architecture, design and construction mattered. To even think of demolishing and replacing it with yet more poorly constructed, leaking and cramped housing is a reflection of continued urban, social and cultural decay in the city. Not declaring it a monument is unthinkable!
S. Fong, Tai Tam
Why not relocate this structure the same way as was done with Murray House? The cost involved would be substantial, but according to my understanding, the moving cost of Murray House to Stanley is gradually being recovered by the rental income of the various restaurants successfully operating there.
The Stubbs Road mansion could, for example, be moved to Sai Kung and rebuilt close to the Beach Hotel, which is to be renovated. Once rebuilt, it could be partly used as a typical old-style Chinese theme restaurant.
It could be used as function rooms for conferences, seminars and wedding receptions or as a museum equipped with furniture and items dating from that period. I am quite positive that this project would become a commercial success.