District leaders have warned that three heritage sites in Central which are to be turned into tourist attractions should not become yet more privileged enclaves for the wealthy.
They are worried that the Central police station, Victoria Prison and the former Central court might be turned into deluxe hotels, the fate of the former Marine Police headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The Tourism Commission will invite private developers to present proposals on turning the three heritage sites into new attractions.
Central and Western district councillors said a survey conducted last year showed more than 60 per cent of 510 residents in the district hoped the sites could be turned into a museum, arts and cultural amenities, or library. Central police station is 139-years-old, the former magistracy is believed to have been built in 1847, and Victoria Prison was built in 1841.
The councillors, who met Deputy Tourism Commissioner Duncan Pescod yesterday, also said the government should have representatives of public opinion sitting on the Central Tender Board.
Councillor Kam Nai-wai quoted Mr Pescod as saying that the Central and Western district officer would be invited to sit on the Central Tender Board.