A motion calling for the conservation of the Central police station compound was defeated in the Legislative Council this morning.
The motion - moved by Choy So-yuk, of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong and which also urged the government to formulate a comprehensive policy on antiquities and monuments - received overwhelming support among directly elected lawmakers.
But it was defeated 14 votes to 11 among legislators representing the functional constituencies at 1am.
The government wants to tender out the redevelopment project.
In a long and often heated debate, Albert Chan Wai-yip said many countries spent huge sums to preserve their heritage, not only their 'external appearance' but there 'spiritual characteristics'.
He cited the redevelopment of Murray House and Stanley police station as examples of what should not be done.