Should Jackie Chan be granted land for his project?
Of course Hong Kong should welcome Jackie Chan's offer and should pull out all the stops to smooth the way.
Rules were trashed when Discovery Bay was given the green light. Cyberport appeared and container yards are allowed to spring up overnight in the New Territories. Places of worship are handed over to developers for profit. Also, look at the West Kowloon Cultural District, various reclamation projects and the relocation of the Star Ferry in Central.
I think Islands District Council should try to get Chan's historic houses set up on Cheung Chau. They could be rebuilt on government land adjacent to the wonderful old St John Hospital and well-preserved police station and marine office, and close to other lesser-known buildings including temples and the fish market.
The people of Cheung Chau take a great deal of pride in their community and have done much to generate prosperity without apparently much help from the government.
It has done this by preserving what can be preserved, continuing traditions and welcoming visitors for its wonderful al fresco seafood. It is said that the island has the best preserved example of a Chinese fishing village in the world.
Jackie Chan's houses would attract hordes of visitors and boost Hong Kong's tourism industry.