Old Hong Kong police station a historic work of art
Long-awaited opening of complex as gallery and heritage centre will be a landmark for cultural development and conservation in the city
The challenging project is the city’s most extensive and, at a cost of HK$3.8 billion, most expensive heritage restoration project. The work has taken years, but the results are impressive. Visitors will be able to judge for themselves when the doors first open on May 29.
The project has, at times, been controversial. That is not surprising.
It involves the restoration of 16 buildings, and creation of two new ones, in a busy residential area in the heart of Hong Kong. The 13,600 square metre compound, including a police headquarters, a court and prison, is of great historical significance, dating back to the early years of British colonial rule.
The news that the project would be developed and funded by the Jockey Club came as a surprise when announced in the chief executive’s policy address in 2007. Ambitious plans, featuring a tall transparent tower, were scrapped the following year after a backlash from residents in the area.