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Conservation
Opinion

How the Central Police Station compound can become a space for everyone, not just criminals or history buffs

Bernard Chan says heritage conservation in Hong Kong can be fraught with challenges, but the Tai Kwun project shows that it’s possible to get it right

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The revitalised Central Police Station compound opened its doors to the public in late May. Photo: Nora Tam
Bernard Chan
I have been involved in heritage and conservation in Hong Kong for over 10 years. For much of that time, I was chairing the Antiquities Advisory Board or the Advisory Committee on Revitalisation of Historic Buildings, or both. Two years ago, I became involved in advisory bodies concerning the city’s most ambitious heritage conservation project at the old Central Police Station compound. 
One thing I have learned is that the adaptive reuse of heritage sites is extremely controversial. Public opinion is sceptical about allowing private-sector commercial use of historic buildings, and even proposals for non-profit use have led to arguments.
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Central Police Station on Hollywood Road in October 1992. The conversation project involved three buildings: the main police block, the court facilities and Victoria prison. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Central Police Station on Hollywood Road in October 1992. The conversation project involved three buildings: the main police block, the court facilities and Victoria prison. Photo: SCMP Pictures
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Early proposals for the Central Police Station site ran into just these problems starting back around 2004. Perhaps not surprisingly, public opinion opposed the possible involvement of property developers. But there were also demands that officials look beyond economic and tourism benefits and consider public access and integration with the community.

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