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Visitors at the century-old service reservoir featuring Roman-style arches and columns, in Bishop Hill, Shek Kip Mei, on December 28. A public outcry has put a halt to demolition works. Photo: Winson Wong
OpinionLetters

Letters | Hong Kong U-turn on heritage reservoir a triumph for citizen conservationists

  • The successful rescue of the Shek Kip Mei service reservoir from the wrecking ball shows that public participation in heritage conservation is a paradigm shift that cannot be rolled back
Conservation
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Letters
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I refer to your report, “Hong Kong authorities suspend demolition of striking century-old structure” (December 28). The series of events regarding the fate of the Shek Kip Mei service reservoir, taking place over just a few days, has once again provided proof of the high degree of awareness shown by Hongkongers towards the preservation and conservation of their cultural heritage.
Whatever the outcome of this citizen participation, which dates back to the Star Ferry Pier/Queen’s Pier and Lee Tung Street controversies, the paradigm shift cannot be rolled back.

Thanks to the rapidity of social media coverage, the newly uncovered historic site instantly gained citywide attention, which would have been impossible before. Soon after, the local district councillor fulfilled his responsibility in drawing the attention of the community and the authorities.

Century-old waterworks a piece of history that deserves preservation

As a resident of Sham Shui Po living close to the site, I would describe it as a most overwhelming find and a small bliss with which to conclude this difficult year. I am delighted to be sharing my passion in the advocacy and promotion of heritage conservation with more stakeholders in civil society.

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Demolition of Hong Kong old reservoir halted after calls for heritage assessment

Demolition of Hong Kong old reservoir halted after calls for heritage assessment

I am truly grateful to all those who contributed to the diligent and professional research and who liaised with various parties to transform the demolition into a conservation project.

The discovery that the structure was planned and completed during the early 1900s shows the reservoir has the opportunity of becoming a declared monument of comparable significance to the Tai Tam reservoirs, in showcasing the pioneering civil and infrastructural engineering techniques of its time.

Sorry for not protecting century-old site, Hong Kong heritage office head says

It is truly hoped that the various government departments can put away their vested interests, respond positively to community aspirations, and come together to turn the site into a place for public appreciation and enjoyment.

Now that Hong Kong’s local conservation movement has gained such momentum, the city shall never be called a cultural desert any more.

Elzaphan Liu, undergraduate student, Architectural Conservation Programmes, The University of Hong Kong

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