Tearing up the Town
It’s not just street markets the government is looking to demolish. Other, lesser-known heritage sites are under threat, too.
Bridges Street Terraced Housing | Jessville | Tai Hom Village, Diamond Hill | Sai Kung | Temple Street | Tai O
Bridges Street Terraced Housing
Threat Rating: 4/5
What it is: Terraced housing was used as a way of developing the Western District in the 1950s, with the terrace on Wing Lee street dating back to 1953. It is the last surviving example of this style of architecture in Hong Kong. Similar constructions in Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town have already been torn down to make way for high-rises.
What’s the deal: The Urban Renewal Authority has recently submitted plans to the Town Planning Board to build a 30-storey apartment complex on top of the Bridges Street Market. The plan also includes destroying all but two of the 1950s-era tenement houses found on nearby Wing Lee Street.
What could happen: Local historian and conservation activist Roger Ho says, “The area is of deep historical and architectural significance. If the Urban Renewal Authority’s plan succeeds, then the area will lose its distinctive character. At present, it is quiet and rich in local history, but soon this part of Hong Kong will be wiped out unless we can generate strong opposition to the plan.” The Central and Western Concern Group spokeswoman, Katty Law, agrees: “A better move would be to expand SoHo to meet this area,” she says. “SoHo has successfully preserved many of its Chinese-style walkup buildings, largely due to public opposition to bigger, high-rise development projects. Incorporating Bridges and Wing Lee Streets into the main district will enhance the area and improve its environment, as well as increasing prosperity to the area.” She continues, “Another high-rise project so close to SoHo can only be damaging for the area, in terms of the environment and an increase in traffic density.”
“The government is out of step with what the public wants,” adds Ho. “They have no regard for these heritage sites, and they have a responsibility not to bow to pressure from would-be developers and preserve these historic areas for public enjoyment. Yes, it’ll take some money to restore these houses to a livable condition, but in my opinion, it’s money well spent” Top
Jessville
Threat Rating: 5/5
