Historic church set to be reborn

Initial approval has been given to redevelop a Happy Valley church with a grade three historical rating, after a pledge to preserve its outstanding architectural features.

The plan is to construct a new five-storey church alongside a 21-storey complex which will house two elderly care homes and other church facilities, the Pioneer Memorial Church of Seventh-day Adventists says.

The project had drawn negative comments during three rounds of public consultation.

Out of 120 public submissions to town planners last year, 119 voiced objections or concerns about the plan, citing its effects on the city's heritage, increased traffic and a noisier environment.

Despite the criticism, the Planning Department said it had no objection to the application and recommended that the Town Planning Board allow the plan, which is up before its metro planning committee on Friday.

The church, located on Ventris Road, was built in 1939 and served as the headquarters of the South China Union Mission of Seventh-Day Adventists.

In the second world war, the Japanese used the premises to stable horses during their occupation of Hong Kong.