Hong Kong antiquities advisers hold heated debate over grading for Shaw Studios buildings

The historic value of individual buildings at the Shaw Studios site in Clear Water Bay will be reconsidered, after government heritage advisers held a heated debate and failed to agree on a grading proposal amid plans by the owners to redevelop the site.

The split views expressed during a meeting yesterday of the Antiquities Advisory Board on the 23 buildings at the site came even though the body had agreed in March that the entire 7.8hectare site should be accorded a grade one listing - the highest possible grading - in recognition of its historic importance for the film industry.

An assessment panel was later asked to suggest grades for individual buildings. It recommended that only the iconic old Shaw House, constructed in 1960, be given top status, with 17 others recommended for lower grades.

Board members expressed doubts over the suggestions. Chinese University historian Professor Ho Pui-yin questioned why 17 blocks from the 1960s and 1970s were worth grade two and three status - the same as a 19th century market in Yuen Long.

"I am not saying these buildings are not valuable, but should we not apply consistent standards? Are we suggesting these buildings have higher values because they marked the achievements of the famous [film mogul] Sir Run Run Shaw, and common people's buildings are worth less?" she said.

But another member, Janet Pau Heng-ting, said she was afraid that differential grades might prompt the owners to demolish buildings given only grades two and three.