Here are six Hong Kong buildings and sites missing out on preservation

Last month, Hong Kong’s heritage officials disclosed the results of a survey of some 8,800 historic buildings conducted two decades ago, in the wake of a controversy over the last-minute rescue of a century-old underground reservoir slated for demolition.

For the first time, the public came to know about the sites that were never shortlisted for a smaller pool of over 1,800 for further assessment and grading. Many of them have been demolished, but some survive, and wallow in neglect. While officials are currently looking into these sites, heritage enthusiasts hope more of them can be included in their review.

The Post explores some of the sites around the city that can merit future study and grading, including those not included in the shortlist, and also those not in the list of 8,800, but in the study.

1. Ex-Yaumati Service Reservoir

With the discovery of a striking century-old reservoir in Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon last year, now awarded grade one status, the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB) has also awarded the same grade to a similar reservoir in Yau Ma Tei, the second highest in a four-tier scale.

Both reservoirs were not originally on the list of 8,800 buildings, as officials did not focus on underground structures while compiling the database.

According to documents from the AAB, the Ex-Yaumati Service Reservoir was built in 1894, making it the oldest surviving service reservoir in Kowloon. It was constructed at a time when water supply in Kowloon relied solely on wells and pumping machinery.

Architecturally wise, the disused reservoir has stunning walls, ceilings and arches made of red bricks, imitating Roman civil engineering works. Other functional elements, including vent pipes, are also visible on site, the documents stated.

While the actual reservoir is closed off to the public, people can visit the area above, which is a jogging track equipped with rain shelters and garden benches.