Hong Kong's historical districts, buildings at risk as profit maximized

The 107-year-old Western Market in Sheung Wan is one of the few Edwardian buildings remaining in Hong Kong but the redevelopment of the beautiful building under the management of the Urban Renewal Authority and its predecessor agency over the past 22 years has disappointed.

Its unique design and history means it should be able to attract many visitors. But the lack of an overall development concept means it now looks like a small shopping mall.

The authority has reportedly appointed consultants to review the development of Western Market and suggest new ideas. One of the ideas is to turn it into a red wine centre. That prompted the owners of the well-known fabric stores on the second floor to worry they would have to move out.

Their shops used to be in Wing On Street in Sheung Wan, known as Fabric Alley because of its many fabric outlets.

In 1991, the shops were relocated to Western Market as the Land Development Corporation redeveloped the old buildings in Wing On Street into The Center, a grade A office building in Central.

If they have to move out again, confidence in the Urban Renewal Authority's will to protect local businesses will falter. Indeed, it will become a challenge for it to acquire old flats and shops for redevelopment in the future.