The revised design of the Central Police Station Compound incorporates public views and aspirations on heritage conservation, and takes full account of the Government's enhanced heritage policy, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam said today.
The design sees the compound as a contemporary arts hub, with the Old Bailey Wing the house gallery and the Arbuthnot Wing a multi-purpose venue and central plant. Construction will be completed by the end of 2014.
The Jockey Club has commissioned British architects to undertake a thorough study of the compound and prepare a detailed conservation management plan.
In response to public views and concerns, the height and the bulk of the proposed new structures have been substantially reduced and the F Hall, a post-war building in the compound, will also be preserved. The new structures comply with height restrictions.
Arts hub
"The Government and the Jockey Club recognise the area surrounding the compound has grown into a contemporary arts area. The project aims to create a contemporary arts hub in this valuable historic site and will provide a medium-sized venue with professional facilities and exhibition programmes for the contemporary arts sector," Mrs Lam said.
"Apart from providing exhibition space for contemporary visual arts, the revitalised compound can play an important part in developing and nurturing existing small arts and cultural organisations.
"The revised design has paid due respect to the heritage value of the site in a sensible and meticulous manner. It has taken into full account public views expressed and complies with the building height restriction. I am confident the revised design will win the support of the community."
She praised the Jockey Club for helping the Government take forward the project, Hong Kong's largest heritage conservation scheme.
"[It] is not a project in isolation. It is a key component in the Conserving Central blueprint announced by the Chief Executive in his 2009-10 Policy Address," she said.
"The revitalised compound will create exceptional synergy with nearby heritage and tourist attractions, including other Conserving Central projects, the Fringe Club, Man Mo Temple, Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo and Hollywood Road. It will become a unique heritage and cultural landmark for local and overseas visitors, adding vibrancy to the area, and generating business opportunities for the neighbouring retail and dining facilities."
Initial operation
The Government and the Jockey Club Charities Trust will soon define the mode and terms and conditions of co-operation during the project implementation and operation stages. A project company will be formed by the trust to undertake the project.
The Government will enter into a tenancy agreement with the project company at nominal rent for an initial term of 10 years and a further term of 10 years subject to mutual agreement.
The trust will fund the revitalisation works and operational deficits during the tenancy agreement until the operation of the compound is financially self-sustaining. The trust will use any surplus income arising from the operation of the compound for heritage conservation in Hong Kong.
The project will undergo numerous statutory procedures, including those under the Town Planning Ordinance and the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, before implementation. The public can express views in accordance with the statutory procedures.
