With the renovation project for the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters building completed, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Cui Jianchun visited the headquarters building today.

The renovation project completion signifies that the building is fully equipped and ready to serve as the IOMed headquarters and for other related purposes in the future.

Mr Lam and Mr Cui toured various areas including the main lobby, conference rooms, mediation rooms and exhibition areas of the headquarters, and were briefed on the revitalisation process and facilities.

The IOMed headquarters building was converted from the Old Wan Chai Police Station, a Grade 2 historic building. The design principle of the conversion was to complement the image and functionality of the IOMed headquarters by preserving the original architectural features of the old police station while adopting minimal and reversible alterations.

As the first international intergovernmental legal organisation dedicated to the use of mediation in resolving international disputes, the IOMed headquarters is located in a landmark architectural building in the central business district of Hong Kong.

This not only accentuates the special international status of the IOMed and accommodates its operational needs, but also fosters the conservation and revitalisation of the Old Wan Chai Police Station, reflecting the emphasis and determination of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in preserving and revitalising historical buildings.

With the proactive efforts of the Hong Kong SAR Government and co-operation from various parties, the headquarters building project was completed quickly and efficiently in about a year and a half, fulfilling the target set out in the supplement of last year's Policy Address, to enable the official establishment of the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong after the entry into force of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.

Following the completion of the project, the headquarters building will be officially handed over to the IOMed Preparatory Office on August 1 to make good preparation use for the establishment and opening of the IOMed.