Proper conservation could transfer historical sites into heritage
and cultural attractions, Hong Kong Chief Secretary Rafael Hui told
an urban-planning conference on Monday.
Speaking at the Hong Kong Institute of Planners and Urban
Planning Society of China conference, Hui said both local and
overseas visitors could appreciate Hong Kong's history through such
sites.
Hui cited a number of examples to demonstrate how creative
industries can interconnect with the cityscape and the
community.
"The Central Police Station Compound is a notable example," he
said. The compound includes the historical Central Police Station,
the Former Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison.
"Not only are these buildings impressive examples of classical
colonial architecture, they have witnessed the history of Hong Kong
and the development of our judicial system," Hui said.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government
has received creative proposals from the public on its future use,
and hopes the project would enrich visitors’ experiences by
focusing on the cultural, retail, and dining attractions in the
area.
"With these projects, we hope and expect that the character and
landscape of the areas will evolve with the growth of these
creative industries, leading to the evolution of supporting
activities and ultimately, to urban regeneration," Hui said.
He cited the conversion and restoration of the Old Dairy Farm
Building as an example. Built in 1892, it is now used by the Fringe
Club, a leading contemporary art center.
"Hong Kong has long been a blend of Oriental and Western
cultures and this is what makes us such a unique, international
city," Hui said.
"We have an open and free society. We have the rule of law and
rigorous protection of intellectual property rights. All these have
provided a solid foundation for the development of creative
industries in Hong Kong," he added.
(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2007)
