Revised design of Central Police Station Compound unveiled (with photos)
The revised design for the conservation and revitalisation of the Central Police Station (CPS) Compound is an exemplary outcome of embracing public views and aspirations in heritage conservation projects, and takes full account of the Government's heritage conservation policy evolved over the past three years, the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, said today (October 11).
Mrs Lam was unveiling the revised design together with the Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Mr T Brian Stevenson, at a press conference held at the CPS site today.
The revised design, featuring the CPS Compound as a contemporary arts hub, includes the addition of the Old Bailey Wing to house gallery spaces and the Arbuthnot Wing to house a multi-purpose venue and central plant.
The HKJC has commissioned a renowned firm of British conservation architects to undertake a thorough study on the CPS 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 are modest and distinct; they comply fully with the 80 mPD (metres above the Hong Kong Principal Datum) building height restriction stipulated for the site in the draft Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan Outline Zoning Plan.
"The Government and the HKJC recognise that the area surrounding the CPS Compound has grown into a contemporary arts area. The CPS 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. Apart from providing exhibition space for contemporary visual arts, the revitalised CPS Compound can play an important part in developing and nurturing existing small arts/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 that the revised design will win the support of the community," Mrs Lam said.
Mrs Lam paid tribute to the HKJC for its foresight and vision in assisting the Government to take forward what is by far the largest heritage conservation project in Hong Kong under the auspices of a new heritage conservation policy announced by the Chief Executive in October 2007.
"The CPS 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," Mrs Lam said.
"The revitalised CPS 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, etc. 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.
"The Government will continue to work closely with the HKJC to take forward this very meaningful conservation and revitalisation project for the enjoyment of the public," she said.
The Government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (HKJCCT) plan to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding in due course to define the mode, terms and conditions of cooperation during the project implementation and operation stages.
A special project company will be set up by the HKJCCT 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 HKJCCT will fund all the revitalisation works and all operational deficits during the term of the tenancy agreement until the operation of the CPS Compound is financially self-sustaining. The HKJCCT will use any surplus income arising from the operation of the CPS Compound for heritage conservation in Hong Kong.
The project has to go through a number of statutory procedures, including those under the Town Planning Ordinance and the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, before implementation. The public will have opportunities to express their views in accordance with the statutory procedures.
It is expected that the project's construction works will be completed by the end of 2014.
Ends/Monday, October 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:09
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