Heritage buildings to breathe new life (hktdc.com)


	Historic Lui Seng Chun building in Mong Kok will be revitalised under a government-community initiative

	The stylish dining room of The Pawn, a hip new Wan Chai bar and restaurant created from an old pawn shop

Seven historic Hong Kong buildings have been earmarked for preservation under the first phase of a public-private sector initiative to conserve the city's architectural heritage.

The government's Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership scheme aims to transform historic buildings into unique cultural landmarks, and promote active public participation in the conservation of historic buildings.

Under the scheme, charities and non-profit-making organisations have been invited to submit proposals for re-use of government-owned historic buildings in ways that would benefit the community. The government is offering support for successful proposals, including a one-off grant to cover major renovations, nominal rental for the buildings and a grant to help with start-up/operating costs in the first two years until it becomes self sustainable.

Innovative uses

Properties listed in the first batch of buildings include the Old Tai Po Police Station (1899), where suggested possible uses include an educational institute or arts and cultural village; Lui Seng Chun building in Mong Kok (1931), which could be converted into a Chinese medicine shop; and the Fong Yuen Study Hall in Tsuen Wan (circa 1920), which may be converted into a community library or study area.

The scheme continues a tradition of finding innovative contemporary uses for historic Hong Kong buildings. Murray House, built in 1844 and the city's oldest surviving public building, was dismantled block by block and relocated from Central to the Stanley waterfront, where it serves as a maritime museum.

World War II bunkers have been converted into Crown Wine Cellars, a fine wine members club featuring the most advanced wine storage facility of its kind in Asia. A vacant heritage courthouse in Fanling is being considered for a classic auto museum.

The Pawn now open

In another interesting restoration of a heritage building, upmarket bar and restaurant The Pawn recently opened on the site of four heritage tenement houses on Johnston Road in Wan Chai. The structure dates back to the late 1800s, and once housed the Woo Cheong Pawn Shop – hence the new restaurant's name.

The Pawn is a collaboration by the founders of Hong Kong restaurants The Press Room and Classified. Spanning three floors, it was designed by local artist and film director Stanley Wong with the aim of preserving the building's historic integrity while bringing new life to the space. The resulting public house-cum-dining room creates an adult playground that integrates dining, drinking and relaxing in a roof garden, dining room and living room.