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Exclusive | New design to bring decades-old wall in Hong Kong’s State Theatre to light

‘This project could help retain the character of the city and will be a cultural quarter,’ architectural firm director says

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A revived State Theatre is expected to open its doors in 2026. Photo: Felix Wong

A 72-year-old wall which has been hidden in Hong Kong’s State Theatre for more than six decades will be shown to the public upon its revitalisation, the Post has learned.

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In an exclusive interview with the Post on Wednesday, Matthew Potter, the Hong Kong-based director of London-founded architectural firm WilkinsonEyre, said the latest design would reveal the North Wall as part of a project that would allow the public to have a comprehensive view of the Grade I historic building.

“This project could help retain the character of the city and will be a cultural quarter,” he said.

Preservation works at the theatre on King’s Road in North Point are part of New World Development’s plan to redevelop the site into residential and commercial spaces.

The North Wall has been hidden inside the State Theatre for more than six decades. Photo: Vivian Au
The North Wall has been hidden inside the State Theatre for more than six decades. Photo: Vivian Au

New World Development said it was exploring the possibility of opening the theatre’s well-known parabolic arch truss to the public to showcase its unique design, which reflects the history of North Point, once dubbed “Little Shanghai”.

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