Former Hong Kong courthouse to become centre for universal legal education after four-year renovation works
- Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention expresses confidence centre will be financially independent three years after opening
- Proposed renovations include exhibits with virtual and augmented reality technologies, as well as ground-floor cafe and restaurant
A historic court building in Hong Kong will be revitalised in the next four years, with the site’s operator planning to reopen it as a centre offering universal legal education and conducting outreach efforts in the wider community.
The Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention on Friday expressed confidence that the centre could be financially independent three years after opening, predicting the building could draw 70,000 visitors during the first year of operations in 2026.
“Over the past half-century, the magistrate had reflected a societal role of judicial independence,” said Anthea Lee Shuk-wai, the society’s chief executive.
“We hope that, besides revitalising the building, we can also continue its function in society and demonstrate the judicial spirit.”
The organisation, which provides rehabilitation and services to those convicted of criminal offences, added that it planned to use the former courthouse to offer legal education to the public.
The centre hoped to use virtual and augmented reality technologies to give visitors a more immersive experience, while a cafe and restaurant would be located on the building’s ground floor, it added.
