Hong Kong experts back plan for preserving parts of partially collapsed historic Tai Kwun block
Block 4 of Tai Kwun, the former Central Police Station compound, shows ‘signs of continuing deterioration’ after its partial collapse in 2016
Two Hong Kong conservation experts have backed a proposal by heritage arts venue Tai Kwun in Central to retain only the facades of a partially collapsed historic block, saying structural safety must be the top priority.
Their comments on the plan on Sunday came after it was revealed that Block 4 of Tai Kwun, the former Central Police Station compound, had showed “signs of continuing deterioration” and parts were “unsafe to retain” after its partial collapse eight years ago.
After professionals hired by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which oversees the restoration of Tai Kwun, reviewed the partially collapsed block, it proposed retaining only the public facades and converting the space into performance and art uses.
Wendy Ng Wan-yee, president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists, told the Post that safety was the top priority in conservation efforts.
“Many parts are not technically feasible to be preserved. We accept that the current proposal can keep the most elements. The next step is about interpreting how to tell the story and the preservation process of Block 4,” she said.
Ng added that the team could consider using new technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create immersive experiences for visitors.
