Century-old Cantonese shophouses revitalisd for adaptive re-use
A row of four Cantonese verandah shophouses at the Johnston Road
project of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) in Wan Chai, including
a pawn shop formerly known as "Wo Cheong", have been revitalised
for adaptive re-use, standing in harmony with the new development
in the neighbourhood.
This project exemplifies vividly the possible co-existence of the
old and the new in redevelopment if new thinking is adopted.
Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Chairman of
URA, Mr Barry Cheung, today (Thursday) officiated at a ceremony to
mark the completion of the URA's first redevelopment cum
preservation project at Johnston Road.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheung said, "The Johnston Road
project, being a flagship project of the URA, is located at the
heartland of old Wan Chai which is full of historical elements and
cultures. When we set into action to redevelop the area to
improve the living environment of residents, we are mindful of the
need to preserve buildings of historical value wherever
possible. We endeavour to strike a balance in redevelopment
and preservation."
"In addition to preserving four unique shophouses of Cantonese
verandah-type and No.18, Ship Street, the project acts as a
catalyst to revive economic activities in the neighbourhood," said
Mr Cheung.
After six years for planning and renovation, the buildings have
now been restored and used as specialty restaurants.
Mr Cheung said, "The Johnston Road project is a milestone of URA
in its efforts in redevelopment and preservation, setting a good
reference point for future initiatives, in particular its expanded
strategy to set aside a sum of $1.5 billion to conserve some
30 shophouses of historical significance this financial
year."
Noting that the URA would give full support to the Development
Bureau and its Steering Committee to solicit public views on the
way forward for urban regeneration, Mr Cheung called on members of
the public to come forward to make known their views on what they
would like to achieve in urban regeneration.
To tie in with the strategy review, a series of activities
entitled "Towards Urban Regeneration: Version 3.0" featuring a
revolving exhibition and keynote seminar will be held at the end of
the year to deepen public understanding and discussion of issues
involved in urban regeneration.
Mr Cheung expressed his heartfelt thanks to all those who have
given support to the URA on the Johnston Road project.
Attending today's ceremony included Legislative Council members,
Wan Chai District Council members, URA Board members, government
officials, former residents of the Johnston Road project and the
joint venture partner, K.Wah International Holdings Limited.
(ENDS)