Preserve or Not? The Western Market

   Recently, some historical preservation groups in Hong Kong have been arguing about the historical preservation, for example The Star Ferry. In fact, Western Market is also one of the historical monument which has a long history. This time let me introduce you the Western Market and discuss about should they be preserved or not.

  Western Market was originally the North block of the old Western Market, which was identified by Antiquities and Monuments Office as one of the Declared Monuments in 1990. Since the former Urban Council’s market facilities came into operation in 1989, the market building became vacant.

   The Urban Renewal Authority converted the market into a centre of traditional traders, arts and crafts in 1991 and renamed it as “the Western Market”. Adopting the concept of adaptive-reuse, the building has been brought back to their useful economic life by accommodating theme restaurant and boutique shops that turning the building and the vicinity into a place for lifestyle shopping and leisure activities.

   Hong Kong was once occupied. In a place of rapid development for immediate economic returns, heritage preservation was regarded as a taboo. Many beautiful historical buildings were demolished for redevelopment, not only by private owners, but also by the government.

   At present, it is believed that it is the oldest market building surviving in Hong Kong. It originally consisted of 2 separate blocks. The South Block at Queen’s Road Central was built in 1858. Sadly, I was demolished in 1980. The North Block, smaller and more compact in design, was preserved and renovated by Land Development Corporation.

   More, protecting and conserving the archaeological in Hong Kong and built heritage is our responsibility. We can study the prehistory and history of Hong Kong through its archaeological and built heritage. Furthermore, promoting tourism through innovative adaptive reuse of Hong Kong’s heritage.

   Despite do heritage preservation have a price to be paid, if we agree to the importance of heritage conservation in the development of a sustainable future, then heritage conservation is a public purpose and worth the effort.