Heritage Conservation in Post‐colonial Hong Kong

Abstract

Hong Kong is a small territory located at a strategic position in South China, with very limited land and other natural resources. When it became a British Colony, the city was intended as a military fort and an economic centre. However, since the change of sovereignty in 1997, heritage conservation has become one of the most popular issues. The current concern for local heritage has been primarily raised by the local community, including residents and non‐government organisations. This paper discusses the economic, social, political and environmental impetus of this unprecedented popularity of heritage conservation in contemporary Hong Kong, and argues that heritage conservation has become an implement for various parties in post‐colonial Hong Kong to present themselves in the discourse of urban renewal and development, and to defend and negotiate their interests. This dynamic process also has significant impacts on the conservation of heritage properties in Hong Kong.

Keywords:

• Post‐colonial Hong Kong
• Heritage Conservation
• Communities

Notes

[1] Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong‐the Facts.

[2] Peng, Hong Kong Minerals.

[3] Antiquity Advisory Board of Hong Kong SAR, ‘A Historical and Architectural Appraisal of Queen’s Pier, Central’.

[4] Tsang, ‘Structural Problem as Revealed by the Budget’.

[5] Miners, The Government and Politics of Hong Kong, 3.

[6] Cheung, ‘Remembering through Space’.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Chau and Siu, ‘The Findings of the Territory Wide Archaeological Sites and Historical Buildings Survey’, 1–13.

[9] Yue, ‘The Reborn of Ageing Buildings’.

[10] Teather and Chow, ‘Identity and Place’.

[11] Hong Kong SAR Government, ‘Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance’.

[12] Dr. Hu (not his real name), lecture at CUHK, October 2006.

[13] Lu, ‘Preserving Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong‐Achievements and Problems’.

[14] Hong Kong SAR Government, ‘Investment Promotion’.

[15] Ng, ‘The Conservation of Antiquities in Hong Kong’, 16–17.

[16] (ibid.)

[17] The Conservancy Association, ‘Mission’.

[18] Ibid.

[19] Ibid.

[20] Home Affairs Bureau, HKSAR, ‘Conversion of Kom Tong Tall for use as the Dr. Sun Yat‐sen Museum’.

[21] Home Affairs Bureau, HKSAR, ‘The Development of Hong Kong Museums’.

[22] Ibid.

[23] Civil Engineering and Development Department, Hong Kong SAR, ‘Central Reclamation’.

[24] Wong, ‘The Government has Met All the Legal Requirements when Demolishing the Star Ferry’.

[25] Leisure and Cultural Service Department, HKSAR, ‘AAB reaffirms no objection raised to Star Ferry Pier demolition plan in 2002.’

[26] Lu, ‘Cultural Heritage Preservation and Urban Renewal in Hong Kong’.

[27] Australia ICOMOS, Burra Charter.

[28] Teather and Chow, ‘Identity and Place’; Henderson, ‘Heritage, Identity and Tourism in Hong Kong’; Cheung, ‘The Meanings of A Heritage Trail in Hong Kong’; Wong, ‘Collective Memory and Social Indicators’.

[29] Tam, ‘Lost, and Found?’.

[30] Cai, ‘Election is a Gamble?’

[31] Based on my interview with activists and analysis of internet discussions.

[32] Poll of People, Hong Kong University.

[33] Fong, ‘Rethinking the Problem of Poverty’.

[34] A resident bluntly said: ‘Well, if they [the councilors] don’t support us, we will remember and show this in the next election’.

[35] Anonymous, ‘The Legislative Council did not Pass the Proposal for Conserving the Queen’s Pier’.

[36] The results of opinion poll conducted by different parties varied and are contradictory, but it seems that about, or less than 50% of Hong Kong people support the conservation of the Queen’s Pier. See http://paper.wenweipo.com/2006/12/30/HK0612300038.htm, http://paper.wenweipo.com/2007/08/13/YO0708130013.htm, and http://www.liberal.org.hk/contents/modules/issue/showsublistContents.php?sublist_Contentid=5793 (accessed 12 September 2007).

[37] HKSAR Government, The Basic Law, Article 3, ‘The executive authorities and legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be composed of permanent residents of Hong Kong in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Law’.

[38] Wong, ‘Collective Memory and Social Indicators’.

[39] Tsang, A New Direction for Hong Kong.