Residents to be moved as buildings become galleries, cafes
Two clusters of historic shophouses in West Kowloon are set to escape demolition - one group of buildings will be preserved for florists and artists, and the other will offer affordable dining in a bid to encourage people to visit the area.
The Urban Renewal Authority yesterday announced its largest heritage conservation plan, which covers 20 blocks of pre-war shophouses on Shanghai Street in Mong Kok and on Prince Edward Road East. No buildings will be torn down.
The project, costing HK$1.33 billion, is part of the authority's initiative to conserve 48 shophouses across Hong Kong.
One-tenth of the sum will be set aside for renovation, and the rest will be spent on acquiring the 73 property interests involved.
The shophouses, built in the 1920s and 1930s, share architectural features such as a long veranda linking the blocks, balconies and geometric patterns on the facade.