Conservation of Sai Ying Pun school building shows how public can work with officials to preserve Hong Kong’s heritage: minister
- The 80-year-old building that is home to Bonham Road Government Primary School was declared a monument last month
- Secretary for Development Michael Wong says the preservation of the structure shows how various stakeholders can work together to preserve key historical sites
Hong Kong’s development chief has hailed the conservation of a school building in Sai Ying Pun as an example of how the public and owners can work with authorities to conserve the city’s heritage for future generations.
Writing on his official blog on Sunday, Secretary for Development Michael Wong Wai-lun noted that the 80-year-old building was among three structures declared as monuments last month under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. The listing means they cannot be demolished or modified unless permission is given by authorities.
The Bonham Road Government Primary School moved into the building in 2000 and Wong argued that its occupancy had helped ensure conservation of elements of the structure, as well as educate pupils about its history and characteristics.
“The conservation of historical buildings cannot rely solely on the government’s input of resources,” he said. “[The government] must work with various stakeholders of society, including private historical building owners and the general public, to strengthen overall awareness and importance of historical building conservation.
“I am particularly grateful to colleagues in the Antiquities and Monuments Office and the teachers, students, parents and alumni of Bonham Road Government Primary School for their dedication to preserving this monument.”
