Muray Cockburn Partnership
Architecture Engineering Planning Interior Design
Fiji & New Zealand
The Editor
South China Morning Post
GPO Box 47
HONG KONG
8
41 Loftus Street Suva Fiji P.O. Box 1109 Suva Telephone 313233 313505
Dear Sir
Re: Hong Kong Club
During a recent visit to Hong Kong it was with dismay that leamt of the proposed demolition of the glorious old Hong Kong Club building.
It appears that extensive protests have been taken to the highest possible level without success or reply.
I
Almost without exception, major cities around the world have programmes included in their Ton Planning schemes to protect historic places and buildings of architectural merit. In Suva, Fiji where I practise architecture, certain buildings are scheduled on the Town Plan to be kept for all time. Recently the old Town Hall has been restored to its former glory and now operates commercially as an aquarium, snack bar and reception centre. This example is important, as like Hong Kong, Suva has few good old buildings and a greater emphasis was necessary to ensure their retention within the developing city.
Closer to Hong Kong, those responsible for the continuing development of Macau, are to be commended on their foresight in bringing about the restoration and rehabilitation of some of their better architecture and historic places.
But Macau has many good old buildings; Hong Kong has so few. Extra effort and consideration is essential, if these last few buildings are to remain sedatory amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
Club Members have demonstrated their noninterest in retaining their building. This is regrettable but understandable. Members have used the building for many years and not suprisingly feel like a change. Being familiar with both the inside and the outside of their 'Club' they could be said to be too close to the situation and are not benifitting from an overview awareness of the importance of maintaining a visual link with Hong Kong's heritage within the urban fabric of the city. Moreover their decision to relocate the club in the new building is obviously favourable from an economic viewpoint.
However, the Hong Kong Club and its members is not the issue. Retaining the building is.
Many solutions have been presented. One of the more economically preferred solutions suggests that if the plot ratio or development
director
M.J. COCKBURN B. ARCH. (HONS.) A.N.Z.I.A. A.R.I.B.A.
associates:
MICHAEL GEARY DIP. ARCH.
RAY PARIS B.ENG. (TECH). HONS.