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Planning, Land and Infrastructure
Public Sector
The Architectural Services Department provides architectural and associated professional and project management services for the design, construction and upkeep of government buildings and public facilities, except public housing. It applies innovative building solutions and inclusive and green building design to provide a more sustainable, resilient and high-quality built environment. In 2020, the department started construction on 29 projects and completed 31 projects.
Regional and international awards won by the department in 2020 included those from the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Asia Pacific Federation of Project Management, the Hong Kong Institute of Project Management, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists.
Built Heritage Conservation
The government's heritage conservation policy is to protect, conserve and revitalise as appropriate historical and heritage sites and buildings through relevant and sustainable approaches for the benefit of present and future generations. Due regard is given to development needs in the public interest, respect for private property rights, budget considerations, cross-sectoral collaboration and the engagement of stakeholders and the public.
Ten projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme of the bureau's Commissioner for Heritage's Office (CHO) are in operation, while works for three other revitalisation projects are in progress and scheduled for completion in 2021. Preparatory works, including detailed design, for another three projects are under way. Proposals in respect of a new batch of four historic buildings were invited in December 2019 and a fifth building was added in August 2020. Results of the assessment of proposals will be announced by mid-2022.
The Built Heritage Conservation Fund operates two funding schemes to support public engagement and research. Public engagement activities conducted under the fund in 2020 included a creative competition and an exhibition. By 31 December, there had been more than 15,500 participants in the fund's events since 2018.
In the private domain, the CHO and the Antiquities and Monuments Office monitor any works on, or development of, declared monuments and graded historic buildings and discuss preservation options with owners of historic buildings. The CHO approved grants for maintenance works at seven historic buildings under the Financial Assistance for Maintenance Scheme on Built Heritage in 2020.
In 2020, restoration and repair works were conducted at Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall in Fanling and Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui. Archaeological investigations were conducted in North District, Tai Po, Lamma Island and Tuen Mun.
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