TNAG-0774-FCO40-978-Redevelopment-of-the-former-Kowloon-Canton-Railway-Station-1978 — Page 20

2.

I cont.

3.

The existing legislation, the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance Cap. 53 be reconsidered in its application to buildings erected'since 1799.

4.

The Hong Kong Heritage Society respectfully requests an audience with Your Excellency to explain more fully the issues involved in the light of recent developmenta.

ex. B

08x. C

38 Pila

II.

1.

Your Excellency has stated that the conservation of the

K.C.R. building's façade "would not be in the public interest.... as its preservation would interfere with the construction of the Cultural Complex........"

2.

This statement and an explanation that the plans for the proposed Cultural Complex had gone too far for any alteration appear to be the ONLY reasons for Your Excellenoy's decision which have been

made publio.

3.

Since at least 1970, the public has made known its wishes

that the K.C.R. buildings be conserved. The Kowloon Residents'

Association wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1970, requesting the oonservation of the K.C.R. buildings. The Tsim Sha Tsui Kai Fong & Welfare Association wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1975 and again on 6 May, 1977. Other relevant organisations which have expressed their wish that the whole building be conserved are The History Society of Hong Kong, the llɔng Kông Institute of Architects, The

Royal Town Planning Institute, Hong Kong Branch, and the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk, and in part, the offiál Antiquities Advisory Board.

4.

"

Another indication is the local press, wherein editorials,

articles, interviews, and letters from the public have been

overwhelmingly in favour of conserving the building. A great deal

of public concern has been expressed

5. In the light of the statement made by the lion.. Mr. D.C.Bray,

then Secretary for Home Affairs & Information, that our Government

/p.3 in Hong Kong