TNAG-0978-FCO40-1197-Legislation-for-preservation-of-ancient-buildings-and-monume-1981 — Page 20

G.S. 84

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XCR(80)205

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This decision has put the Antiquities Advisory Board in a difficult position, since its views and the decision of the Club to redevelop its premises are in direct conflict. However, the Board nonetheless wished to be consistent and in March 1980 decided to endorse its earlier re- commendation that the Hong Kong Club building should be declared a monument under section 3(1) of Chapter 53, on the grounds that the Club is a historic building of considerable architectural merit.

The Recommendation of the Antiquities

Advisory Board

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The Board's reasons for recommending that the Hong Kong Club building be declared a monument are best given by quoting from Board Paper AAB/8/77:

"One of the oldest of Hong Kong's clubs, the Hong Kong Club was opened in 1846 in its original premises at the corner of Queen's Road Central and Wyndham Street. The present building dates from 1897. It is a handsome 4-storey, colonial-style building with 3 bell- towers perfectly proportioned and harmonious with the rest of the building.

The exterior of the building with the elegant porch, arched verandahs and the fluted columns has a noble and imposing appearance. The interior is spacious and consistent in style with the exterior; the columns, the high ceilings and the mouldings on the walls all reflect the grace and the leisure of former times.

The Club stands on one of the finest sites in Central district facing Jackson Street, the Cenotaph and Statue Square. Unobstructed by tall modern office blocks, the Club's early architectural style is shown to its full advantage.

The Club's long history as the headquarters of the British official and mercantile community in Hong Kong is of considerable interest. Today it is one of the finest old buildings in Hong Kong and worthy of preservation as a monument.

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The Views of the Heritage Society and Conservancy Association

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Members will be aware that the question of the preservation of the Hong Kong Club building has been a matter of considerable public debate with many individuals and organisations publicly stating their reasons for preserving the building. In particular, the Heritage Society and the Conservancy Association have taken a firm public stand in favour of preservation, and more recently, both organisations, aware that the Antiquities Advisory Board has recommended the building's preservation, have in representations to the Secretary for Home Affairs put forward their arguments for retaining the building.

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