TNAG-0978-FCO40-1197-Legislation-for-preservation-of-ancient-buildings-and-monume-1981 — Page 31

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highly valued in the future, with improved education, and with the products of the 20th and 21st centuries pervading and dominating the environment.

7。 Touristic importance - The tourist is increasingly

interested in Hong Kong for its unique and visible

character. The more the city loses buildings and

places of interest, the less will be its appeal to

the tourist.

E. Usefulness of the building - The potential of the

building to serve as a venue with a unique and highly

desirable setting for cultural functions is widely

recognized.

In brief, the building meets virtually every criteria for preservation, from a historical/cultural perspective

and from one of intelligent town planning. Unfortunately,

many of these criteria receive little or no attention in

the town planning process in Hong Kong, and the resultant

imbalance can only be rectified by positive direction from

the higher echelons of Government.

Public Interest in the Issue

In detailed submissions to the Home Affairs Branch, the

Conservancy Association has demonstrated conclusively that

the enlightened public, the general public and the man-on-

the-street in Central do indeed have an interest in and

desire for preservation of the building. Allegations that it represents "a past best forgotten" or "the evils of

colonialism" in the eyes of the ill informed are totally

erroneous.

Furthermore, it is a widely held opinion (documented by

the Youth Environment Action Group) that Government should

take steps to preserve the building, if necessary even

including provision of funds for structural maintenance.

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