ENG-2008 — Page 283

Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation | 223

(e) Three historic buildings (Maryknoll Convent School, King Yin Lei and Green Island Lighthouse Compound) were declared monuments under the Ordinance for permanent protection;

(f) The Government entered into a partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) to take forward the conservation and revitalisation of the Central Police Station Compound, after completion of a six-month public engagement exercise conducted by HKJC from October 2007 to April 2008 to engage stakeholders through various channels and activities. The project will take the opportunity to showcase in Hong Kong how new and sustainable uses can be integrated creatively into a historic site whilst preserving its overall historic and architectural significance;

(g) The Government removed the original site of the Central School on Hollywood Road permanently from the List of Sites for Sale by Application, and will investigate further how best the site may be used for creative. industries and education while recognising its historic significance; and

(h) The bureau conducted studies on overseas practice in adapting building codes to facilitate adaptive re-use of historic buildings and overseas experience on the revitalisation of historic buildings. The practice and experience will be applied in the heritage conservation as appropriate.

In the private domain:

(a) The bureau successfully applied the policy on economic incentives to facilitate conservation of privately-owned historic buildings for the first time in the case of King Yin Lei through a proposed non in-situ land exchange arrangement with the owner;

(b) The bureau launched a scheme to provide financial assistance to facilitate

maintenance of privately-owned graded historic buildings; and

(c) The bureau undertook various public engagement and publicity programmes

in the year and will continue its efforts in the coming years.

Public Engagement and Publicity

The bureau undertook a series of proactive programmes to reach out to the community, listen to public views and work with the stakeholders to strengthen interaction between the Government and the community.

From January to May, a 'Public Awareness Campaign on Heritage Conservation' was launched to foster public awareness and interest in heritage conservation through activities, including thematic exhibitions, roving exhibitions, public lectures and workshop, guided tours, an open day at Mei Ho House and an international conference, which attracted more than 62 000 visitors. The highlight of the campaign was the 'Historic Buildings Photo Competition' which received an overwhelming response from the public.

The bureau conducted public engagement exercises for revitalisation projects, including the former Central School site, and the seven buildings being selected for