Dissonance
- Who is the owner of old Wan Chai Market? -
Timeline
In 1991, the Historical Buildings and Structures Committee and the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB) considered that the market did not have great historical significance. The Land Development Corporation (LDC) which is the predecessor of Urban Renewal Authority proposed a scheme to redevelop some sites in Wan Chai. (Home Affairs Subcommittee, 2007)
In 1996, the LDC started the urban renewal project in Wan Chai and Wan Chai Market was included in this redevelopment project. Chinese Estates Holding Limited signed the contract with the government to jointly develop the site into a luxury residential –commercial complex. It included the demolition of the building. The project was scheduled to start in early 2008 and end in mid-2011.
In 2004, the issue was brought up again in the AAB who sent a letter to the developer asking them to consider the market preservation proposals submitted by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. (The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, 2004)
In 2007, the Urban Renewal Authority and the Development Bureau jointly announced that the facade and the front part of the historic market building will be preserved in the redevelopment project. (Wu, 2007)
In 2008, the New Wan Chai Market which is located the West of the (old) Wan Chai Market started to operate. At the same time, the old one closed.
In 2009, Chinese Estates Holdings Limited started the demolition of the building and kept the facade and the front part of the historic market building. Then, the developer constructed a luxury residential –commercial complex called One Wanchai at the back of the building.
What is Redevelopment?
Redevelopment uses to tackle the problem of urban decay more effectively. It targets old and dilapidated buildings with poor living conditions. These sites will be replanned and rebuilt to achieve clear environmental and social benefits such as open space and community facilities. (URA, n.d.)
By this definition, the Wan Chai Market refers to redevelopment too. As the Wan Chai Market has a long history, the government thinks that the Wan Chai Market is not fully used; the design of the market also does not suit the current standard. After the construction of the commercial-residential complex, it can provide more beautiful flats and recreational facilities to the residents. It also can improve the image of the community. Therefore, the government wants to redevelop Wan Chai Market.
One Wan Chai
The images of old Wan Chai Market nowadays are shown as followings:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Information Paper for Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs Subcommittee on Heritage Conservation. (2007, July 1). Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr06-07/english/panels/ha/ha_hec/papers/ha_hec0711cb2-2417-1-e.pdf
The Hong Kong Institute of Architects. (2004, August 25). Supplementary Report on Wan Chai Market Heritage Conservation. Retrieved from http://www.arch.cuhk.edu.hk/server1/resch2/livearch/images/Letter-Report.pdf
Wu, H. (2007, December 21). Developer saves Wan Chai market. Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://www.scmp.com/article/620333/developer-saves-wan-chai-market
Urban Renewal Authority - Redevelopment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ura.org.hk/en/schemes-and-policies/redevelopment.aspx
REDEVELOPMENT
