Dear Editor,

Hong Kong people have been paying more attention to cultural heritage in recent years. It is observed that many historical buildings have been redeveloped for commercial purposes, which have sparked heated discussions on heritage conservation in Hong Kong. Some people commented that it is important to preserve them without any changes, while others affirm the significance of redeveloping historical buildings in Hong Kong’s situation. From my point of view, the latter idea is a better option to be applied in Hong Kong.

One advantage of redeveloping historical buildings is to enhance their commercial value without neglecting their history. Owing to Hong Kong’s situation, preserving architectural monuments is to keep them distant from the general public, which will make them isolated. However, redeveloping historic buildings can make them alive and garner praise. Taking Murray House as an example, it has become a successful tourist attraction, in which its commercial value has been highly enhanced. More importantly, people would try to learn more about the history of this magnificent building. From what we could observe, increasing the commercial value of historical buildings is a good way to protect them from disappearance.

Moreover, giving historic buildings a commercial purpose is a useful way to maintain their existence. Hong Kong is an international city, which mainly focuses on maintaining its superior financial status in the world. Only aiming to preserve the originality of historic buildings would draw no attention from the government and businessmen. As a result, these buildings or sites would be torn down gradually. However, with their commercial value to be targeted, they can have sound reasons to be redeveloped, repackaged and restored for their existence. For the survival of historic buildings, it is a better option to redevelop them.

In conclusion, it is agreed that the conservation of historical buildings in our society is important as they not only preserve the past, but also our culture and collective memory. However, what is the best way to conserve them in Hong Kong? The answer to this question is to redevelop them in order to justify their existence and values.

Yours faithfully,

Lee Cheuk Ho  6B

HHCKLA Buddhist Ching Kok Secondary School