The former Central Police Station Compound, comprising the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, is a highly significant historic and cultural site in Hong Kong. It is the largest collection of historic buildings and monuments on a single site within the city. From its inception, the site has been representative of colonialism, law and order, prison and police life and is the result of over 170 years of change and development.

The Central Police Station Revitalisation Project (the “Project”) to create Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, is arguably the single largest project of its type that Hong Kong will ever do. It is the effort of a unique partnership between the Government of the HKSAR and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which has seen the donation of HK$3.8 billion capital investment and a 10-year commitment to the site’s operation on a not-for-profit basis. The intention has been to create something that is at once new, yet familiar, that is seen as culturally relevant to all people in Hong Kong, whatever their social background, and is sustainable in the long term. Work began in earnest in 2008 with the research and publication of a conservation management plan and the site was formally opened on the 25 May 2018.

What was the brief?

The revitalisation of the former Central Police Station Compound is a landmark project in the modern history of Hong Kong. As such, it carries with it a broad legacy, one that embraces an appreciation of cultural heritage and the complexities of adaptive re-use, to the building trade skills required to deliver and maintain the finished project.

Following the Central Police Station compound’s decommissioning in 2006, the Hong Kong Jockey Club sought to regenerate the site for re-use, and in 2018, the compound reopened as the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts.

Purcell has been pivotal in the creation of Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. The practice’s conservation of 16 historic buildings within the compound has safeguarded the site’s rich heritage and transformed it into the unique cultural centre it stands as today.

To ensure the project’s success, Purcell developed a Conservation Management Plan and undertook in-depth research into the site’s architecture which unlocked the compound’s vast cultural and architectural heritage.

Following this, Purcell went on to restore and adapt the 6-acre site in the heart of Hong Kong for new use. The restoration has ensured the longevity of the compound and has provided new arts facilities to be enjoyed by both visitors and the local community.

The decision to build these interventions and to create a centre for heritage and arts was driven by the recognition that in order to be sustainable in the long term the site had to deliver more than a restored former Police Station. The site needed to be embedded back into the city so that local people would return again and again and regard it as part of their daily lives.

Renamed Tai Kwun (大館), which in Chinese means ‘Big Station’ as this was the colloquial name used by police officers and the public alike to refer to the former law enforcement complex. The adoption of this name recognises the historical importance of the site to the local and regional community.

What were the key challenges?

The scale and complexity of the project demanded a range of skills that would have been hard to find in a single provider. Therefore, three architectural companies were employed to deliver the architectural services.

On a site that was conceived and built as a fortress, it was imperative to find ways of embedding the buildings back into the city, and to do so without compromising the significance of the dominant walls that surround the historic fabric. The design approach makes use of existing entry/exit points to selectively curate pedestrian access and wayfinding.

Throughout the expansive site, there are various types of brick and varying levels of craftmanship; the early buildings were built with soft, grey brick and others have significant quantities of red brick. Although many of the buildings were built at similar times, the craftmanship differs between them. In particular the Barracks Block, where extensive remedial work was necessary, and during the process of carrying out this work in 2016 a partial collapse occurred.

What were the solutions?

The overall objective was to conserve the heritage resource in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the Conservation Management Plan. This was typified by the restoration of character-defining elements and selected artefacts, the removal of intrusive historic alterations added over time and works to facilitate meeting building codes to allow the buildings to have beneficial use.

The location of various new uses were carefully considered to enable the best possible preservation of the heritage resources consistent with fitting new uses and achieving statutory compliance. The report advised that the least intrusive uses were introduced into spaces of high significance, with the most intrusive in those space of low significance. 

It was recognised that the open spaces such as the former prison yard’s significance was to be acknowledged. There was pressure to occupy these outdoor spaces for dining but the Parade Ground at least was conceived as a set-piece that should be preserved as an open space. This approach also created a new opportunity by offering potential for gathering and performance events, a type of venue that is in very short supply in Central Hong Kong.

The principal interventions comprised the construction of two new buildings - a multi-purpose auditorium and a modern art gallery as well as a bridge across a main road to link the site directly to the Mid Levels Escalator.

Works also included the removal of three existing buildings that were regarded as intrusive in order to enable more of the site’s unique spatial qualities.

The building services infrastructure was completely renewed and mostly built below ground.

What are the sustainability features?

One of the main agenda items of the revitalisation was the physical retention of and adaptive reuse of 16 historic buildings. Through detailed condition survey’s, planning and enhancement works, the usage of the existing buildings was changed and buildings service life has been extended for minimum of 50 more years. The site also demolished 3 structures of low architectural value to create space for the 2 new sustainably designed modern buildings.

The position of the buildings within the site, their orientation, their relationships between each other, the massing of the development, the amount and locations of open and landscaped areas etc is already set. Therefore, this project did not afford the option to assess the planning and layout issues of the site in order to increase the environmental performance. New buildings were strategically positioned on the footprint of demolished buildings so not to impede on the site unique open spaces.

As a principally conservation led project, the statutory protection afforded to the building meant altering the external fabric and to introduce renewables, high emissivity or green roof coverings to any of the existing buildings was prohibited.

Traditional Chinese tile roofs and modern flat sheet membrane roofs were reconstructed to introduce thermal insulation and a vapour barrier to improve the energy efficiency of all the historic buildings with MVAC provisions.

The existing building have been adapted in the past and part of the project was to reinstate the buildings original spatial configuration. This had the benefit of ensuring those rooms designed to reactivate external verandahs, encouraging passive design, whilst offering visitors and

tenants functional, naturally ventilated, daylight spaces as per the buildings original design. A high degree of windows and doors are openable to encourage tenants to utilise natural ventilation when the climate is appropriate.

The removal of much of these modern interventions such as partitions and verandah enclosures, has meant the reinstatement of more useable spaces, which can be occupied by a greater diversity of tenants both today and in the future. New walls are generally lightweight in construction and are therefore reversible, as are most other interventions

How has the sustainability of the building/design been considered?

Conservation and sustainability are intrinsically linked. The project has extended the life of 16 historic buildings for a further 50 years. Tai Kwun is a comfortable, liveable urban oasis that has re-activated 40,000 square feet of open spaces. The historic buildings original passive design is reactivated, encouraging the utilisation of semi-enclosed spaces for new activities.

The creation of new entrances and connectivity to the mid-level’s escalator and close proximity to public transport demonstrate Tai Kwun’s commitment towards a walkable city and a universally accessible site.

What building methods were used?

Through the adaptive reuse approach, the building statutory protection was taken into consideration. Wherever feasible, materials and components were locally sourced, as well as there being a high degree of material retention. Examples include: 25% of the existing timber floorboards were salvaged and re-laid, 60% repaired existing timber window and doors; revetment walls where taken down were salvaged and reformed as granite paving around the site; and damaged bricks were carefully taken out and turned around to restore their original finish.

Overall, there was a conscious effort to reduce site waste, with removed elements often being recycled in other buildings. For example, tiles salvaged in one building were re-fixed in another.

Due to the limitations on material production within Hong Kong itself, importation of materials was required but effort was taken to source locally manufactured materials to match existing where possible. New material specifications were consistent across both the restoration and new construction.

Traditional Chinese tile roofs were reconstructed to introduce thermal insulation and a vapour barrier to improve the energy efficiency of all the historic buildings with MVAC provisions. The verandah spaces were reactivated, encouraging passive design, whilst offering visitors and tenants functional, naturally ventilated, daylight spaces. An understated lighting design throughout evokes neighbourhood harmony, whilst reducing lighting pollution and nuisance to those that live and work around the site.

As part of the revitalisation strategy to ensure the heritage buildings were relevant and compliant with modern standards and requirements, the proposals had to recognise the contribution of building services. The site managed by BMS, uses proprietary MEP equipment and materials that employed standardised installation methods, to improve installation efficiency, promote cost competitiveness amongst suppliers, whilst also contributing to lowering the onward maintenance costs.

The two new buildings have implemented a façade cladding system that is constructed from recycled content which comprised turning 56,000 disposed alloy wheels into facade bricks.

During construction, existing buildings were utilised for site office space, reducing waste associated with setting up/decommissioning of site offices.

How does the project demonstrate an understanding the original building and of the wider context?

Understanding the significance of the former Central Police Station Compound was integral in decision-making about its revitalisation and continues to be an important consideration for all decision-making about Tai Kwun now and in the future.

The site comprises three Declared Monuments, which are protected by law in Hong Kong. The urban site with three platform levels, posed the team several site management and construction challenges.

The site has been revitalised but the essential characteristics of the site – as revealed in the spatial relationships between the buildings and by the character defining elements of each of them - have been retained. New interventions, whether they are internal alterations in an historical building, or whole new buildings, are “of their time”.

The site’s character lays in the outward appearance of the buildings and the spaces between them. The offer to visitors is broad but directed, first of all, toward Hongkongers. If this was not achieved, then that sense of ownership would be lost.

The buildings informed the new use and not the business plan. Imaginative architecture that is fit for purpose, whilst achieving long term rejuvenation and sustainability required overcoming conflict between building legislation and the historic fabric. Through minimum intervention, the buildings were equipped with only the necessary modern amenities and building services without undue impact on the site’s significance.

The physical fabric provides tangible evidence of construction techniques, design styles, materials, and uses of buildings and spaces – many of which are unique in the combination of British (or rather European) and Chinese approach. It is also part of our collective memory; which forms and shapes us.

Exploration for opening up the site for visitors whist maintaining its penal correctional, fortress like atmosphere necessitated the forming of new routes around the site, linking the Police, Magistrates and Prison sites to enhance connectivity and to re-activate the open yards.

A undeniable success of the project is the retention of the unprepossessing F Hall. Research revealed that as the one part of the prison site that the public could access, and given the activity around it, such as the queue outside on visiting days, it was deeply embedded in the collective memory of the place.

How does the project meet the principles of inclusive design?

Tai Kwun is a 14,500m2 site and a complex comprising 16 existing and 2 new buildings plus 2 open spaces. It is situated in one of the most densely populated business districts in the world. In the past it was remotely located uphill hence physically demanding to access by foot. With the help of the introduction of the mid-level escalator in 1993 the surrounding area became more easily accessible. Through this introduction of this new connection, Tai Kwun is now within 10 mins walking distance from the cities world-class public transport infrastructure, including Central MTR station, as well as being located within 1 min walking distance to bus stops on the three surrounding streets and around 5 mins from the tram.

The site has also created new entrances to improve the site permeability and connectivity to the local neighbourhood. It was designed that such interventions would encourage pedestrians to use the site as a way of moving through the fabric of the city.

There is no car parking provision, only provision for taxi drop for persons of disability. Barrier free access (BFA) is supported by accessible entrances, assistant hotlines and tactile wayfinding to the site visitor centre.

The adapted buildings now house modern amenities including accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, nursing (parents) room, lifts and access ramps. A site Navigation APP has been developed with Hong Kong Blind to provide audio and text navigation instructions to users for any people especially for people-in-need, like visually impaired and the elderly.

Collectively, this approach has greatly enhanced the sites inclusivity and its accessibility, embedding this impenetrable site into the fabric of the city.

Why is this project interesting?

Today, Tai Kwun is an immersive, already a much-valued cultural place of gathering, inspiration and stimulation which by the 1st anniversary, had 3.4 milion visitors. It’s a diverse venue for all walks of life and a place for Hongkongers’ to be reminded of Hong Kong's past through various Educational Heritage Workshop and Interpretation programmes, events and performances.

It sets the benchmark for excellence in the restoration, revitalisation and adaptive reuse of historic structures in Hong Kong, whilst operating a sustainable model that generates income to support the sites ongoing preservation.

It provides a platform for exhibitions, artists-in-residence programmes, performances and events, where international, local and regional artists may display their work, exchange ideas and expand creative horizons.

As the single largest project of its type to be attempted in Hong Kong, the intention was to create something that is at once new, yet familiar, that is seen as culturally relevant to Hongkongers, whatever their social background. Visitors are presented with an interesting juxtaposition of widely contrasting architectural styles from the mid-19th Century up to the present day.

11 years in the making, 16 heritage buildings have been adapted to new uses and are complemented by two contextually designed new buildings which enrich Tai Kwun immeasurably by providing added flexibility, functionality and cultural use to the site.

What does the project contribute to the local community?

Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts was created for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Hong Kong. All Tai Kwun’s venues and spaces are animated by public programs throughout the year. With its mission to present the best heritage and arts experiences in Hong Kong and to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of arts and history in the community. Tai Kwun presents programs in heritage, contemporary art and performing arts, the majority of which are offered free-of-charge to the public.

Tai Kwun’s venues are frequently made available to NGOs to present charitable events and to raise funds for worthy causes.

The site is deeply rooted in its context and is committed to maintaining and developing an excellent relationship with the community surrounding it by involving neighbours in its programs, hosting special activities, and providing advance information of upcoming events. During the planning and construction phase, the community was consulted frequently on the planned facilities, their utilisation and design. Since opening, Tai Kwun has ensured minimal impact on traffic and noise in the local area as well as adopting an understated lighting design throughout that evokes neighbourhood harmony, whilst reducing lighting pollution and nuisance to those that live and work around the site.

Tai Kwun has also Created more than 800 heritage docents, for 20,000 students, 400 schools. The feedback has obtained a 95% level of high satisfaction. This is in additional to over 750 public programmes which includes 40 different structured tours.

As Hong Kong’s single largest conservation project, the approach was to manage change sensitively to preserve the site’s significance as well as deliver a conservation exemplar and set a new international benchmark for future adaptive reuse projects in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific.

The approach to interpret the buildings’ heritage supports developing an understanding in Hong Kong of the importance of its cultural heritage and the potential of conservation methods. The project has helped to raise awareness amongst the profession on issues of conservation and introduced new techniques and methodologies to Hong Kong. 200 local tradespeople were employed over the course of the project, which it is hoped will provide a lasting legacy for Hong Kong.

The decision to build these interventions and to create a centre for heritage and arts was driven by the recognition that in order to be sustainable in the long term the site had to deliver more than a restored former Police Station. The site needed to be embedded back into the city so that local people would return again and again and regard it as part of their daily lives.

The combination of conservation and adaptive reuse to preserve the compound has breathed new life into the site and has transformed it into a lively centre dedicated to contemporary art and heritage.

Awards Success

Since its completion, our work at Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts has been recognized across the globe. Significant awards include:

International Award of Excellence – Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Award of Excellence - UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

Certificate of Grand Award, Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalisation) - Quality Building Award (QBA)

Conservation Award (Revitalization Category) - Hong Kong Institute of Conservationists (HKICON)

Special Architectural Award, Heritage & Adaptive Reuse - The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)

Best of Category, Professional Architecture Remodelled Heritage - A&D Trophy Awards

Excellence, Architecture Remodelled Heritage – A&D China Awards

Merit Award, Existing Building Category – Green Building Award (GBA)

Project Team:
• Purcell Asia Pacific Limited (Conservation Architect)
• Herzog & de Meuron (Architect and Masterplanner)
• Rocco Design Architects Limited (Executive Architect)
• Arup (Structural, Geotechnical, Lighting Designer, Fire Engineer, Security)
• J. Roger Preston Limited (MEP Consultant)
• Rider Levett Bucknall Limited (Quantity Surveyor)
• AECOM (Landscape Architect)
• ERM Hong Kong Limted (Environmental & Archaelogical Consultant)
• Townland Consultants Limited (Planning Consultant)
• MVA Hong Kong Limted (Traffic Consultant)
• Shen Milsom & Wilke Limited (Acoustic & Audio-visual Consultant)
• Gammon Construction Limited (Management Contractor)
• The Hong Kong Jockey Club (Client)

Project Staff (Purcell):
• Michael Morrison
• Brian Anderson
• Gary Sparrow
• Steve Phillips
• Ian Groocock
• Jack Chui
• Ryan Sun
• Tracey Skovronek