Evaluation of Old Tai O Police Station Preservation Project

Evaluation of old Tai O police station preservation project –

Could the project fulfill diverse stakeholders’ expectations under post-era of Neoliberalism?

Background

In the post-era of Neoliberalism, our globe is heading to embrace the new form of capitalism. It is predicted that the privatization and deregulation under the scope will dominate societies and thus weaken the role of government. The saying does not solely applicable to economy but the heritage conservation in Hong Kong. In order to address the escalating public awareness over conservation issue, the government launched the ‘Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme’ (R-Scheme) in 2007. Under the scheme, nonprofit organizations are empowered to replace Home Affair Bureau in preserving local heritage under a certain level of governmental surveillance and instructions.

In the Batch I of R-Scheme, the old Tai O police station is listed as one of the heritage for preservation. Among five nonprofit organizations, the proposal from Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited (HCF) has been adopted. It would be revitalized as a boutique hotel with nine guest rooms available. In the project, the capital cost is expected to be around 64.9 million with no government subsidy required.

Significance of old Tai O police station

It would be

Hong Kong as a whole: Public sentiments & expectations Is the preservation project as a whole catering to general public’s preferences?

According to Donald Tsang, “Government will press ahead with heritage conservation work in the coming years” (Chief Executive Policy Address, 2007). It signified the arisen of concerns towards the topic of conservation.

Local (indigenous people) Is it a balanced development (empowerment & benefits)?

Community-based management paradigm

Definition: Promotion of local stewardship <-> and in return the benefits for stakeholders

1. Any assessment?
2. Any linkage between local stewardship and the socio economic benefits? (ie. Tourism should be the agent for safeguarding the cultural assets ; it’s a byproduct rather than the main focus; preservation comes first)
3. Cannot be limited to an elite activity but available for local communities  

• Job opportunities – sustainability?
• More local business?
• Connections

Tourists (local and foreigners) Is the protection of heritage successful? Is it successful in keeping the core values of architecture? Is it a tourist-friendly tourist spot? Is it an attraction?

...