The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited Wan Chai District today (May 31) and met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. He also visited a music academy in the revitalised Haw Par Mansion.
Accompanied by the Vice-chairman of the Wan Chai District Council (WCDC), Dr Jennifer Chow, and the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, Mr Wong first visited Haw Par Music Farm. Located at Haw Par Mansion, the music academy is one of the projects under Batch III of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. The old mansion has been revitalised into Haw Par Music Farm by the Aw Boon Haw Foundation for providing Chinese and Western music training and community outreach activities to promote music culture.
During his visit, Mr Wong was briefed by a representative of the academy on details of the restoration and revitalisation of this Grade I historic building, including retaining as far as possible the interior layout of the mansion. The external walls, doors, windows and interior decorations have been restored to the former 1930s look, while the original furnishings of the mansion and the former owners' private collection are conserved and displayed.
The Development Bureau launched the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in 2008. Through collaboration with non-profit-making organisations, historic buildings are preserved, revitalised and put into good use. So far, five batches of projects have been rolled out, involving a total of 19 projects. Haw Par Music Farm was soft launched at the end of last year and has been open with free guided tours to the public since April this year.
Before concluding his visit, Mr Wong met with WCDC members to gain a better understanding of the latest developments and needs of the district, and listen to members' views and suggestions on the work of the Government.
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