Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts wins Award of Excellence of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation (with photo)

     Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts has won the Award of Excellence of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. It is another built heritage conservation project in Hong Kong receiving this top honour, after the Blue House Cluster under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme of the Development Bureau in 2017.

     The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said today (October 14), "The Central Police Station Compound revitalisation project is a partnership between the Government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The project has spanned over 12 years from conception to completion. Through concerted efforts, this much cherished heritage site has been turned into an iconic cultural destination, where heritage, contemporary art and leisure elements are creatively integrated for all to enjoy. The success of Tai Kwun is attributed to the commitment of the Hong Kong community to heritage conservation and revitalisation of our precious historic buildings."
      
     This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The 2019 Awards Ceremony and the Asia-Pacific Heritage 20/20 Forum was held in Penang, Malaysia. In receiving the award at the forum, the Executive Director of Charities and Community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Cheung Leong, shared Tai Kwun's revitalisation experience. The Commissioner for Heritage of the Development Bureau, Mr José Yam, also joined the forum as a speaker to introduce the heritage conservation and revitalisation works of the Government. On behalf of the Government, he thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club for its dedication and commitment to the Tai Kwun project.
      
     Moreover, the Mills, a landmark revitalisation project by private initiative, has also won the Award of New Design in Heritage Contexts. The project has seamlessly woven the theme of textile and industry into the experience of innovation, art and culture.
      
     Launched in 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation aims to recognise and encourage conservation and restoration projects under private initiatives and public-private partnerships within the Asia-Pacific region. The jury selected Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts as the winner of the Award of Excellence from 57 submissions.