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Heritage Conservation in Hong Kong (1)
Hong Kong has many historical monuments which need proper preservation. According to the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, the Antiquities Authority may, after consulting the Antiquities Advisory Board and with the approval of the Chief Executive as well as the publication of the notice in government gazette, legally declare a place to be protected. The Antiquities Authority is then empowered to prevent alterations, or to impose conditions upon any proposed alterations as s/he thinks fit, in order to protect the monument. Up to now, there are a total of 83 declared monuments.Declared monuments in Hong Kong Island - Duddell Street Steps and Gas Lamps
The stone steps at Duddell Street, Central were built between 1875 and 1889. Four gas lamps surmounting the balustrades at the top and foot of the steps are the only surviving working gas street lamps in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong and China Gas Company which was originally founded to provide street lighting in Hong Kong continues to operate the lamps as objects of historical interest.
Declared monuments in Hong Kong Island - Former French Mission Building
The former French Mission Building on Battery Path, Central, was built in 1917 on the foundation of a previous structure. A chapel is incorporated in the north-west corner with its cupola projecting above the roof. The three-storey building is constructed in granite and red bricks in neo-classical style. It was occupied successively by the Education Department, the Victoria District Court, the Supreme Court, and the Information Services Department. It is now used as the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.
Declared monuments in Hong Kong Island - Cape D' Aguilar Lighthouse
Being one of the five surviving pre-war lighthouses in Hong Kong, Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse was declared a monument on 3 March 2006.
Situated at the southeast of Hong Kong Island, Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse, the first of its kind built in Hong Kong, was put into service on 16 April 1875. The existing structure is a round stone tower, 9.7 metres high and white in colour. The tower base, the arched doorway and the circular staircase are of fine masonry. The door is made of iron with geometric decoration on top.
As a result of the operation of Waglan Island Lighthouse in 1893, Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse became superfluous, and was discontinued in 1896. The disused first-order light was removed from Cape D'Aguilar and, together with the light apparatus, was subsequently transferred to Green Island in 1905 to replace the fourth-order light. It was not until 1975 that the lantern of Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse was re-lit and automated.
Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse once played an important role in the maritime history of Hong Kong. It is now under the management of Marine Department.
Declared monuments in Hong Kong Island - The Exterior of University Hall, the University of Hong Kong
University Hall which is situated on top of a hill at Pokfulam is a charming edifice in a blend of Tudor and Gothic architectural styles. It was built in about 1861 by a Scottish business, Douglas Lapraik as his headquarters and residence and named after him as "Douglas Castle". The French Mission later bought the Castle in 1894 and renamed it Nazareth House. Considerable alterations and extensions to the building were carried out by the French Mission, and a printing house was added. In 1953, the French Mission gave up the building which was then acquired by the University of Hong Kong in 1954. Since 1956 the building has been used by the University as a hall of residence for male students and renamed University Hall.
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