In response to the Heritage Conservation Policy, we would implement the following package of initiatives:
To conduct heritage impact assessment for new capital works projects
For all new capital works projects, the project proponents and relevant works departments will be required to consider whether their projects will affect sites or buildings of historic or archaeological significance. If the answer is in the affirmative, then a Heritage Impact Assessment will be required. Mitigation measures should be devised and the public should be engaged.
This internal mechanism will ensure the best balance be struck between the requirements for development initiated by Government and heritage conservation, starting from the project inception stage. It will also have the following advantages -
(a) demonstrates Government's commitment to enhance heritage conservation; and
(b) engages public at an early stage.
Information on Heritage Impact Assessment
To implement the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme for Government-owned historic buildings
To adopt creative approaches in preserving historic buildings and expanding their usage, with a view to transforming these buildings into unique cultural landmarks. As a start, seven buildings will be offered under the scheme. The modus operandi of social enterprise under commercial management will be adopted to achieve a win-win situation. The Government will provide financial support as appropriate to render the scheme practicably feasible.
Information on Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme
To provide economic incentives for conservation of privately-owned historic buildings
To address the threats of demolition of historic buildings for redevelopment, the Government will come up with attractive and effective administrative means to prevent privately-owned historic buildings from being demolished. The Administration will actively engage relevant stakeholders in devising appropriate measures including land exchange and transfer of development rights to compensate these owners for their loss of development rights.
Information on Preservation of King Yin Lei
To facilitate maintenance of privately-owned graded historic buildings
At present, Government carries out repair and restoration works for declared monuments, or items deemed by Government to be monuments under private ownership. However, Government offers no assistance to the maintenance of privately-owned graded historic buildings. We propose to expand the existing scheme to assist owners of both private declared monuments and graded historic buildings to carry out repairs and regular maintenance works.
The applications would be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to the technical assessment of an inter-departmental vetting panel and availability of funding. Factors such as the historic value of the building concerned, urgency of works etc. will be considered. As a condition for financial assistance, we will require the owners to agree to certain conditions, e.g., to allow reasonable access of the buildings concerned to the public.
Information on Financial Assistance for Maintenance Scheme
To set up a Commissioner for Heritage's Office
To deal with this extensive subject, to raise the Government profile and visibility on heritage conservation matters, and to provide the focal point for local and overseas networking, Development Bureau has created on 25 April 2008 the post of Commissioner for Heritage who would be supported by a certain number of staff.
Information on Commissioner for Heritage's Office
There is community-wide consensus that we should revitalize historic buildings. As announced in the Chief Executive's 2008 Policy Address, we will take forward the following major heritage conservation and revitalization projects in the coming year: