The Ex-Ma Tau Kok Animal Quarantine Depot (now popularly known as the Cattle Depot) is the only surviving pre-war cattle slaughterhouse in Hong Kong. It was constructed in 1908 and served as a slaughterhouse (abattoir) and quarantine base until mid-1999.

Renovation and conversion works took place in 2001 to convert the depot into an Arts Village for local artists relocated from the Oil Street Arts Village in North Point. There are existing 11 tenants in Cattle Depot, who are either individual artists or artistic organisations. The depot was confirmed a Grade II historic building¹ by the Antiquities Advisory Board in 2009.

Click here to access Historic Building Appraisal.

Key facts of Cattle Depot:

Revitalisation and Management of Cattle Depot

Having taken into account the revitalisation potential of the Cattle Depot, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has assumed the ownership of the site with a view to revitalising Cattle Depot in the long run.

While the mode of revitalisation in the long run is to be determined, it is DEVB's intention to adopt a more flexible management of Cattle Depot to facilitate its organic growth and increase public accessibility. This would involve a greater accessibility to the site, so as to ensure more public participation, enjoyment and appreciation of the historic site.

Recent Studies on the Site

(1) Research on Future Development of Artists Village in Cattle Depot

In considering options for the revitalisation of the Cattle Depot and the way forward, DEVB commissioned the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in 2008 to conduct a research on the future development of Artist Village in Cattle Depot:

Objectives

The research aims to provide information to confirm or otherwise, the use of Cattle Depot as an Artist Village and to recommend on the future operational mode of an Artist Village.

Scope of the Research

1. to analyse the current situation of Cattle Depot as an artist village from various perspectives (heritage, arts, social and institutional);
2. to investigate the favourable and less favourable aspects of continuing operating an artist village in the historic compound of Cattle Depot;
3. to understand the social and business network of the 13 streets in the vicinity which would be redeveloped and the potential catalytic effect of the revitalised Cattle Depot on the area and;
4. to study experience of non-local heritage-turned art establishments, e.g. 798 in Beijing Art Zone and the Trinity Buoy Wharf, London.

Click here to access Executive Summary of Research on Future Development of Artist Village in Cattle Depot

Click here to access Full Report of Research on Future Development of Artist Village in Cattle Depot

(2) Historical research on Kowloon City district in connection with Kai Tak area

DEVB also commissioned the Department of Architecture of the Hong Kong Chinese University to conduct in 2008 a historical research on Kowloon City district in connection with Kai Tak area, in which Cattle Depot is included in the area of study:

Objectives

The research aims to provide information on historical interaction between different heritage places, analyse their architectural, historical and social significance and their historical and social impact on the urban development of Kowloon City and Kai Tak area. It will also investigate the possibility of plotting a heritage trail/network.

1. to stock-take the built and archaeological heritage (point);
2. to investigate the historical interaction between different heritage places;
3. to analyse the architectural, historical and social significance of these heritage places and their historical and social impact on the urban development of Kowloon City and Kai Tak area, in consideration of Sung Wong Toi Inscription Rock and Cattle Depot being one of the subjects of investigation;
4. to identify streets (line) and clusters (surface) of heritage interest and;
5. to investigate the possibility of plotting a heritage trail/network.

Click here to access Executive Summary of Historical Cum Social Study On Kowloon City District In Connection With Kai Tak Area

Click here to access Full Report of Historical Cum Social Study On Kowloon City District In Connection With Kai Tak Area

¹ According to internal guidelines adopted by the Antiquities Advisory Board and the Antiquities and Monuments Office, Grade II historic buildings are buildings of special merit and that efforts should be made to selectively preserve them.