Fong Yuen Study Hall

• Address: Tin Liu Tsuen, Ma Wan, Tsuen Wan
• Gross Floor Area: 140 m2
• Year Built: 1920 – 1930
• Grading: Grade III
• Possible Uses: Small library, study room, community uses

Selected Project :
“Fong Yuen Study Hall” - Tourism and Chinese Cultural Centre cum Ma Wan Residents Museum by Social Service Department, the Yuen Yuen Institute

• Presentation by Social Service Department, the Yuen Yuen Institute on 17 February 2009
• Capital cost: About $7.9 million
• Government subsidy required for operation of social enterprise: About $1.9 million

General Project Description

To establish a Ma Wan Residents Museum cum Tourism and Chinese Cultural Centre with a view to:

• Revitalising Fong Yuen Study Hall into a tourism and cultural landmark;
• Introducing the history and culture of Ma Wan fishing industry to Hong Kong and overseas visitors;
• Increasing public awareness on ecological protection;
• Promoting Chinese culture and art; and
• Promoting local economy and providing job opportunities.

How to reflect or bring out Historical Significance of the Building

The project will:

• Set up a museum to display the history of Ma Wan fishery and organise story-telling of fishermen’s life and customs by local fishermen;
• Invite visitors to participate in activities like mast rising, salty fish preservation and net knitting as demonstrated by fishermen;
• Have sale of traditional Chinese dried seafood, souvenirs and traditional snacks;
• Arrange eco-tours guided by indigenous residents to let tourists experience the process of fishing and fish cultivation by traveling on fish rafts; visiting primitive forest and historic sites of Ma Wan Island; and
• Arrange education programmes of Chinese culture and art.

Technical and Design Aspects

• This project is a conservation proposal. Despite various site constraints such as poor site access and sunken site condition, the project is still capable of complying with modern-day regulations at reasonable cost.
• The project will upgrade existing footpath to enhance site access in terms of feasibility and cost. Internally a lifting platform will be installed to provide barrier free access.
• The sunken site at remote location needs special technical design, in particular the improvement of its drainage system.
• The proposed design concept is well thought through and its proposed use has shown contextual linkage with the local community.

Social Benefits

• The project will revitalise Fong Yuen Study Hall into a unique cultural landmark and enhance visitors’ knowledge on the development history of Ma Wan fishery.
• The potential of the project lies crucially in its proximity with Ma Wan Park Phase I, including the Noah’s Ark and in due course, Ma Wan Park Phase II. Given effective marketing, it could be bundled with these tourist attractions and produce synergy effect.
• It will also raise ecological awareness of the public and promote economy at district level.
• The focus towards eco-tours, in which local fishermen will be engaged, could foster social harmony in the area.

Selected Organisation

• The Yuen Yuen Institute was established in 1953 and became a charitable institution since 1956; its Social Service Department was established in 1974.
• The Yuen Yuen Institute provides a wide range of services, including social, education and cultural services.
• It possesses rich experience in providing social services to the elderly and the underprivileged.

Way Forward

• The selected organisation has to:
  • Complete the detailed project design;
  • Complete the required administrative procedures;
  • Seek planning permission from the Town Planning Board on the intended usage;
  • Seek formal funding approval from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau under the delegated authority of the Legislative Council;
  • Carry out the renovation work (anticipated renovation period: around 12 months);
  • Apply for licences (where applicable) for intended operations; and
  • Sign with government agreements on operations of the social enterprise and preservation of the historic building.
• Anticipated Project Commissioning Time: Q2 2012
• Anticipated Breakeven Time: Year 3