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Haw Par Mansion: Haw Par Music Farm

• Selected applicant: The Aw Boon Haw Foundation (Co-operating organisation: Haw Par Music Foundation Limited)
• Capital cost: About HK$130.5 million
• Government subsidy required for operation of social enterprise: About HK$4.28 million

General Project Description

To convert Haw Par Mansion into a music school providing training on Chinese and Western music and social outreach activities.

Historical Significance

The historical significance of the building will be brought out and maintained by:

• Restoring the Mansion to its former 1930s look and retaining its architectural authenticity;
• Reflecting the welcome gesture of the previous owner to their guests through art-related activities such as music training and performance in the Mansion; and
• Restoring the Mansion with original furnishings / artifacts / former owners’ private collection.

Technical Aspects

• The ambiance of the Mansion with original and replica objects will be restored;
• Replica of some figurines of the Tiger Balm Garden will be presented in the garden; and
• The interior layout of the Mansion will be retained as far as possible.

Social Benefits

• The provision of a cultural environment for the study of Western and Chinese music for the enrichment of life;
• The provision of structured Chinese music training by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) infusing with Hong Kong elements will help to promote Chinese music;
• The proposal will offer a number of social outreaching programmes to the community and would bring benefits to the underprivileged group by offering music therapy, music appreciation classes in particular Chinese music to the elderly, scholarships and bursaries to the students; and
• The Garden, outdoor area, interpretation area at ground floor main entrance hall would open daily during normal office hours and guided tours would be arranged six times a week including Sunday.

Selected Organisation

The Aw Boon Haw Foundation was founded by Ms Sally Aw Sian in 1972 aiming to formally continue the philanthropic work started by her father, Mr. Aw Boon Haw. In the last 40 years, the Foundation did not simply donate funds but also helped to monitor the implementation of social projects including building of schools in China.

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 Finance Committee of the Legislative Council;
  • carry out the renovation work (anticipated renovation period: around 22 months);
  • apply for licences (where applicable) for intended operations; and
  • sign with the Government agreements on operations of the social enterprise and preservation of the historic building.
• Anticipated Project Commissioning Time: 2017
• Anticipated Breakeven Time: Year 3