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Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters : The Pokfulam Farm

• Selected applicant: Caritas-Hong Kong
• Capital cost: About HK$48.85 million (as at Dec 2013 price level)
• Government subsidy required for operation of social enterprise: About HK$3.71 million

General Project Description

• To convert the Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters into a living museum. To organise thematic guided tours and workshops so as to reveal the history and operation of the Old Dairy Farm ;
• To use the "Point, Line, Surface" approach to preserve the Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters and link it up with the surrounding historic buildings, monuments and the settlement culture for promotion so as to enhance public awareness on the importance of conservation and sustainable development of the entire community.

Historical Significance

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

• Restoring the historic site to its historical appearance in 1919 and retaining its architectural authenticity;
• Setting up of display areas on the first floor of the Main Building and using the multipurpose room to display the artefacts and related historical documents of the Old Daily Farm. Short videos will be played at the reception area and briefing zone of the garage to introduce the history of the building. This can help the public to know more about the past history and operation of the Old Dairy Farm;
• Constructing a new simple structure to provide space for dairy and bakery workshops which can echo with the history of the Old Dairy Farm; and
• Documenting the whole revitalisation process for publication.

Technical Aspects

The Pokfulam Farm complies with conservation guidelines by:

• Complying with modern day requirements;
• Restoring the pitched roof and verandah of the Main Building to recover the architectural features of the early 20th century;
• Strengthening the wooden floor plates of the Main Building and conducting necessary interior fitting out works;
• Preserving most architectural features and external facades of the existing building by making reference to the original structures of the Old Dairy Farm;
• Introducing proper alteration works without causing extensive physical and visual impact to the building; and
• Constructing a new building opposite to the existing building which will comprise a cafeteria, bakery workshop and toilets in order to cater for the functional needs and sustainable development of the project.

Social Benefits

The project will bring benefits to the society by:

• Providing free guided tours or electronic guiding devices to let the public know more about the historical values and the revitalisation process of the building ;
• Offering a variety of half or full day thematic guided services to allow visitors to experience and know about the Pokfulam Village and its surrounding heritage sites, so as to enhance their awareness of conservation;
• Mobilising the residents of Pokfulam to collect information about the Old Dairy Farm. This will help pass on and preserve the Pokfulam historical and cultural landscape;
• Providing job opportunities to the local residents. This will also help build up community cohesion and strengthen the sense of identity in the local community;
• Organising the Sunday farm market to sell local produce and handicrafts. This can help to boost the local economy;
• Organising thematic workshops on cultural history, creative arts and dairy bakery to encourage and promote sustainable life style.

Selected Organisation

Caritas-Hong Kong was founded in 1953 and the primary purpose of its establishment was to offer relief and rehabilitation services to the poor and the distressed. As a multi-service organisation, Caritas-Hong Kong has continuously developed and modified its services in response to Hong Kong’s changing needs. The wide-ranging services provided by Caritas-Hong Kong include social work services, education, medical care and community development.

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 21 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 Breakeven Time: Year 3