Fong Yuen Study Hall: Fong Yuen Study Hall – Experiential Learning Centre

• Selected applicant: The Boys’ Brigade, Hong Kong
• Capital cost: About HK$23.65 million (as at September 2020 price level)
• Government subsidy required for operation of social enterprise: About HK$1.993 million

General Project Description

• To continue and expand the original school function of Fong Yuen Study Hall. The project will add STEM innovation elements in its history, culture and environmental ecology activities to attract participants of different age groups and to carry through the educational mission of Fong Yuen Study Hall; and
• To connect local community, groups and organisations to jointly participate in the process of "revitalising" Fong Yuen Study Hall, so as to consolidate and build up the community capital of Ma Wan.

Historical Significance

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

• Retaining its architectural features by preserving the existing building façade and setting up a History Corner to display the history of the Fong Yuen Study Hall and Ma Wan;
• Setting up an Exhibition Area to display the educational spirit of Fong Yuen Study Hall and the cultural characteristics of Ma Wan as a fishing village; and
• Preserving the history of the building and documenting the whole revitalisation process by historic study, drawings and video recording, etc.

Technical Aspects

Fong Yuen Study Hall – Experiential Learning Centre complies with conservation guidelines by:

• Complying with current requirements of building regulations, like the provision of barrier free access;
• Preserving most of the existing architectural features and external façades;
• Re-instating the external staircase and toilets; and
• Minimising alteration works such that the internal area and external façades of the building will not be significantly affected.

Social Benefits

The project will bring benefits to the society by:

• Implementing diversified and innovative initiative in holistic development concept, and adopting technology as the learning medium, to enhance the learning interest and experiences of the participants, as well as advocating the nurture of moral standard and virtues;
• Providing guided tours relating to history, culture and environmental protection that extend and link up the historical and natural heritage of Ma Wan; while at the same time connecting the local community, groups and organisations to create synergy and build up cohesion for enhancing the social capital;
• Offering job opportunities to the elderly, the retired and the indigenous residents to be docents to unfold the change of development of the Fong Yuen Study Hall and Ma Wan through oral history, so as to foster an inclusive culture; and
• Providing free activities places for the underprivileged groups, so as to serve regularly and continually the needy in the society.

Selected Organisation

The Boys’ Brigade, Hong Kong, established in 1959, is a Christian uniformed group for children and teenagers aged 3 to 21. It has over 370 units with more than 15 000 members. It also provides other services such as professional training, character nurturing, social work, waste recovery and Mainland social work supervision service.

Way Forward

• The selected organisation has to:
  • complete the detailed design of the project;
  • prepare tender documents for engaging consultant and main contractor;
  • seek planning permission (where applicable) from the Town Planning Board on the intended usage;
  • seek formal funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for the renovation work;
  • supervise and monitor the renovation work;
  • 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: 2025
• Anticipated Breakeven Time: Year 3