Kom Tong Hall will be turned into a museum to introduce the life and revolutionary activities of Dr Sun Yat-sen, one of our history's most respected figures.

A consensus has been reached between the Government and the Kom Tong Hall owner on the preservation of this historical building, built in 1914.

The Government will acquire Kom Tong Hall at a consideration of $53 million for converting it into a Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, which will open in November 2006.

East meets West: Kom Tong Hall, built in 1914, will be converted into a musuem to introduce Dr Sun Yat-sen, one of the most respected figures in our history. Dr Patrick Ho receives the Letter of Intent from the hall's owner.

A good example of heritage conservation

It is hoped the preservation of the hall will encourage the community and property owners to join the Government in conserving our cultural heritage.

Dr Ho today officiated at a ceremony where Director of Lands Patrick Lau signed on behalf of the Government a Letter of Intent with the owner. A Deed of Surrender will be signed in late March and relevant legal procedures will be cleared to complete the transfer of the building's ownership.

Dr Ho said that with distinguished historical and architectural merits, Kom Tong Hall can be regarded as a representative historical building in Hong Kong worth permanent preservation.

"We are glad a consensus has been reached to preserve the building after a year of negotiation," he said.

Sun is one of the most respected figures in Chinese history. He led the revolution and established the first republican government in China. He received his education in Hong Kong and organised revolutionary activities here.

Museum a heritage centrepiece

Dr Ho said: "The Government has been searching for a suitable site for the museum. We believe Kom Tong Hall would be the best solution both to the preservation of this historical building and the provision of a suitable venue for the promotion of Dr Sun's life and philosophy."

Centrally located among many points of heritage interest in Central & Western District, including the Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, the museum will well serve as a focus point where visitors can gain an insight into Dr Sun's history and activities in Hong Kong.

Kom Tong Hall is located at 7 Castle Road, and was built in the classical style of the Edwardian period, lavishly decorated with stained glass windows, a teakwood staircase and panels, most of which have been well-preserved in their original state.