Sentimental site: Chief Executive Donald Tsang meets diners while visiting historic buildings in Central & Western District.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says historical buildings are important assets that can revitalise and rejuvenate a district and its economy.

This was his message today during a visit to Central & Western District to see how historical buildings there have been rejuvenated by being adaptively reused.

He first visited the Museum of Medical Sciences in Caine Lane and was briefed on its historical background and architectural designs.

"It was very meaningful to convert the former Pathological Institute into a medical science museum, not only showcasing the development of medical science in Hong Kong, but it is also a venue for public education," Mr Tsang said.

Community facilities

The Chief Executive then visited the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex on High Street, a former psychiatric hospital. The building now provides a wide range of community facilities.

"I am pleased to see that the building was preserved by partial retention and integrated into our modern life and interacted with society," Mr Tsang said.

His last stop was Western Market, another declared monument, which was originally the north block of the market building in Sheung Wan and was later converted into a traditional trade, arts and crafts centre.

Mr Tsang said the significance of heritage conservation was not only the preservation of past traditions and social scenes. "By adopting suitable methods for conservation and injecting creativity, the conserved heritage would provide quality public space for the community and could be developed in a sustainable manner."