Another series of consultations on heritage conservation will launch this month, Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho says.

The Government will expand the consultative framework, review the Antiquities Advisory Board's operation and open more channels to boost public participation in heritage conservation.

Dr Ho said today the Government tried to engage public views on heritage conservation policy in the last consultation excise in 2004. However, the response was lukewarm because Hong Kong was recovering from SARS.

Healthy heritage: Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho says the Government will launch another series of consultations on heritage conservation. Lin Fa Temple and the Catholic Cathederal of Immaculate Conception are Grade I historical buildings.

Collective memory important

Recent heated debate on the demolition of the Central Star Ferry pier shows the public cherishes collective memory and Hong Kong's culture, he said.

"We are delighted to see increasing awareness of the importance of heritage conservation. Built heritage conservation should not be limited to protecting the historic architectural features of buildings. Collective memory in association with the buildings should also be preserved," he added.

The Government is considering:

* devising a comprehensive assessment mechanism and protection measures;

* setting up trust funds to revitalise built heritage;

* introducing economic incentives to encourage private property owners to protect built heritage; and,

* enhancing education and publiticy.

Dr Ho said concrete measures will be announced in the middle of the year for public discussion, adding the Government will collect views on how to extend the current built heritage assessment criteria, incorporating the "collective memory" element.

Consultation details

Two large regional forums, three open forums, and focus group discussions with professional sectors will be held by early next month.

"We will invite the public to assess the heritage values of our historic buildings. The move will enhance the transparency of the current heritage conservation mechanism," he said.

Meanwhile, the number of the Antiquities Advisory Board members has been increased from 21 to 28. Thirteen incumbent members have been reappointed while 15 new members have been appointed. For details click here.

More public participation

Dr Ho said the Government plans to form three sub-committees under the board, offering advice on:

* protection and revitalisation of built heritage;

* research, standardisation and legislation matters; and,

* public participation and education.

"We will invite members of the public to become members of these sub-committees. We also want to strengthen co-operation between the board and the District Councils."

For a list of graded historical buildings in Hong Kong click here.