The Government plans to declare King Yin Lei, at 45 Stubbs Road, and the Maryknoll Convent School, at 135 Waterloo Road, monuments under the Antiquities & Monuments Ordinance, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam announced today.

Speaking after the Antiquities Advisory Board's meeting this afternoon, Mrs Lam said board members unanimously supported the intended declarations in view of the buildings' important historical significance.

She said Guangzhou University Prof Tang Guo-hua, who was commissioned to assess King Yin Lei's heritage value, believed the building's original appearance can be restored up to 80% while its historical significance can be maintained.

The secretary said King Yin Lei's owner has agreed to carry out the repair and restoration works on the building under the supervision of the Antiquities & Monuments Office at his own cost.

Consensus reached

The Government has reached a preliminary understanding with the owner on a possible preservation option for the mansion. The owner will surrender King Yin Lei's whole site to the Government after restoration. Subject to the necessary town planning approval, the Government will grant an adjacent man-made slope site of a size similar to King Yin Lei to the owner for development, subject to the same plot ratio of 0.5 and a height restriction of three storeys.

"We will consult the Legislative Council on this proposed land exchange to preserve King Yin Lei as well as options for revitalising the building for future public use. All the arrangements will be processed in accordance with relevant statutory requirements and established government procedures in a fair and transparent manner," she said.

On Maryknoll Convent School, Mrs Lam said the school management was supportive of its declaration as a monument, adding the Government will support its future maintainence work and relevant public-education drive.

Declaration withdrawal

Today's meeting also discussed and endorsed a proposal to withdraw the proposed monument declaration for Jessville, a private residence at 128 Pokfulam Road. The board granted Jessville Grade III status under its administrative grading system.

Although the residence has not reached the high threshold of historical significance for declaration as a monument, the Government has been actively liaising with the owner of Jessville to explore possible preservation options.