The Development Bureau has recommended preserving the Central School site on Hollywood Road and will consult the public on its revitalisation proposals.

The three-month consultation will garner public views on the future use of the site, along with advice from the Central & Western District Council, the Antiquities Advisory Board and tourism groups.

Retention plan: The Development Bureau has recommended preserving the Central School site's two vacant blocks, retaining walls and trees, and granite stairs.

Historic site

In a Legislative Council paper today, the bureau said the 6,000-square-metre site is bounded by Hollywood Road and Staunton, Aberdeen and Shing Wong Streets. It is currently zoned 'residential'.

It contains three main platforms descending from Staunton Street to Hollywood Road with two vacant blocks of the former Police married quarters. There is also a block formerly used as the Junior Police Call Club House.

The site was included in the List of Sites for Sale by Application in March 2005. As one of the heritage conservation initiatives in support of the new policy, the Chief Executive announced last year the site would be removed from the list and proposals invited on its revitalisation.

The Antiquities Advisory Board recommended the remaining features should be preserved, including the retaining walls and their unique trees, the granite stairs and plinths, and fenced-wall pillars.

The board said some alterations should be allowed to balance heritage preservation and the future use of the site. The Antiquities & Monuments Office said any revitalisation should be based on the premise the remaining features of the school be preserved and regard the school's historical significance.

Revitalisation options

The bureau said as the Junior Police Call Building is located near the stairs on the lower platform it may be good for an exhibition gallery on the school's history, Dr Sun Yat-sen's life and the early development of Hong Kong education.

For the two quarters, the bureau suggests:

* retaining both blocks, although there would be little space or development potential; or

* demolishing both blocks to make the whole site available for comprehensive planning and design; or

* demolishing one block and retaining the other so one can be revitalised yet still give the site space for development.

The heritage conservation subcommittee will discuss the proposal on Friday.