Non-profit making organisations are invited to submit proposals to revitalise seven historic buildings under the Revitalising Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme.

The first batch of historic buildings selected for the scheme are Lui Seng Chun, Lai Chi Kok Hospital, North Kowloon Magistracy, the Old Tai Po Police Station, the old Tai O Police Station, Fong Yuen Study Hall and Mei Ho House.

Development Bureau Deputy Secretary (Works) Janet Wong today said the scheme aims to preserve and put historic buildings into innovative use, transform historic buildings into unique cultural landmarks, and promote active public participation in the conservation of historic buildings.

Heritage conservation: Janet Wong explains details of the the Revitalising Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme. Lui Seng Chun and North Kowloon Magistracy are two of seven historic buildings selected for the scheme.

"We hope that eligible organisations will make use of the historic buildings to achieve the dual objectives of promoting social enterprise and putting historic buildings to good use."

Funding support

Successful applicants will be given funding support, which includes a grant to cover the cost of major renovation to the buildings, and a grant to meet the starting costs and operating deficits of the proposed social enterprise for a maximum of the first two years of operation subject to a ceiling of $5 million per building. Nominal rent will be charged for the historic buildings.

A secretariat will be set up to monitor the scheme's operation and will provide one-stop service, Ms Wong added.

A committee comprising representatives from relevant Government bureaus and departments and experts in the fields of heritage conservation and social enterprise operation will be set up to consider applications and related matters.

There will be two rounds of selection. The first round will be conducted based on the information provided in the application form. Applicants, which have passed the first round selection, can proceed to the second round selection. They will be invited to provide further information including detailed technical submissions, and cost estimates with detailed breakdowns.

Conservation guideline

Antiquities & Monuments Office Executive Secretary Tom Ming said appropriate changes can be made to the historical buildings; however, their major characteristics must be preserved. A conservation guideline has been issued to help applicants come up with feasible proposals.

Assistant Director of Architectural Services Leung Koon-kee reminded applicants to pay attention to some technical aspects including structural safety, fire safety, public health and hygiene, location safety, barrier-free access, and facility maintanence.

Open days with guided tours will be arranged next month for prospective applicants to view the seven historic buildings. A workshop will also be organised to answer enquiries.   

Applications will close on May 21. Application forms and resource kits containing the buildings' historical background, conservation guidelines, and other useful information can be downloaded here.