The Chief Executive in Council has approved the partial uplifting of the Pokfulam Moratorium to facilitate the "preservation-cum-development" proposal to preserve the historic building at 128 Pokfulam Road known as Jessville.

The Development Bureau today said the move will facilitate the lease modification needed to implement the proposal.

After the successful preservation of King Yin Lei as a declared monument, this is the second case of the Government successfully preserving a privately owned historic building through the application of appropriate economic incentives under the new heritage conservation policy.

Building background

Constructed in 1931, Jessville is a private residence built in an Italian Renaissance architectural style with Art Deco variations. It has been accorded Grade 3 status by the Antiquities Advisory Board.

The owners have proposed preserving Jessville under a "preservation-cum-development" scheme. The building will be fully preserved and revitalised as a clubhouse for residents but it will open free to the public once a week.

According to the scheme approved by the Town Planning Board the new development will be given a plot ratio of 2.1, which is within the maximum permitted ratio of three under the Pokfulam Outline Zoning Plan. It will comprise two blocks with 72 flats in total.