|
(13th
September 2007) The Conservancy Association (CA), together with
other interest groups and individuals went to the SAR government
headquarters in Central today to hand in petition letters,
reiterated the demand to declare King Yin Lei as a Proposed Monument
and introduce a new heritage conservation policy.
CA representatives have visited the site and discovered that the
mansion was still being disfigured. The sphere-shaped decoration on
the main roof, green roof tiles, window frames and decorative tile
works were damaged; the red brick wall was pitted with dents. It is
a well-planned demolition rather than renovation of the mansion.
 
CA wrote to the Secretary for Development in early August requesting
her to declare the mansion as a proposed monument. However, CA is
disappointed with the Administration’s inaction to stop the
demolition work in King Yin Lei.
CA also urges for a new heritage conservation policy. Although the
Administration conducted various consultations over the past years,
a new policy has not yet been introduced. The incident reveals that
current policy and mechanism are not effective in preserving
heritage, especially privately-owned heritage. Nothing could prevent
similar buildings from demolition if a fair and transparent grading
and compensation mechanism was not implemented. |
