1 $4m facelift makes it easier to follow Sun
Una So, The Standard 13 July 2007

Two new spots, improved information signage and distinct balustrades have been introduced in a HK$4 million facelift for the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail to lure more tourists and locals alike to follow the footsteps of the "Father of the Nation."

The 3.3-kilometer trail in Central and Western District, where Sun studied during his stay in Hong Kong at the turn of the last century, was set up 11 years ago to present an historical account of the revolutionary's activities in the territory.

It now has 15 historical spots tracing his activities in Hong Kong - from his dwelling to his school and where he planned the first uprising against the Qing dynasty in 1911. Two plaques have been added at Hong Kong University where Sun studied medicine, and at Pak Tsz Lane, where a political concern group frequented by the young Sun was located.

The HK$4 million upgrade was launched to complement the opening of the new Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum late last year at Kom Tom Hall - a heritage mansion in the Mid-Levels.

Stephen Chan Chit-kwai, a member of the Central and West District Council, said many people have trekked the trail since 1996, but many were disappointed that several of the historical sites have now vanished.

Brand-new ceramic plaques with easy-to-read information and old pictures from Sun's days were added. Museum curator Ang Yee said that with the addition of red railings along the trail, it is now much easier to follow than in the past.

Also, new guided tours have been planned to strengthen the links between the trail and the museum at Kom Tong Hall, where the government has spent HK$91 million on renovation works.

Tourists can join the English and Putonghua guided tours first at the museum before following the trail. More than 500 people have joined these tours since early this year.

The entire 15-spot tour takes about two hours, while a condensed version concentrating on Sun's "path of growth" will take only 45 minutes.

One featured spot is the former location of the Xing Zong Hui (Revive China Society). It was a commercial firm on Staunton Street, which Sun used as a front to plot his first revolutionary attempt in Guangzhou.

Now, the premises has been turned into a Buddhist nunnery. More than 20 black and white photos of Hong Kong during Sun's time line the wall facing the old revolutionary headquarters. Looming behind are the former police quarters on Hollywood Road, which are facing demolition.

Apart from three plaques, the rest of the historical spots are at their original locations.

2 West Rail property development
KCRC Press Release, 13 July 2007

In response to media enquires about a press report that KCRC is planning to reduce the size property projects along West Rail, a KCRC spokesman said, “The Corporation is Government’s agent for the development of property sites along West Rail. Development proposals for the Nam Cheong and Tsuen Wan West sites have been approved by the Town Planning Board.

Having listened to concerns from some quarters about the wall effect of large property development, the Corporation has undertaken a general air ventilation study to support the property development proposals within its network. The results are still under review by the Corporation, and at this stage, the way forward for the development of these sites is still unchanged.

The press report about an intention to change the development proposals already approved by the Town Planning Board is pure speculation, ” the spokesman said.