1 Heritage grant scheme called too restrictive. Incentives needed, critics say
Joyce Ng, SCMP 4 September 2008

Diocesan Boy’s School in Mongkok may apply for a grant. Photo K. Y. Cheng   Source: SCMP

A government grant scheme for maintaining private historic buildings is too restrictive and officials should include more technical aid to raise incentives for building owners to take part, town planners and conservation experts say.

Their comments came a week after the scheme, revealed in the chief executive's policy address as part of the new heritage policy, began accepting applications last Thursday. No applications had been received by yesterday.

The scheme, aimed at more than 200 privately owned historic buildings, runs parallel to a HK$1 billion plan for non-government organisations to revitalise public historic sites.

Successful applicants can receive up to HK$600,000 to help them renovate their buildings, but with a budget of just HK$2 million this year, critics doubt it is adequate to satisfy demand.

While terming the scheme "a good pilot", Antiquities Advisory Board member Ng Cho-nam said the total sum was too small. "Only three or four buildings will be saved. But there are many schools and temples on the list which need help."

He hoped enough applications would come in to reflect the genuine demand, pushing the government to provide more money.

The Development Bureau said the sum could be increased to meet large demand. The scheme would run continuously, and owners could apply more than once for the same building, a spokesman said.

Successful applicants cannot demolish or sell their buildings within 10 years after renovation work is done, except with the government's consent.

They should also allow "reasonable public access", normally free of charge. They must suggest parts of the building and times for opening to visitors.

"The public-access requirement narrows the scheme's scope. Some private properties may not want to open to the public. The government will need to think about management arrangements," Dr Ng said.

Lee Ho-yin, director of the University of Hong Kong's architectural conservation programme, said the government was asking owners to deal with too many technicalities.

Applicants must find contractors for the maintenance work, submit progress reports and obtain no fewer than five quotations for the work contract. They must also state how the building can benefit the community.

Given the limited resources, the government will give priority to buildings with urgent repair needs, more public access and higher benefits to the community.

"Many owners are old people who know nothing about conservation," Dr Lee said. "The Antiquities and Monuments Office should not only supervise but also participate in the process. Otherwise a mere grant is no adequate incentive to preserve."

Diocesan Boys' School has indicated interest in the scheme. Headmaster Terence Chang Cheuk-cheung said the maximum grant would suit the school's needs.

The Grade3 historic building, dating back to the 1920s, has needed constant repairs. Water leaks through the roof tiles and termites attack the wooden pillars. The school has spent more than HK$1 million to fix the problems in the past four years. Maintenance projects costing more than HK$2 million are paid for by the Education Bureau.

The school would find no difficulty meeting the no-demolition and no-sale requirements for the grant, Mr Chang said.