Former Central Police Site Reopens As Heritage Hub

A new heritage and arts centre has officially opened at the former police station compound in Central, with more than 3,500 visitors streaming through the gates on the first day.

After a revitalisation project lasting for years and at a cost of HK$3.8 billion, people can now stroll through the old police station as well as the former Victoria Prison, which once housed Vietnam's revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh.

There are nearly a dozen other historic buildings at the "Tai Kwun" complex, which now also boasts an art gallery and performance space.

However, parts of the 13,600-square-metre site remain off limits, including the Central Magistracy, which is still being worked on. More areas are due to open by the end of the year

The centre's director, Timothy Calnin, said at the moment, visitors have to secure a pass by registering online, although walk-in visitors are likely to be welcomed in the near future.

"There will always be times when for example if there are major festivals and popular events where we expect that we'll need to have Tai Kwun pass available to regulate the numbers," Calnin said.

"But I expect that after the first few weeks of operation, we'll be able to relax the Tai Kwun pass and open up the site for unbooked walk-ins."