The Revitalisation Scheme was launched in 2008 to preserve and put historic government-owned buildings into good and innovative use, promote active public participation in the conservation of historic buildings, and create job opportunities at the district level. In 2016, the Development Bureau launched Batch V of the Revitalisation Scheme involving three historic buildings, namely Luen Wo Market, Former Lau Fau Shan Police Station, and Roberts Block of Old Victoria Barracks. These three buildings are being renovated and will be open to the public in phases.

Luen Wo Market is a Grade 3 historic building located at Luen Wo Hui, Fanling. It is being revitalised into Luen Wo Market – House of Urban and Rural Living (the Market) by Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service. The Market will revive the traditional function of Luen Wo Hui by means of stalls and shops selling local vegetables, farm products, etc. There will also be a restaurant and a heritage interpretation area, making the Market a rendezvous for the local community to conduct cultural exchange in, and showcasing the historical value of Luen Wo Hui. After the soft opening planned for 2023’s end, the Market would officially open in the first quarter of 2024.

Former Lau Fau Shan Police Station is a Grade 3 historic building located at No. 1 Shan Tung Street, Yuen Long. It is being revitalised into the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Academy (the Academy) by Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association. The Academy will provide guide dog breeding and training to support the visually impaired. In addition, it will train service dogs to provide services for people in need, including children with special education needs and elderly people with dementia. The historical significance of Former Lau Fau Shan Police Station will also be exhibited in the revitalised building. The Academy is expected to commence operation in 2024.

Roberts Block of Old Victoria Barracks is a Grade 1 historic building located at No. 42A Kennedy Road. It is being revitalised into Roberts Block Creative Arts Therapy Centre (the Centre) by Christian Oi Hip Fellowship Ltd in cooperation with Art Hub Asia Company Ltd. The Centre will be a hub that provides psychological and emotional health care services, and lets the public experience the historical value of the building and its revitalisation process through guided tours, workshops and activities. The Centre is expected to commence operation in phases starting from 2025.

This article is contributed by the the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government.