On 2nd October 2007, Development Bureau announced the commencement of Urban Renewal Authority (URA)’s Nga Tsin Wai Village Project. The Conservancy Association (CA) agrees to improve the living environment there. However, the walled village layout of Nga Tsin Wai, with a history of at least four hundred years, is rarely seen in Hong Kong. CA is therefore concerned about the project.
Nga Tsin Wai
A Legislative Council document in September 2007 indicated that URA has decided that the design of the project should be ‘Conservation Paramount’ and set out 5 aims: 1. Preserve historic relics and re-create the village ambience 2. Retain the original village layout 3. Preserve the Tin Hau Temple, the gatehouse, the “Hing Yau Yu” stone tablet, the Central Axis and the lane pattern, and the old houses along the Central Axis 4. Retain existing trees as far as practically possible and create green buffer zones through vertical greening; and 5. Preserve underground relics excavated, if found.
CA agrees that the project should be ‘Conservation Paramount’ and require independent experts to conduct detailed historical and cultural assessment. A conservation and revitalization plan should be formulated before devising any development plans. CA agrees with the five aims, the conservation plan as proposed by the URA leaves much to be desired. We cannot see any difference between the proposed conservation park and an ordinary park, as it cannot show the characteristics of the walled village. We suggest URA to restore the previous village wall after finding its original location, and re-create the pattern of narrow lanes. Apart from the eight village houses situated along the Central Axis, URA should assess every house in the village. If it is either structurally-fit or can be conserved, and possesses significant characteristics, it should be retained as much as possible. CA does not oppose the houses conserved to be used for museum or exhibition purpose, but community use should be considered first so as to fulfill the aim of revitalization. The style of redeveloped houses should be compatible to the original ones in the walled village. Nga Tsin Wai Village should not become a Chinese garden without character.
We are also of the opinion that Nga Tsin Wai and the Kai Tak River should be conserved together. Kai Tak River was once a natural stream along Nga Tsin Wai Village. The Hong Kong topographic maps drawn by Lieutenant T.E. Collinson of the Royal Engineers in 1950s clearly reflect their relationship. The current Kai Tak Nullah was constructed by the Japanese army during Japanese rule to prevent the Kai Tak Airport extension from flooding. Revitalizing both Nga Tsin Wai and Kai Tak Nullah can provide public space and vibrancy for the entire community.
Besides built heritage, intangible cultural heritage should also be conserved. Taiping Qingjiao is held once every ten year in Nga Tsin Wai and the most recent one was in 2006. Whether the next Taiping Qingjiao can be organized again in the same place and be compatible to the surrounding environment is an important indicator on how successful the project will be.
