Tai Kwun is now known as a hub for arts and culture lovers accessible to everyone, serving as a vibrant cultural destination in the city centre. The revitalisation of Central Police Station compound has taken a decade. As part of Hong Kong’s single largest heritage conservation project, Purcell was commissioned by The Hong Kong Jockey Club from 2008 to 2018 as the Conservation Architect. The firm was responsible for the adaptive reuse of 16 historic buildings in the three declared monument compounds of the Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison, balancing heritage conservation with requirements for sustainable new uses. Following the project’s completion and the site’s launch as “Tai Kwun”, Purcell has continued their role in conservation planning and the repair and maintenance of these historic buildings. As a heritage-led exemplar project, conservation principles and best practice were set out and adhered throughout, safeguarding the site’s heritage significance for the future.
