Proposals invited for Batch VII of Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme

     The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (December 27) announced the three historic buildings included under Batch VII of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme (Revitalisation Scheme), and invited revitalisation proposals from non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) for one of them, namely Watervale House, the Former Gordon Hard Camp, in Tuen Mun. The application deadline is noon on April 10, 2024.
      
     The other two historic buildings are the Old Lunatic Asylum (Chinese Block) in Sai Ying Pun and No. 23 Coombe Road at the Peak. Relevant application arrangements will be announced in due course.
      
     A spokesman for the DEVB said, "Following a comprehensive review on the Revitalisation Scheme, the DEVB decided to announce all the historic buildings included in the latest batch of the Revitalisation Scheme and invite applications in phases. This arrangement aims to expedite the assessment process and facilitate advance planning by interested organisations."
      
     Watervale House, the Former Gordon Hard Camp, is a Grade 2 historic building. Built in 1933, it was originally a private residence. In 1959, the British War Department purchased the building and used it as an officers' mess.  
      
     Guided tours to Watervale House, the  Former Gordon Hard Camp, will be arranged for NPOs on January 12, 2024, and a workshop will be held on January 15, 2024, for them to learn about the application procedures and assessment criteria. Interested NPOs can register from now until January 8, 2024, at www.heritage.gov.hk/en/revitalisation-scheme/batch-vii-of-revitalisation-scheme/guided-tour-and-workshop/index.html.
      
     The application guide, application form and resource kit containing the historical background of the building and the conservation guidelines, as well as other related information, are available for download at www.heritage.gov.hk/en/revitalisation-scheme/batch-vii-of-revitalisation-scheme/index.html. 
      
     Other key enhancement measures implemented following the comprehensive review on the Revitalisation Scheme include allowing NPOs with charitable status under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to partner with non-charitable organisations to submit applications; and increasing the maximum one-off grant to meet the starting costs and operating deficits of the social enterprises for the first two years of operation from $5 million to $6 million.
      
     Enquiries can be made to the Revitalisation Scheme Secretariat by email at rhb_enquiry@devb.gov.hk or by phone on 2906 1560.
 
Ends/Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00

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