Two years ago, their original idea - to erect a glass tower with bamboo facades that mimic Hong Kong's scaffolding - in the middle of an ensemble of neoclassical and eclectic structures - was defeated in the face of public outcry. The complex of the Victoria Police Station and Prison, which also includes the courthouse, was built in the middle of the 19th century, the surviving buildings date back to the 19th - early 20th century. 20th century These buildings are closely associated with the recent history of China, so Hong Kong residents worry about their fate and appearance, despite the fact that this low-rise ensemble is now sandwiched between skyscrapers.
With the help of the British bureau Purcell Miller Tritton, famous for its reconstructions and adaptations of the National Gallery, the British Museum and St. Paul's Cathedral in London, Herzog & de Meuron managed to make the most of the space in the historical buildings, so there will be only two new buildings in the complex - height of 25 meters. Of the 19 existing structures, 16 will be preserved, the project budget will be 145 million pounds.
The client is the local Hong Kong Jockey Club, the architectural support of the project was entrusted to the leading Hong Kong architect Rocco Imu. The opening is scheduled for 2014.
N. F.
