P&T Group has always regarded architectural conservation as an important means to preserve the city’s cultural heritage and shape its urban fabric. The Group believes that through effective revitalisation, a structure’s long-standing values can be retained while new functions can be added to fulfil the ever-changing expectations of today’s users. Backed by 150 years of experience, P&T Group has shown great understandings of the stories of existing historical sites, and is dedicated to keeping them in use, appreciated, and continuously conserved.
Preservation
Recently, the P&T-designed Former Fanling Magistracy – completed in 1960 and recognised as a Grade 3 historical building in 2009 – has been revitalised and reopened for public use. Currently operated by the Federation of Youth Groups, public tours are held at the Magistracy to educate visitors about Hong Kong’s judicial history. To enhance public appreciation of the heritage value of the historic building, Associate Director Plato Tso, on behalf of P&T Group, donated original hand-drawn sketches and manuscripts to the Federation for public viewing.
P&T representative Plato Tso (middle) donated original hand-drawn sketches of the Former Fanling Magistracy to the Federation of Youth Groups
Dedicated to supporting heritage revitalisation projects in Hong Kong, P&T played an active role in the revitalisation of Jao Tsung-I Academy (JTIA) in the former Lai Chi Kok Hospital, completed in 1887. Since its first opening, JTIA has evolved with the changing needs of Hong Kong, serving consecutively as hospital, customs station, dwelling for Chinese labourers, quarantine station, infectious diseases hospital, psychiatric rehabilitation centre, and even prison. The project struck a balance between conservation, revitalisation and technology, reviving the JTIA into a cultural landmark. To meet the latest safety standards, the original wooden interior structure was replaced by steel, alongside a newly-added velarium to safeguard the building from environmental damage. The red brick exterior of the six houses that form the venue’s Middle Zone was reinstated in their original outlook. The JITA revitalisation project accommodates the Heritage Lodge, activity area, Gallery and Heritage Hall, all of which preserves the building’s cultural heritage.
Another successful revitalisation project undertaken by P&T Group was the St Paul’s Co-Educational College (SPCC), completed in 1927. Here, P&T designers preserved and highlighted the iconic historical features of this Grade-Two-listed building, whilst upgrading educational facilities and adding new sustainable features. The refurbishment included improvements of facilities such as the classrooms, playground, library and school hall, as well as the addition garden roof and solar power facilities. P&T designers ensured that the outstanding historical features of the original structure, such as the impressive red brick exterior, remained an essential element of the design.
Continuing Urban Evolution
To preserve the urban fabric of Hong Kong, P&T Group continues to actively take part in preservation and conservation projects. Over 150 years of history, P&T Group has been working assiduously to shape the built landscape of Hong Kong, and striving to create a better city while recognising evolving community needs, through revitalisation and renewal projects.