Project Learning Day 2007 Collective Memories

in Central & Western District

Mr. Tse with S.6A (Odd number students)

Queen’s Pier

Queen’s Pier is located in front of City Hall in Edinburg Place, Central. It was built in 1987. The structure of the pier consist of tiled concrete base and pillars and model after previous pier in the area. Stairs are located on the north side.

It was not only a designed landing berth for governors and the VIPs, but also where Queen Elizabeth II landed on her first visit to in 1975. However, on 26 April, the pier was officially closed. Man Mo Temple Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man Cheung) and the God of War (Kwan Yu). The temple was built on Hollywood Road in 1847 and is located about halfway along the road and a stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break. You can see giant incense coils hanging overhead.

Before every examination, many students come to have a formal visit for their good results. We also prayed for that on the project learning day.

Central Police Station It is the oldest heritage compound with the richest Victorian, Edwardian and Oriental architectural style. It was built in 1864. In 1995, all the buildings including the ground inside the Site were declared monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

A storey was later added to the block in 1905. In 1919, Headquarters Block facing Hollywood Road was constructed. Subsequently in 1925, the two- storey Stable Block was constructed at the north-west end of the parade ground and later used as an armory. The Police Station together with the former Central Magistracy and form a group of historical architecture representing law and order in Hong Kong.

Victoria Prison

Built in 1841, Victoria Prison is understood to be the first western building constructed of durable material in Hong Kong. Most of the buildings within the compound were damaged by bombing during the Second World War. The Prison was reopened in 1946 after repairs.

Western Market

The building was originally the old (North Block), which was identified by Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) as one of the Declared Monuments in 1990. At present, it is the oldest market building surviving in Hong Kong. This four-storey European-styled building, is in Edwardian style and a remarkable design to combine with the western,and modern culture. Beautiful design of the large local quarried granite steps to the corner staircase tower.

Adopting adaptive re-use approach, the Western Market has turned into a lifestyle dancing and meeting place.

It is worthwhile for us to find out so many historic buildings and places in Hong Kong by using a day instead of just sitting in the classroom and learning from textbooks.

Therefore, it was fortunate that we had visited Queen’s pier which will be demolished very soon. We all had fun on this project leaning day and it raised our awareness of protecting antiques.