Building - Murray House

Murray House was used as an army quarters for the British Officers when it was built in Central in 1846 where the Bank of China Tower now stands. It is one of the oldest examples of Western architecture in Hong Kong. Murray House was dismantled in 1982 with its stones and components numbered and marked for its re-construction. 

After 15years in storage following ASD’s careful dismanting stone by stone in anticipation of a possible new home, it was offered a waterfront location at Stanley for rebuilding. The reconstruction work was eventually embarked in 1997. With the objective of outset to maintain the appearance of Murray House, including the surrounding verandahs, the 3000 preceved stones were first carefully examinated, dimensions measured and condition recorded. A real size mock up as trial assembly of a selected corner of the building from old materials kept was also done before carrying out the genuine reconstruction at Ma Hang.

The rebuilding was completed in the year2000 as part of Ma Hang Valley redevelopment by Housing Department. Nowadays it become  one of the poplular atrractions to tourists.

 

My reflection

  I have visited Murray House once with my family when I was young and my parents told me that. It is a beautiful place because it was just completed the re-construction, everything is clean and new. The environment is good and there is a good sea view. Actually I don’t remember much about that place but everyone should visit at least once because it is part of our Hong Kong history and this new Murray House examined that how to conservate some historical building in a meaningful way.

--- Jovy Tam

I have been Murray House three months ago. Outside the house, you can see that so many people like taking photos, because the view of Murray House is good. At night, there will be a romantic place for couple. They can have a seat there and face to the sea, or walk along the harbor and chat with each other etc. The atmosphere can increase the relationship for couple, family etc. Also, one thing I like most which is the air. It is fresh and I can breathe deeply. Inside the house, the design of it is very attractive, just like the old western style. People can choose the restaurant in it, but it must be an expensive meal. HAHA

--- Mable Chiu

Here are some photoes for you.

Reference

http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/b5/commercial/shoppingcentres/stanleyplaza/0,,1-3591-6222,00.html

Building - Western Market

Hihi~~ All reader~

The building is beautiful, right? Yes, that is the Old Central Market (Western Market) which is located in Hong Kong Island. And it’s very valuable of the heritage nowadays. Don’t miss the chance. I am really wanted to recommend you to go there and taking some photos for your memory.

Let me tell you more about the building. The Old Central Market (Western Market) consisted originally of two separate blocks, the South Block at Queen’s Road Central was built in 1858 and demolished in 1980. Existing North Terminal was built in 1906 which is smaller and more compact in design. And the turret brick wall decorated with ribbon. When the former Urban Council’s market facilities came into operation in 1898, the market building became vacant and was later converted into traditional trades, arts and crafts center. It is now managed by the Urban Renewal Authority. The photo that you can see on your left hand side, it is the Old Central Market of 1895.

However, I think that the government may keep the culture for protecting the old history building. Do you think so?!

--- Jessica Yim

When I see this building, I think that is a private house in the past or one of the government offices in my mind. It is because I feel that building is very luxurious and grander in that district. It has kept the Britain-style; it can let me think about what happen in the past. However, I am very surprised that is a market which is converted into traditional trades, arts and crafts center nowadays. As we know, this building is one of the declared monuments in Hong Kong Island, I think that Hong Kong Government not only focus on this type of building, but also the other building which is not located in Hong Kong Island or lack of repairs. That history is one of the memories of Hong Kong’s people, and those have their own values, government can’t just focus the economic of Hong Kong and ignore those building. I think government really put more resources or attention on this condition which means to take the balance between the economic and heritage in the future. If we lose those building, we can not return to start again.

--- Change Kwok

Reference

Here is the link of Western Market.

http://www.westernmarket.com.hk/