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March 3, 2017

Heritage conservation conference addresses industry best practices driving heritage conservation globally
The second RICS International Heritage Conservation Conference was held on March 2 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The conference brought together leaders involved in planning, policy setting, preservation and the operation of built heritage properties to review revitalisation and adaptive reuse projects. Heritage conservation experts shared insights on planning policies to facilitate future projects in Hong Kong, and analysed adaptive reuse case studies including the former Central Police Station compound (Tai Kwun), Cangdong project in Kaiping, China, and the Crown Wine Cellars in Hong Kong. Participants of four breakout sessions explored conservation and planning policy, adaptive reuse design, economic feasibility, and operating heritage properties.
     The conference was officiated by Mr Clement Lau, Chair of RICS Hong Kong, Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment of Hong Kong SAR Government, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Chris Brooke, Senior Vice President of RICS, Prof Daniel Ho, Chair of Organising Committee, and Mrs Edith Chan, Managing Director of RICS East Asia.
     Mr Clement Lau, Chair of RICS Hong Kong Board, said, “In an era of rapid urbanisation and population growth, where cities face complex redevelopment challenges, heritage conservation and adaptive reuse must be considered as primary solutions – not just alternatives – in the growth and transformation process.”
     Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment of Hong Kong SAR Government, said, “Hong Kong's unique architecture not only enriches its history and development, but also dotted its city landscape and community. For this reason, the government introduced the heritage conservation policy in 2007. In response to the policy, we respect private property ownership and consider cost-effective economic incentives to encourage owners of buildings with heritage value to support the conservation programme.”
     Following the completion of the conference, RICS will consolidate the discussions and suggestions made relating to the social and economic benefits of built heritage conservation for reference by built environment professionals.




 







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