TAI KWUN, CENTRAL POLICE STATION, HONG KONG (Facade Restoration Package)

Project Overview

Tai Kwun, transforming 16 revitalised heritage buildings, including the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison into an art and culture destination is Hong Kong’s largest ever revitalisation project.

Since opening, it has welcomed over 8 million visitors and been honoured with the prestigious Award of Excellence – the highest honour – in the 2019 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Working in conjunction with the local Construction Industry Council, Stonewest (HK) developed and trained over 50 local operatives to not only successfully conserve and restore the facades and other character-defining elements but provide an enduring legacy for Hong Kong.

Key Successes

• Cleaning of the facades and revetment walls using specialist cleaning systems, namely the Thermatech and Vortech systems.
• Joint inspections with the architect and development of elevation repair schedules.
• The repair of render and replacement of missing features in both sand and cement render and hydraulic lime render to match the original material.
• The repair and replacement of degraded or damaged brickwork including the sourcing of matching brickwork from both local and overseas sources.
• Localised installation of Helifix crack stitching to displaced masonry.
• Recording, dismantling and rebuilding of existing granite walls.
• Complete reconstruction of degraded roof eaves including recreation of original cornice profile using traditional materials and techniques.
• Structural upgrading of original veranda balustrades and supply and installation of new concrete replacement balustrades where required.