4.                              Cultural Heritage Assessment

4.1                          Introduction

4.1.1.1              This section presents a cultural heritage impact assessment of the Project, identifying cultural heritage resources, assessing potential direct and indirect impacts from proposed works on these resources, and recommending mitigation measures where required. The cultural heritage resources will include both terrestrial archaeology and built heritage.

4.2                          Project Background

4.2.1.1              A description of the project can be found in Section 3 of this report including the layout of the proposed tunnel alignment, stations and associated structures.

4.3                          Environmental Legislation

4.3.1                    Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance and Technical Memorandum

4.3.1.1              The EIAO was implemented on 1 April 1998. Its purpose is to avoid, minimise and control the adverse impact on the environment of designated projects, through the application of the EIA process and the Environmental Permit (EP) system.

4.3.1.2              The Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Mechanism applies to “Sites of Cultural Heritage” within a project Study Area. A Site of Cultural Heritage is defined “as an antiquity or monument, whether being a place, building, site or structure or a relic, as defined in the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53) and any place, building, site, or structure or a relic identified by the Antiquities and Monuments Office to be of archaeological, historical or palaeontological significance”.

4.3.1.3              The general criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impacts to Sites of Cultural Heritage are listed in Annexes 10 and 19 of the EIAO-TM. It is stated in Annex 10 that all adverse impacts to Sites of Cultural Heritage should be kept to an absolute minimum and that the general presumption of impact assessment should be in favour of the protection and conservation of all Sites of Cultural Heritage. Annex 19 provides the details of scope and methodology for undertaking Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA), including baseline study, impact assessment and mitigation measures.

4.3.2                    Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

4.3.2.1              Chapter 10 of the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) details the planning principles for the conservation of natural landscape and habitats, historical buildings and archaeological sites. The document states that the retention of significant heritage features should be adopted through the creation of conservation zones within which uses should be restricted to ensure the sustainability of the heritage features. The guidelines state that the concept of conservation of heritage features, should not be restricted to individual structures, but should endeavour to embrace the setting of the feature or features in both urban and rural settings.

4.3.2.2              The guidelines also address the issue of the preparation of plans for the conservation of historical buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities. It is noted that the existing Declared Monuments and proposed Monuments are listed in the explanatory notes of Statutory Town Plans and that it be stated that prior consultation with the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) is necessary for any redevelopment or rezoning proposals affecting the Monuments and their surrounding environments.

4.3.2.3              It is also noted that planning intention for non-statutory town plans at the sub-regional level should include the protection of monuments, historical buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities through the identification of such features on sub-regional layout plans. The appendices list the legislation and administrative controls for conservation, other conservation related measures in Hong Kong, and Government departments involved in conservation.

4.3.3                    Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance

4.3.3.1              The Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (the AM Ordinance) provides the statutory framework for the preservation of objects of historical, archaeological and palaeontological interest.  The AM Ordinance contains the statutory procedures for the Declaration of Monuments. The proposed monument can be any place, building, site or structure, which is considered to be of public interest by reason of its historical, archaeological or palaeontological significance.

4.3.3.2              Under Section 6 and subject to sub-section (4) of the AM Ordinance, the following acts are prohibited in relation to certain monuments, except under permit:

·               To excavate, carry on building works, plant or fell trees or deposit earth or refuse on or in a proposed monument or monument; and

·               To demolish, remove, obstruct, deface or interfere with a proposed monument or monument.

4.3.3.3              The discovery of an Antiquity, as defined in the AM Ordinance must be reported to the Antiquities Authority (the Authority), or a designated person. The AM Ordinance also provides that, the ownership of every relic discovered in Hong Kong after the commencement of this AM Ordinance shall vest in the Government from the moment of discovery.  The Authority on behalf of the Government may disclaim ownership of the relic.

4.3.3.4              No archaeological excavation may be carried out by any person, other than the Authority and the designated person, without a licence issued by the Authority. A licence will only be issued if the Authority is satisfied that the applicant has sufficient scientific training or experience to enable him to carry out the excavation and search satisfactorily, is able to conduct, or arrange for, a proper scientific study of any antiquities discovered as a result of the excavation and search and has sufficient staff and financial support.

4.3.3.5              It should also be noted that the discovery of an antiquity under any circumstances must be reported to the authority, i.e. the Secretary for Development or designated person. The authority may require that the antiquity or suspected antiquity is identified to the authority and that any person who has discovered an antiquity or suspected antiquity should take all reasonable measures to protect it.

4.3.4                    Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment

4.3.4.1              This document, as issued by the AMO, outlines the specific technical requirement for conducting terrestrial archaeological and built heritage impact assessments and is based upon the requirements of the EIAO-TM. It includes the parameters and scope for the Baseline Study, specifically desk-based research and field evaluation. There are also included guidelines encompassing reporting requirements and archive preparation and submission in the form of Guidelines for Archaeological Reports and Guidelines for the Handling of Archaeological Finds and Archives.

4.3.4.2              The prerequisite conditions for conducting impact assessment and mitigation measures are presented in detail, including the prediction and evaluation of impacts based upon five levels of significance (Beneficial, Acceptable, Acceptable with Mitigation Measures, Unacceptable and Undetermined). The guidelines also state that preservation in totality must be taken as the first priority and if this is not feasible due to site constraints or other factors, full justification must be provided.

4.3.4.3              Mitigation measures will be proposed in cases with identified impacts and shall have the aim of minimising the degree of adverse impact and also where applicable providing enhancement to a heritage site through means such as  enhancement of the existing environment or improvement to accessibility of heritage sites. The responsibility for the implementation of any proposed mitigation measures must be clearly stated with details of when and where the measures will be implemented and by whom.

4.3.5                    Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 06/2009: Heritage Impact Assessment Mechanism for Capital Works Projects

4.3.5.1              The technical circular (TC) contains the procedures and requirements for assessing heritage impact arising from the implementation of new capital works projects as defined in Section 5 of the TC. It is stated in the document that the works agent will provide a checklist to the AMO of any heritage sites (as defined in the TC) situated within or within the vicinity of the project boundary (usually to be defined as not more than 50 metres measured from the nearest point of the project boundary, including works areas).

4.3.5.2              The identification of the heritage sites should be undertaken at the earliest possible stage, preferably as part of the Technical Feasibility Statement. If the works boundary cannot be defined at this stage, the checklist should be provided as soon as the project boundary has been defined. Upon receipt of the above information from the works agent, the AMO will determine if the proposed project will affect the heritage value of any heritage site and decide the necessity of conducting a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) based upon the submitted information.

4.3.5.3              If an HIA is required, the works agent shall submit a proposal for the scope of the HIA for AMO approval. Once the scope has been approved it will be the responsibility of the works agent to conduct the HIA.

4.3.5.4              For a designated project under the EIAO, where a CHIA (that is an assessment of impacts to Sites of Cultural Heritage, namely Declared Monument) is required, a separate HIA will not be required for any Sites of Cultural Heritage (Declared Monument) included in the CHIA. An HIA may be required for cultural heritage resources not covered under the requirements of the EIAO.

4.4                          Objectives of the Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment

4.4.1.1              A CHIA must be undertaken in order to identify the impact that the proposed project construction and operation may have on the cultural heritage of the Study Area.  The specific objectives of the CHIA include the following:

·               To undertake a baseline study of the project study area in order to identify all heritage resources as identified in the Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment;

·               To identify any Sites of Cultural Heritage (i.e. Proposed and Declared Monuments) within the project study area and assess any impacts that will arise from the proposed project and recommend mitigation measures as appropriate; and

·               To identify the impacts to identified cultural heritage resources and recommend that mitigation for these resources be implemented under an alternative mechanism, as this is not covered under the EIAO. It should be noted that HIA could be used as an alternative mechanism if agreed by AMO.

4.5                          Assessment Methodology

4.5.1                    Background

4.5.1.1              It should be noted that it is only legitimate to implement environmental impact mitigation measures for Sites of Cultural Heritage (namely Declared Monuments) as defined under Schedule 1 of the EIAO through the environmental permit conditions. The definition/interpretation for Sites of Cultural Heritage under Schedule 1 of the EIAO consists of “any place, building, site or structure or a relic identified by the Antiquities and Monuments Office to be of archaeological, historical or paleontological significance.”

4.5.1.2              The CHIA comprises the identification of terrestrial archaeological and built heritage impacts to Sites of Cultural Heritage and the assessment methodology for each of these tasks is highlighted below.  It should also be noted that as stipulated in the Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment, all resources that fall within the scope of the guidelines will be included in this report. The mitigation recommendations for resources that are not Sites of Cultural Heritage will be implemented under an alternate mechanism to be agreed with AMO.

4.5.2                    Terrestrial Archaeology

Baseline Study

4.5.2.1              As stated in the Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment, the baseline study is used to compile a comprehensive inventory of all areas of archaeological interest within the project Study Area, which for this project will be all works areas and works sites within 50m around the boundary of the works areas (Figure 4.1).  The results are then presented in a report that provides both clear evidence that the required processes have been satisfactorily completed as well as a detailed inventory of all identified sites of archaeological interest, which includes a full description of their cultural significance.

4.5.2.2              The following tasks are undertaken in order to gather the necessary information for the compilation of the baseline study:

Task 1: Desk-based research

 

4.5.2.3              Firstly, desk-based research is carried out in order to identify any known or potential sites of archaeological interest within the project Study Area and to evaluate the cultural significance of these sites once identified. The following is a non-exhaustive list of resources that are consulted as part of the research programme: the AMO published and unpublished papers and studies; publications on relevant historical, anthropological and other cultural studies; unpublished archival papers and records; collections and libraries of tertiary institutions; historical documents held in the Public Records Office, Lands Registry, District Lands Office, District Office and Museum of History; cartographic and pictorial documentation; and geotechnical information.

Task 2: Site visit

 

4.5.2.4              In order to supplement the information gathered in the desk-based study, a site visit is undertaken to assess the current status of the Study Area and also to make note of existing impacts.

Task 3: Archaeological Field Investigation (if required)

 

4.5.2.5              If the results of the desk-based study and site visit indicate that there is insufficient data for purposes of identification of sites of archaeological interest, determination of cultural significance and assessment of impacts, an archaeological field investigation programme will be designed and submitted to the AMO for approval. Once approved, a qualified archaeologist must apply for a licence to undertake the archaeological excavation, which must be approved by the Antiquities Authority before issuance. The archaeological field investigation typically consists of some or all of the following steps:

4.5.2.6              Field Scan - Field walking is conducted to identify archaeological deposits on the surface. The scanning of the surface for archaeological material is conducted, under ideal circumstances, in a systematic manner and covers the entire Study Area.  Particular attention is given to areas of land undisturbed in the recent past and to exposed areas such as riverbed cuts, erosion areas, terraces, etc.  During the field scanning, concentrations of finds are recorded, bagged and plotted on 1:1000 scale mapping and are retained as part of the archive.  Topography, surface conditions and existing impacts are noted during the field walking.

4.5.2.7              Auger Testing Programme - Auger survey will be carried within the Study Area in order to establish soil sequence, the presence/absence of cultural soils or deposits and their horizontal extent.

4.5.2.8              The auger tool consists of a bucket, pole and handle and is vertically drilled by hand into the surface.  When the bucket is filled with soil the auger is extracted and the soil emptied from the bucket. Soils are described and depth changes are measured inside the hole. The depth and type of any finds recovered are also recorded.  The auger hole is abandoned when water table, the end of the auger or rock is reached or the auger bucket fails to hold the soil. The location of each auger hole test is marked on a 1:1000 scale map. The results of the auger tests provide one of the criteria used to position the test pit excavations.

4.5.2.9              Test Pit Excavation - Test pit excavations are carried out to verify the archaeological potential within a study area. The choice of location for test pit excavations will depend on various factors such as desk-based information, landforms, field scan and auger test results as well as issues relating to access.

4.5.2.10          Hand digging of test pits measuring between 1 by 1 and 2 by 2 metres is carried out in order to determine the presence/absence of archaeological deposits and their stratigraphy.  The size may depend on close proximity to large trees, narrow terraces or other external factors. Hand excavation will continue until decomposing rock or sterile soils are reached and no potential for further cultural layers exists.  A test pit will also be abandoned when the maximum safe working depth is reached or when, despite the use of appropriate and practicable dewatering measures, the effects of ground water prevent further excavation.  In cases where sterile deposits or the maximum safe excavation limit cannot be reached, the AMO should be consulted prior to backfilling.

4.5.2.11          During excavation contexts, finds and features are recorded, soils are described and relevant depths measured. Artefacts are collected, bagged and labelled by context.  Sections are photographed and drawn and, if required, ground plans are also photographed and/or drawn.  The position of each test pit, its top and bottom levels and associated temporary benchmark are recorded by a qualified land surveyor and plotted on 1:1000 scale mapping. On completion of all recording and site inspection by the AMO, test pits are backfilled.

Reporting and Submission of Archive

4.5.2.12          A report of the findings of the archaeological survey will be compiled following the requirements as outlined in the AMO’s Guidelines for Archaeological Reports. The processing of recovered archaeological material and preparation of the project archive will follow the AMO’s Guidelines for Handling of Archaeological Finds and Archives.

Impact Assessment

4.5.2.13          The prediction and evaluation of both direct and indirect impacts must be undertaken to identify any potential adverse affects to all identified Sites of Cultural Heritage within a project Study Area. A detailed description of the works and all available plans (with their relationship to the identified resources clearly shown) should be included, to illustrate the nature and degree of potential impacts. The impact assessment must adhere to the detailed requirements of Annexes 10 and 19 of the EIAO-TM.

Mitigation Measures

4.5.2.14          As stated in the Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment “Preservation in totality must be taken as the first priority”. If such preservation is not feasible, as in the case where the need for a particular development can be shown to have benefits that outweigh the significance of the site of archaeological interest, a programme of mitigation measures must be designed and submitted to the AMO for approval. The mitigation measures must be clearly listed and the party responsible for implementation and timing of the measures must also be included. Examples of mitigation measures include rescue excavation and archaeological watching brief.

4.5.3                    Built Heritage

Baseline Study

4.5.3.1              A desk-based study has been undertaken to determine the presence of built heritage resources in the project Study Area. Information has been gathered from the following sources; the list of Declared Monuments and Graded Buildings and Government Historic Sites as issued by the AMO; published and unpublished papers and studies; publications on relevant historical, anthropological and other cultural studies; unpublished archival, papers, records; collections and libraries of tertiary institutions; historical documents which can be found in Public Records Office, Lands Registry, District Lands Office, District Office, Museum of History; cartographic and pictorial documentation. The desk-based study has also included a review of previous built heritage projects in the Study Area. 

4.5.3.2              The study area for the built heritage assessment comprises an area of 300m around the boundary of the works areas and works sites (Figure 4.1). 

Built Heritage Field Survey (if required)

4.5.3.3              The results of previous surveys undertaken in the recent past have been used to identify resources in the project Study Area.  The parts of the Study Area that have not been surveyed in the recent past, have had a built heritage field survey  undertaken to identify all built heritage resources (as defined in the Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment).  The survey  followed the requirements of the Guidelines for CHIA, including the scope of resources, methodology and recording and report preparation processes

Definition of Built Heritage Resources

4.5.3.4              All pre-1950 structures, these include all built features, such as; domestic structures, ancestral halls, temples, shrines, monasteries and nunneries, village gates, village walls, sections of historical stone paving, wells, schools, any post-1950 structure deemed to possess features containing architectural or cultural merit; all pre-war clan graves and cultural and historical landscape features, such as fung shui woods and ponds, historical tracks and pathways, stone walls and terraces, ponds and other agricultural features.

Evaluation of Heritage Significance of Built Heritage Resources

4.5.3.5              There is currently no official standard for the evaluation of heritage resources in Hong Kong, and thus, the practice of categorising resources must be seen as an on-going process that will be updated and improved as refinements and additional features are added to the existing information base. As such the following guide will be used for the current impact assessment:

·               Declared or Proposed Monuments: High;

·               Graded Historic Buildings: Moderate;

·               Government Historic Sites: Moderate; and

·               Non-Graded Historical Buildings and Sites: Low (with potential to be evaluated to higher level if previously unknown significant features are identified).

Impact Assessment and Mitigation Recommendations

4.5.3.6              Prediction and identification of both direct and indirect impacts that may affect any Sites of Cultural Heritage within the project Study Area will be undertaken, with special attention paid to the Sites of Cultural Heritage identified in the project study brief. Preservation in-situ will always be the first priority for Sites of Cultural Heritage. If preservation in totality is not possible, mitigation will be proposed to minimise the degree of adverse impact to the greatest possible extent.  Also, any disturbance to Sites of Cultural Heritage that may cause physical damage should be avoided wherever possible through alteration of design, construction method or protective measures as appropriate.

4.6                          Archaeological Impact Assessment

4.6.1                    Archaeological Sites

4.6.1.1              There are no known archaeological sites located within the project Study Area.  However, some known archaeological materials have been found in the vicinity of the Study Area.  In May 2004, over 100 pieces of archaeological materials, including Tang kiln debris and associated furniture, Han dynasty pottery cauldron sherds and four complete pottery pots (possible burial objects) dated to Jin dynasty were discovered at a Drainage Services Department (DSD) work site at the junction of Soy Street and Tung Choi Street. All of the archaeological materials were collected from a working trench covered with pipes and piles.  It was believed that the materials were deposited in a brownish sandy layer between the modern disturbed layer and the greyish sand of marine deposit (AMO web site).  Such finds serve to indicate the possibility of such resources occurring in a similar urban setting in the Study Area.

4.6.1.2              However, there have been no previous archaeological investigations undertaken within the project Study Area.

4.6.2                    Geological and Topographical Background

4.6.2.1              The Study Area comprises of the general areas at Yau Ma Tei, Ho Man Tin (including King’s Park), and Hung Hom (Figure 4.2).  The basic geology of the Kowloon Peninsula is medium grained granite.  The peninsula has large alluvial plains footing relatively low to moderately high hills.  The original topography of Yau Ma Tei comprised of a rocky coastline fringing hills which rose steeply to over 200 metres.  Outcrops of megacrystic fine-grained granite is marked at King’s Park.  The granite is grey and equigranular, with a fine groundmass of less than 1mm average grain size and distinctive feldspar megacrysts averaging 8 to 10mm in length.  In addition, small bodies of fine-grained granite are intruded into medium-grained in Hung Hom.  These granite bodies are light pink and sparsely megacrystic, dissimilar to the fine-grained granite of King’s Park, and their contacts are sharp and steeply dipping (Geotechnical Office1986). 

4.6.2.2              Appendix 4.1 summarises the topographical and geological information for each area of potential impact.

4.6.3                    Historical Background

4.6.3.1              The proposed works areas at Hung Hom are situated along former coastline of Hung Hom Bay (see Figure 4.3 for 1863 map showing the area prior to reclamations), which has the potential for prehistoric as well as historical archaeological remains.  The Hong Kong Whampoa Dock Company set up its yard at Hung Hom in the 1860s.  The Hung Hom community by that time was one of the largest new commercial and industrial settlements in Old British Kowloon (Hayes and Smith 1976).  As seen in 1902-03 map (Figure 4.4), the 1880 built Dock Battery was situated in a headland south of Tai Wan Beach, whilst the Kowloon East II Battery was located to the north of Whampoa. 

4.6.4                    Existing Impacts

4.6.4.1              The Study Area is located in an urban area with extensive disturbance from urban development.  The existing impacts at the impacted areas can be summarised as existing roads, metro stations, utility provisions (such as water, sewer, electricity, phone lines, gas, etc.), residential development and development of public spaces.  All of the proposed impact areas are currently under concrete, occupied with existing buildings, stations or on reclaimed land. 

4.6.5                    Evaluation of Archaeological Potential

4.6.5.1              The former coastline of Hung Hom Bay (proposed Whampoa Station) has the potential for archaeological deposits spanning the prehistoric and historic periods. Two former batteries (Kowloon Dock Battery and Kowloon East II Battery) were located in close proximity to the alignment (Figure 4.4-4.7). However, these areas are already highly urbanised and have experienced significant landscape modification as a result of development. Nevertheless, the discovery of complete prehistoric pots and associated materials at Mong Kok in 2004 has shown that, despite significant development, well-preserved pockets of archaeological deposits can survive along the ancient coastline. As well, a 19th-century British Naval cannon, which probably associated with nearby batteries was discovered during the construction of Whampoa Garden in 1988 (Siu 1992).  In contrast, the rocky nature of the original shoreline at Yau Ma Tei and the hilly Ho Man Tin would indicate a much lower archaeological potential with respect to prehistoric activity. The original landform of the study area has been severely altered as a result of extensive urban development and the archaeological potential is therefore considered to be very low.

4.6.5.2              A summary of the assessment of the archaeological potential within the Study Area is shown in Appendix 4.2.

Operational Phase

4.6.5.3              There will be no impacts to archaeological resources at any of the works sites or works areas during the operational phase.  No mitigation measures are required.

4.6.6                    Archaeological Cumulative Impacts

4.6.6.1              There are three EPIW sites in the project Study Area and these will be assessed as concurrent projects in this report;

·               Connections to Oi Man Estate and Ho Man Tin Estate (including the subway from HOM Station across Chung Hau Street and the covered walkway along Chung Hau Street, Chung Yi Street and Fat Kwong Street) and the associated slope stabilisation works;

·               Public transport facility and lay-bys at Chung Hau Street; and

·               Passageway and covered footbridge over Chatham Road North and connection to Wuhu Street. 

4.6.6.2              These sites do not contain any archaeological potential and no cumulative impacts will arise.

4.7                          Built Heritage Impact Assessment

4.7.1                    Results of the Desk Based Study

Historical Background of the Study Area

 

4.7.1.1              Yau Ma Tei:  Yau Ma Tei was originally an anchorage for boat dwelling families and it was not until the 1860’s that it grew as a land based market town. The original inhabitants were collections of people dispossessed from cleared villages in Tsim Sha Tsui. The area quickly grew as a market town with evidence of a locally organised Kai Fong and Temple Committee as early as the 1870’s. The Tin Hau Temple was originally established well before 1870, as can be seen on an inscribed tablet. It also notes that the area was relatively empty when it was constructed (HKRAS 1999). The map in Figure 4.8 shows the locations of selected built heritage resources in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan as they were in 1947 and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Museum is highlighted on a 1924 map in Figure 4.9 (Empson 1992).

4.7.1.2              Ho Man Tin: Ho Man Tin was chosen as the site for a number of historical recreational clubs during the late 19th Century, many of which are still located on their original sites. The area also has military associations and still contains barracks at Gun Club Hill. The map in Figure 4.10 shows the outline of the boundary of the Gun Club Hill Barracks in 1947 (Empson 1992).

4.7.1.3              Hung Hom: The former settlement at Hung Hom had an associated Kwun Yam Temple which is still in its original location (see 1924 map in Figure 4.11 for location).The area around the old village of Hung Hom was sold as a shipyard in 1864 and the Hong Kong and Whampoa Shipyard was set up in 1866 and fully operational by 1870. Squatter areas developed around the shipyards to house the workers encompassing the old village. A devastating fire destroyed what was left of the old village and much of the squatter area in 1884. New housing and facilities were planned and constructed on a street grid laid out in the area and reclamation. The area was heavily bombed in WWII, as the shipyards were a major target (Hayes 1966). There are also two air raid precaution tunnel networks K4 and K5 in the area and their locations can be seen on the 1947 map found in Figure 4.12.

Sites of Cultural Heritage (Declared Monuments)

 

4.7.1.4              It should be noted that the mitigation measures recommended in this report will not be implemented under the EIAO as there are no Sites of Cultural Heritage (namely Declared Monuments) in the project Study Area. Therefore all other resources and mitigation discussed below would be implemented under a separate mechanism to be agreed with AMO.

Graded Historical Buildings (as of May 17 2010)

 

4.7.1.5              The catalogue of the following graded structures can be found in Appendix 4.3.

GB-1: Tin Hau Temple (Yau Ma Tei) (Grade 1) AM86-0366

 

4.7.1.6              The location of GB-1 is shown on Figure 4.15.  The temple was constructed between 1860 and 1869. It is the largest temple in Kowloon and consists of a Shing Wong Temple, Fook Tak Temple and Shea Tan. The temple also contains a study hall that offered free education from 1897 to 1955. The temple management has been delegated to the Tung Wah group of hospitals, by the Chinese Temples Committee. The building is currently in use as a temple.

GB-2: Old South Kowloon District Court (No. 38 Gascoigne Road Yau Ma Tei Kowloon) (Grade 1) AM92-0485)

 

4.7.1.7              The location of GB-2 is shown on Figure 4.16.  The court building was constructed in the Classical Revival style in 1936 and was originally known as the Kowloon Magistracy. Its original function was to handle minor criminal cases. It was renamed the Kowloon District Court in 1957 and functioned as such until 1986, at which point it became the Judiciary Central File Repository. It was also used as the Lands Tribunal. It was also used by the Japanese as a military headquarters during WWII. The building is currently in use by the HKSAR Government.

GB-3: Kwun Yam Temple (Station Lane, Hung Hom) (Grade 1) AM86-0363

 

4.7.1.8              The location of GB-3 is shown on Figure 4.22.  The temple was built in 1873 and the principal deity of the temple is Kwun Yam and there is also a shrine to the Tai Sui or sixty gods of time. The temple is traditional in style with a front, middle and rear hall. The front hall is shaped like a Chinese Pavilion and the carving at the entrance dates to 1889. The temple underwent major renovations in 1889 and 1901. The building is currently in use as a temple.

GB-4: The Former Pumping Station, Water Supplies Department (No. 344 Shanghai Street Yau Ma Tei Kowloon) (Grade 1) AM00-1596

 

4.7.1.9              The location of GB-4 is shown on Figure 4.14.  The structure was built in 1895 and is also known as the red brick house. It was part of a coal fired pumping station with steam engines that was the oldest such facility in Hong Kong. The structure was also used as a post office from the 1920’s or 30’s up to 1967. After this time it was used by the Salvation Army as a shelter for street sleepers, until the late 1990’s. The building was closed up at that time until a suitable adaptive reuse could be formulated. The architectural style of the building is utilitarian in nature and reflects its original industrial function. It is a red brick structure with timber roofs and flooring. The only decorative features found on the structure consist of patterns in the brickwork, such as flat arches over the windows. The building is currently vacant.

GB-5: Yau Ma Tei Theatre on Waterloo Road (Grade 2) AM98-0942

 

4.7.1.10          The location of GB-5 is shown on Figure 4.14.  The theatre was built around 1930 (possibly as early as 1928) and is the only surviving pre-war cinema in Kowloon. The cinema originally showed silent movies until the introduction of sound films in 1935. The cinema reached its height of popularity in the 1960’s. It was forced to close due to lack of patronage in 1998. The façade of the building contains a mixture of Neo-Classical and Art Deco stylistic features (there are also Art Deco style features in the interior of the building. The adaptive reuse for the building is under review by the HKSAR Government.

GB-6: Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market (Shek Lung Street) (Grade 2) AM90-0458

 

4.7.1.11          The location of GB-6 is shown on Figure 4.14.  The market was built in 1913 and was originally called the Government Vegetable Market selling both fruit and vegetables. From the 1930’s to the 1960’s it was also used as a fish market, From 1965, when the fish and vegetable vendors moved to new premises, the market has specialized in selling fruit. The structures are still in use as a market.

GB-7: Yau Ma Tei Police Station (No. 627 Canton Road) (Grade 2) AM87-0381

 

4.7.1.12          The location of GB-7 is shown on Figure 4.15.  The police station was constructed in 1922 to replace an older station situated nearby. The original station consisted of two wings in a triangular shape with a compound and associated structures, such as garages surrounding a parade ground. An extension block was added in the 1950’s. The buildings are still in use as a police station.

GB-8: Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Museum (Kwong Wah Hospital, No. 25 Waterloo Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon) (Grade 1) AM88-0403

 

4.7.1.13          The location of GB-8 is shown on Figure 4.13.  The building dates to 1911 and originally functioned as the main hall building of Kwong Wah Hospital. It was originally a single storey structure, but a second storey was added in 1919 in a response for a demand of additional hospital beds. In 1958, the entire Kwong Wah Hospital complex underwent major reconstruction and only the main hall was preserved. In 1970 it was renamed the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Museum and used to house archives and artefacts associated with the hospital. The building is currently in use as a museum.

GB-9: Kowloon Union Church at No. 4 Jordan Road (Grade 3) AM88-0399

 

4.7.1.14          The location of GB-9 is shown on Figure 4.19.  The church was constructed in 1931 and was founded by the London Missionary Society. During World War II, the Japanese converted the church into a stable. After the war, the church was renovated. It is still in use as a church today. The building is currently in use as a church. The church has been proposed as a Grade 1 Historic Building under the current government grading exercise.

GB-10: Military facility within the Gun Club Hill Barracks (Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon) (Grades 2 and 3)

 

4.7.1.15          The location of GB-10 is shown on Figure 4.20.  The barracks were established in the second half of the 19th Century, though the exact date is not certain. The first permanent structures were built in 1903-04 and a series of additional structures were added up to 1909. Many of the older buildings were replaced over the years, apart from two original barracks blocks (Blocks 1 and 2), a medical centre (Block 11) and the officers’ mess (Block 9) (Horsnell 1998). The buildings are currently still of military usage. The currently existing Graded Buildings are Gun Club Hill Barracks Block 1 (Grade 3), Gun Club Hill Barracks Block 2 (Grade 3) and Gun Club Hill Barracks Block 9 (Grade 2). Under the proposed government grading exercise the military facility within the Gun Club Hill Barracks is proposed as Grade 1 (AMO Website).

GB-11: Pak Tai Temple at No. 146 Ma Tau Wai Road (Confirmed Nil Grade))

4.7.1.16          The location of GB-11 is shown on Figure 4.23. The temple was built in 1929 and the materials used are believed to have been taken from older temples that were demolished. The temple is a Qing Vernacular style building, but has been renovated in non-traditional style, which has significantly lowered the architectural value of the building (AMO Website).

HB-15: Municipal Services Staff Recreation Club at No 4 Wylie Road (Grade 3)

 

4.7.1.17          The location of HB-15 is shown on Figure 4.18.  The club was established in the 1950’s and has been used as a recreation club for members of the government municipal services since that time. The club has also been called the Municipal, Urban and Regional Services Staff Recreation Club or Urban Council and Urban Services Staff Recreation Club. It consists of two club buildings with a small garden and badminton and tennis courts (AMO Website).

HB-16: The India Club (Grade 3)

 

4.7.1.18          The location of HB-16 is shown on Figure 4.18.  The club was originally known as the Kowloon Indian Tennis Club and is believed to date back to 1924. It originally only consisted of changing huts and tennis courts. The present club house was built in 1956 and a new wing added in 1976. The architectural style of the building is International Modern. The club buildings were renovated in 2000 (India Club Website). The building is in use as a private club (AMO Website).

HB-17: The Club de Recreio (Grade 3)

 

4.7.1.19          The location of HB-17 is shown on Figure 4.18.  The club was founded by the Portuguese community in Hong Kong as an outdoor recreation club in 1911. The date of the existing clubhouse is not available, but an application was made by the club for the construction of a club house in 1926 (PRO-HKRS58-1-138-79) and the Club House was constructed in 1928 in the Neo-Classical style with Art Deco influence. The club was renowned for high quality sporting teams, in both the pre and post-war periods. The club was well known for its hockey teams and has one of the longest associations with the sport in Hong Kong. The building is in use as a private club (AMO Website).

HB-18: Kowloon Cricket Club (Grade 2)

 

4.7.1.20          The location of HB-18 is shown on Figure 4.19.  The club was founded in 1904 by Kowloon residents. The original (now demolished) club house was constructed in 1908. A new club house was constructed in 1931 and opened in 1932. During World War II the club was extensively looted and then used by the Japanese for stabling horses and mules. The building was extensively renovated after the war in 1948 and has had ongoing extensions and renovations over the years and is now a modern facility. The façade of the 1931 club has been retained (AMO Website).

Other Built Heritage Items

 

4.7.1.21          The following ungraded built heritage items have been identified in the project Study Area. Full descriptions of the ARP tunnels can be found in Appendix 4.4 and descriptions of the remainder of these items can be found in the catalogue in Appendix 4.5.

HB-1: Air Raid Precaution Tunnels at Gascoigne Road (Tunnel Network K1)

 

4.7.1.22          The location of HB-1 is shown on Figure 4.16.  This tunnel network consists of ARP tunnels that were built to protect the population of Hong Kong for aerial bombing during World War II. The K1 tunnel network is located to the east of Gascoigne Road between Methodist College and Cliff Road. It is known that after the war the Civil Defense Authority took over responsibility for the tunnel network and that it was used as a first aid training post and for storing medical supplies. In the mid 1950’s water seepage became a problem after the installation of a distillation plant (which was installed in 1955 and in use until 1958. From 1958 to 1965 the tunnels were used only for the storage of emergency medical supplies. The tunnels were cleared and closed off on April 2nd 1965 (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1979). The tunnels were constructed of masonry side walls of uncoursed granite rubble with mortared joints and various types of lintels. The tunnels measured approximately 2 metres in width and 1.9 metres in height. It was noted in the survey undertaken in the 1970’s that the tunnels were in relatively good condition, but ground heaving and cracks in the side walls were noted and that buildings above the tunnels had reported problems of subsidence (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1979).

HB-2: Air Raid Precaution Tunnels at Nathan Road (Tunnel Network K1A)

 

4.7.1.23          The location of HB-2 is shown on Figure 4.13.  Tunnel Network K1A is located to the east of Nathan Road, just north of Cliff Road and running in a north/south direction in the direction of Waterloo Road. Less information is available on the history of this set of tunnels, although they were built for the same purpose as network K1, i.e. as air raid precaution tunnels. It is believed that the southernmost section of the tunnel system was demolished for construction works sometime between the 1950’s and 1970’s, although the details of this work could not be established (Mott, Hay Anderson 1978). The walls consist of uncoursed granite rubble with concrete lintels and chunam type fill over the crown. It was also noted that the tunnels originally also had timber supports, but it was believed that the wood was looted and no longer present in the 1970’s during the survey (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1978). As well, the same report noted that the tunnels showed signs of deteriorating condition through floor buckling and cracks in the side walls.

HB-3: Air Raid Precaution Tunnels at Chatham Road (Tunnel Network K4)

 

4.7.1.24          The location of HB-3 is shown on Figure 4.22. This tunnel network is located in the area between Chatham Road, Fat Kwong Street, Wuhu Street and Gillies Ave. The majority of the tunnels were constructed of mortared random masonry side walls with precast reinforced concrete lintels with a layer of chunam fill over the crown. The remainder of the tunnels were unlined and localised enlargements were present. It was noted that some sections of the tunnels had been intersected by later construction projects and that the tunnels were sealed off in these places. At the time of the inspection in 1978, the tunnels were found to be in good condition (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1978).

HB-4: Air Raid Precaution Tunnels at Valley Road (Tunnel Network K5)

 

4.7.1.25          The location of HB-4 is shown on Figure 4.21. The supplementary report on the inspection of the tunnel network did not provide any useful information on the history, location or condition of the tunnels Mott, Hay Anderson 1982). However, a later report concerning the remedial repair works for this tunnel network contained the following relevant information; the tunnel network was categorised as a high priority network with respect to the potential for collapse affecting the general public and the remedial works were completed in May 1992. These consisted of filling in of voids above the tunnel network and backfilling of sections of the network. It was also noted that the tunnel network has high levels of Radon gas and that prolonged exposure to the atmosphere within the tunnels is a health hazard (Mott MacDonald 1992).

HB-5: Metal Box and Adjacent Pole (between Gascoigne Road and Chi Wo Street)

 

4.7.1.26          The location of HB-5 is shown on Figure 4.16.  The original function of the two items is unknown, as is the ownership. The box may be a low voltage distributor box and the pole may have been associated with utilities either electrical or lighting. The structures have no current function.

HB-6: No. 22 Gascoigne Road (YMCA King’s Park Centenary Centre)

 

4.7.1.27          The location of HB-6 is shown on Figure 4.18.  This building is currently being used by the YMCA as the King’s Park Centenary Centre as a youth centre and was constructed in 2000. The only historical element remaining is a plaque from 1940 that has been set into the side wall of the new structure.

HB-7: United Services Recreation Club

 

4.7.1.28          The location of HB-7 is shown on Figure 4.19.  The club opened in 1911 and was originally for use of military officers and their families. The club was forced to close down during the Second World War and it is believed the club buildings were used by the Japanese during the occupation. Prior to the war, the club had a golf course on the site of the existing Queen Elizabeth Hospital. After 1997, the club was passed to the PLA, but is run by a limited company by and for its members. The building is in use as a private club (United Services Recreation Club Website).

HB-8: Nos. 113 to 115 Bulkeley Street

 

4.7.1.29          The location of HB-8 is shown on Figure 4.22.  A three storey tenement style building believed to have been built in the 1940’s. The ground floor contains a shop; the remainder of the building appears to have been vacant for some time (ERM 2008).

HB-9: Nos. 179 to 181 Bulkeley Street

 

4.7.1.30          The location of HB-9 is shown on Figure 4.21.  A four storey tenement style concrete building that was constructed in 1951. It has been modified extensively on the exterior, with only one unit showing the original appearance with balcony (ERM 2008).

HB-10: No. 7A Winslow Street

 

4.7.1.31          The location of HB-10 is shown on Figure 4.21.  A reinforced concrete tenement style building probably dating to the 1940’s. Commercial premises on the ground floor with two storeys of flats above and no decorative features (ERM 2008).

HB-11: No. 61 Wuhu Street

 

4.7.1.32          The location of HB-11 is shown on Figure 4.22.  A four storey tenement style building believed to date from the 1940’s. The building is constructed of concrete with no supporting pillars on the façade (ERM 2008).

HB-12: Nos. 129 to 131 Wuhu Street

 

4.7.1.33          The location of HB-12 is shown on Figure 4.22.  A four storey tenement style building believed to date from the 1940’s. The building is constructed of concrete with no supporting pillars on the façade (ERM 2008).

HB-13: Fuk Tak Temple/Shrine at the Corner of Dock Street and Bulkeley Street

 

4.7.1.34          The location of HB-13 is shown on Figure 4.22.  The history of the temple is believed to date back to the Song Dynasty, but the original location is unknown. The current building is modern and is managed and used by the local residents (ERM 2008).

HB-14:  Kowloon Methodist Church (Proposed Grade 3)

 

4.7.1.35          The location of HB-14 is shown on Figure 4.16.  The church was constructed in 1950/51 and is a concrete and tile structure built on a hillside. It is built in the Modern Eclectic style of architecture with International, Bauhaus and local influences. The church is also associated with the Kowloon Methodist School which was established in 1951. The church is the largest Methodist church building in Hong Kong (AMO Website).

HB-19: No. 2 Jordan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon (Proposed Grade 3)

 

4.7.1.36          The location of HB-19 is shown on Figure 4.19.  The building was constructed in 1931 and consists of a two storey structure with adjacent garage. It was built in the Neo-Classical Style with possible Art Deco and Italian Renaissance influences. It originally functioned as the pastor’s residence and then as a Christian Action Centre. The building is currently being used as offices for charity organisations (AMO Website).

4.7.2                    Results of the Field Survey

Scope of Field Survey

 

4.7.2.1              In addition to the graded and ungraded buildings and resources identified above, a field survey was undertaken to identify other features of potential built heritage importance within the Study Area.  The survey was conducted in July 2009 and covered the 300 m boundary from all works areas (Figure 4.1).

Survey Findings

4.7.2.2              The following heritage resources were identified in the Built Heritage Survey.  Full descriptions of these items can be found in the catalogue in Appendix 4.5.

HB-20: No. 2 Man Ming Lane in Yau Ma Tei

 

4.7.2.3              The location of HB-20 is shown on Figure 4.14.  Four storey tenement style building probably dating to the mid 20th Century. It has a shop on the ground floor and residential units above with concrete balconies enclosed by windows with metal grilles.

HB-21: No.63 Temple Street

 

4.7.2.4              The location of HB-21 is shown on Figure 4.15.  Four storey tenement style corner building, concrete construction with rounded balconies and having progressively smaller units as the building reaches upwards.

HB-22: Nos. 313 to 315 Shanghai Street

 

4.7.2.5              The location of HB-22 is shown on Figure 4.14.  Corner and adjacent tenement style buildings with supporting pillars on the façade still intact. Both units have shops on the ground floor with modified residential units above.

HB-23: K.I.L. 7058 Boundary Stone

 

4.7.2.6              The location of HB-23 is shown on Figure 4.16.  Rectangular cut granite stone approximately 30 cm in height with K.I.L. engraved on the west facing side.

HB-24: K.I.L. 6069 Boundary Stone

 

4.7.2.7              The location of HB-24 is shown on Figure 4.16.  The boundary marker is part of a cut granite wall with one of the blocks having the boundary lot inscribed on its face.

HB-25: K.I.L. Boundary Stone (number not visible)

 

4.7.2.8              The location of HB-25 is shown on Figure 4.16.  Base of wall, stone wall of the Diocesan Girl’s School along Chi Wo Road and concrete wall along Gascoigne Road.

HB-26: K.I.L. 6246 Boundary Stone

 

4.7.2.9              The location of HB-26 is shown on Figure 4.20.  Flat rectangular cut granite stone with lot inscription on its face.

HB-27: Nos. 197 and 197A Reclamation Street

 

4.7.2.10          The location of HB-27 is shown on Figure 4.14.  Three storey tenement building with flat roof and additional structures built. The buildings retain traditional features such as granite support columns and moulded decoration.

HB-28: No. 178 Shanghai Street

 

4.7.2.11          The location of HB-28 is shown on Figure 4.17.  Four storey pawn shop structure. Large balconies with green painted metal bars on the middle two floors and a small balcony also with bars on the top floor. There is a parapet wall with “1940” painted on it at the centre top of the facade.

HB-29: Nos. 95 to 97 Parkes Street

 

4.7.2.12          The location of HB-29 is shown on Figure 4.17.  Highly modified Tenement Structure with three floors, modern features on façade and additional structures built on the top.

HB-30: Nos. 103 to 105 Parkes Street

 

4.7.2.13          The location of HB-30 is shown on Figure 4.17.  Tenement style building with granite columns and some original moulding on the façade. The remainder of the building’s exterior has modern features.

HB-31: No. 3 Temple Street

 

4.7.2.14          The location of HB-31 is shown on Figure 4.14.  This is a four storey tenement style building with intact support columns on ground floor. There is some decorative moulding retained on the façade. The upper floors have modern windows.

HB-32: No. 68 Bulkeley Street

 

4.7.2.15          The location of HB-32 is shown on Figure 4.21.  Four storey tenement building with upper stories projecting over the ground floor façade. There are no support columns, but a metal support beam has been added at the front left hand side of the building.

HB-33: Truth Lutheran Church

 

4.7.2.16          The location of HB-33 is shown on Figure 4.13.  Concrete structure with plain concrete exterior, moulded rounded arches over the entrance and windows. There is a high bell tower on the northern end of the façade.

HB-34: Ward Memorial Methodist Church

 

4.7.2.17          The location of HB-34 is shown on Figure 4.13.  Multi-storey concrete structure with concrete tower and rectangular church structure. The windows of the side wall along Waterloo Road have a decorative pattern of concrete crosses along their length.

HB35: Nos. 75 to 83 Ma Tau Wai Road

4.7.2.18          The location of HB-35 is shown on Figure 4.23.  Reinforced concrete structure, three storeys in height. Enclosed balconies (some with older style metal window grilles). Modern structures have been built on the original roof level. Three sets of staircases lead to the upper floors.

4.7.3                    Assessment of Construction Phase Impacts

Background

 

4.7.3.1              Different construction methods will be applied for various elements of the project including the tunnels and station boxes.  The type of methods used can influence the magnitude of any impacts of built heritage resources and are, therefore, summarised below.

4.7.3.2              Drill-and-Blast Tunnel Formation:  This method is proposed to be used in areas where the alignment will pass through rock and the tunnel formation is achieved through blasting of the rock with explosive charges and excavation of the material to form the tunnel. This will be undertaken for the following tunnel sections; Yau Ma Tei to the proposed EAP at the Club De Recreio (WS3), EAP to HOM Station (WS10) and from HOM Station to WHA Station (WS29).

4.7.3.3              Mechanical Excavation Tunneling: This method will involve the use of machines, such as breakers for breaking up of rock. This method is proposed to be used in some sections of the tunnel formation between Yau Ma Tei and the EAP site

4.7.3.4              Open Cut / Cut-and-Cover Method:  Excavation will be undertaken by backhoes and bulldozers in soil deposits followed by mechanical breaking / blasting through rock layers. This method is proposed to be used at HOM Station and WHA Station.

4.7.3.5              Soft Ground Tunnelling: Supporting structures will be required for the excavation area to ensure soil stability. This method is proposed to be used in some sections of tunnel between the EAP site and HOM Station and from HOM Station to WHA Station.

Evaluation of Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations

 

4.7.3.6              The following section will present the impact assessment and proposed mitigation measures for the identified resources in the project Study Area. The project Study Area has been divided into works sites (that will include construction activities) and works areas that will be used for site offices, a barging point and a temporary explosives storage magazine site. Details of the evaluation of impacts for Works Sites can be found in Appendix 4.6. The evaluation of impacts for Works Areas can be found below.

4.7.3.7              It should be noted that the mitigation measures recommended in this report will not be implemented under the EIAO as there are no Sites of Cultural Heritage (namely Declared Monument) in the project Study Area. The mitigation therefore will be implemented under a separate mechanism to be agreed with AMO.

4.7.3.8              The following Works Areas will be used during the construction phase of the project:

·               WA2a: Site Office at Shun Yung Street near the Customs and Excise Service Married Quarters;

·               WA6: Site Office at Hung Lok Road near Yan Yung Street;

·               WA12a: Temporary Magazine Site at Tsuen Kwan O Area 137;

·               WA13: Formation of a temporary Magazine Site at Tsuen Kwan O Area 137;

·               WA14: Barging Point at Existing Hung Hom Finger Pier; and

·               WA15: Site Office at Fat Kwong Street Playground.

4.7.3.9              There are no built heritage resources in the study areas for any of the works areas apart from WA15 at Fat Kwong Street Playground and WA2a at Shun Yung Street. It should be noted that the use of the works areas as site offices will not result in any adverse impacts to built heritage resources in the vicinity. As no impacts will arise from these areas, no mitigation will be required.

4.7.4                    Assessment of Operational Phase Impacts

Background

 

4.7.4.1              As the proposed alignment will be largely underground during the operational phase, potential impacts will be associated only with above ground structures rather than the railway alignment.  These structures include elements of stations that are above ground, such as ventilation shafts, entrances, pedestrian access structures (covered walkways and footbridges) and the EAP / ventilation building at the Club de Recreio site.

Evaluation

 

4.7.4.2              The impact assessment will cover the following permanent above ground features associated with the project, EAP at Club de Recreio, HOM Station and associated features, including footbridge from Yan Fung Street Rest Garden to Wuhu Street Temporary Playground, and features associated with the WHA Station.

HOM Station and WHA Station

4.7.4.3              The stations and associated structures will be located in a modern urban setting and will not impact on the existing environmental setting of the identified resources within the project Study Area. No mitigation will be required.

Ventilation Building at the Club de Recreio

4.7.4.4              There are two identified resources in the vicinity of the EAP / ventilation building, the Club de Recreio and the Municipal Services Recreation Club. The latter is a modern structure and is situated in a modern urban street setting. As such no adverse impacts will arise from the construction of the EAP / ventilation building. The Clubhouse of the Club de Recreio is a historical building set in fenced off grounds. The addition of the ventilation building within the grounds has the potential to create adverse visual impacts to the club compound. Mitigation measures of visual impacts such as architectural design of the EAP / ventilation building will be recommended under Section 5 Landscape and Visual Assessment.

4.7.5                    Built Heritage Cumulative Impacts

4.7.5.1              There are three EPIW sites in the project Study Area and these are considered as concurrent projects for purposes of this assessment;

·               Connections to Oi Man Estate and Ho Man Tin Estate (including the subway from HOM Station across Chung Hau Street and the covered walkway along Chung Hau Street, Chung Yi Street and Fat Kwong Street) and the associated slope stabilisation works;

·               Public transport facility and lay-bys at Chung Hau Street; and

·               Passageway and covered footbridge over Chatham Road North and connection to Wuhu Street. 

4.7.5.2              These sites will not cause any adverse impacts to Built Heritage Resources during the construction or operation phases of the project and no cumulative impacts will arise.

4.8                          Residual Impacts

4.8.1.1              No residual terrestrial archaeological and built heritage impacts have been identified.

4.9                          Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

4.9.1.1              No mitigation will be required under the EIAO for cultural heritage resources affected by this project as there are no “Sites of Cultural Heritage” in the project Study Area. The mitigation recommendations presented in this report will be implemented under a separate mechanism to be agreed with AMO.

4.10                      Summary and Conclusions

4.10.1                Terrestrial Archaeology

4.10.1.1          No mitigation will be required during the construction phase of the project. It should be noted that if any antiquity or supposed antiquity is discovered during the course of the excavation works undertaken by the contractor, the contractor will report the discovery to the Antiquities and Monuments Office immediately and shall take all reasonable measures to protect it. No impacts are expected during the operational phase and no specific mitigation measures for archaeological resources will be required.

4.10.2                Built Heritage

Construction Phase

 

4.10.2.1          The following mitigation recommendations will not be implemented under the EIAO. The implementation of mitigation will be undertaken by the Project Proponent. The BHIA for the project has identified that two built heritage resources will be directly impacted by the proposed works. These are two Air Raid Precaution Tunnel Networks (KT4 and KT5). Sections of the tunnels will be filled in by mass concrete prior to the commencement of construction works to ensure safety of the work sites during the construction phase. Mitigation in the form of full cartographic and photographic survey of the affected tunnel sections will be conducted to ensure that the impacts to the tunnels will be acceptable. The report of the cartographic and photographic surveys will be submitted to AMO for approval prior to the commencement of the construction works.

4.10.2.2          Indirect impacts will arise from ground-borne vibration associated with major site formation works, such as tunnel formation. As the resources identified in this impact assessment falls outside of the jurisdiction of the EIAO, appropriate vibration monitoring on the affected Built Heritage resources will be agreed with the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), Buildings Department (BD) / Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) under the requirements of the Building Ordinance and/or Blasting Permit as appropriate.

4.10.2.3          The following mitigation recommendations will not be implemented under the EIAO as the resources identified in this impact assessment falls outside of the jurisdiction of the EIAO. The mitigation will however be included in the contract requirements and implemented by the contractor. Indirect impacts to the India Club (GB-16) which is in close proximity to construction works may occur. This will arise from contact with machinery and equipment used in the course of the construction activities. Mitigation in the form of provision of a buffer zone is recommended. The buffer zone should provide a minimum area of 5 m (or less only if constrained by site restrictions) between the identified structure and the construction work. The buffer zone will be marked out by temporary fencing. The exterior walls of structures in close proximity to works will be provided with protective covering for the duration of works in the vicinity (subject to the landlord’s agreement). Approval will be sought from AMO prior to the commencement of the above mitigation measures.

Operational Phase

 

4.10.2.4          Operational phase impacts have been predicted for the ventilation building at the Club de Recreio only where addition of the ventilation building within the grounds has the potential to create adverse visual impacts to the club compound. Recommendations such as architectural design of the EAP / ventilation building to mitigate the visual impacts will be included in Section 5 Landscape and Visual Assessment. 

4.11                      References

AMO Files

Yau Ma Tei Police Station (No. 627 Canton Road) (Grade 3) AM87-0381

Tin Hau Temple (Yau Ma Tei) (Grade 2) AM86-0366

Old South Kowloon District Court (No. 38 Gascoigne Road) (Grade 2) AM92-0485)

Kwun Yam Temple (Station Lane, Hung Hom) (Grade 2) AM86-0363

Some Buildings in Gun Club Hill Barracks (Grades 2 and 3)

Results of the Assessment of 1444 Historic Buildings (as of May 17 2010)

The Engineer’s Office of the Former Pumping Station, Water Supplies Department (No. 344 Shanghai Street) (Grade 1) AM00-1596

Yau Ma Tei Theatre on Waterloo Road (Grade 2) AM98-0942

Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market (Shek Lung Street) (Grade 3) AM90-0458

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Museum (Grade 1) AM88-0403

Kowloon Union Church at No. 4 Jordan Road (Grade 3) AM88-0399

Books and Articles

Empson, H. Mapping Hong Kong A Historical Atlas, Government Information Services, Government Printer, Hong Kong (1992)

Hayes, J. Old British Kowloon, Journal of the Hong Kong Royal Asiatic Society, Vol VI pp.120-137 (1966)

Hase, P (Ed.). In the Heart of the Metropolis: Yau Ma Tei and Its People (The Royal Asiatic Society, Hong Kong Branch), Joint Publishing (H.K.) Company Limited, Hong Kong (1999)

Horsnell, R. The Story of the Gun Club Hill Barracks in Journal of the Hong Kong Royal Asiatic Society Vol. 38 Pp. 265 – 280 (1998).

Lam, S. And Chang, J. (Ed.) The Quest for Gold: 50 Years of Amateur Sports in Hong Kong, 1947-1997, Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong (2006)

Government Reports

BH1 Agreement No CE 11/77 Investigation of Disused Tunnels Network: Final Report on Network No. K1 Gascoigne Road (Mott, Hay and Anderson 1979)

BH2 Agreement No CE 11/77 Investigation of Disused Tunnels Network: Preliminary Report on Network K4 Chatham Road (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1978)

BH3 Agreement No CE 11/77 Investigation of Disused Tunnels Network: Supplementary Report on Network K5 Valley Road (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1982)

BH4 Agreement No CE 11/77 Investigation of Disused Tunnels Network: Preliminary Report on Network K1A Nathan Road (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1978)

BH5 Agreement No CE 11/77 Investigation of Disused Tunnels Network: Final Report on Network K1A Nathan Road (Mott, Hay, Anderson 1979)

BH6 Agreement No. CE 61/2006(DS) Upgrading of Central and East Kowloon Sewerage – Investigation, Design and Construction – Draft BHIA Report (Atkins)

BH7 Contract No. GC /89/12 Disused Tunnels – Phase III – Remedial Works, Network No. K5 Valley Road - Maintenance Manuel (Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd 1992)

BH8 Agreement No. CE 32/99 Comprehensive Feasibility Study for the Revised Scheme of South East Kowloon Development: Cultural Heritage Impact (2001) Ove Arup and Partners

Internet

AMO Website

India Club Website

United Services Recreation Club Website

PRO-HKRS58-1-138-79