URA: Pak Tsz Lane revitalisation project to celebrate centennial anniversary of 1911 Chinese Revolution

The Pak Tsz Lane revitalisation project undertaken by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), which features a themed and landscaped open space in relation to Hong Kong's link with the 1911 Chinese Revolution, is ready to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the historical event.

Speaking at a preview of the Pak Tsz Lane garden project for the media representatives this (Monday) afternoon, the Chairman of the URA, Mr Barry Cheung Chun-yuen, said: "This worthwhile and meaningful initiative provides members of the public with a valuable as well as a reminiscent open space while at the same time manifesting the significance of Pak Tsz Lane in modern history."

Because of its strategic location, Pak Tsz Lane was a place where revolutionaries frequented for meetings and was home to Furen Literary Society, whose founder joined Dr Sun's Revive China Society (Xinzhonghui).

Against this historical background, the 'Origin of Chinese Revolution' is adopted as the design theme for the Pak Tsz Lane garden, said Mr Cheung. 

Construction work on this revitalisation project commenced in April last year.  In addition to greening features, sculptures and recreational facilities, the garden has also incorporated exhibition panels and three-dimensional interactive facilities tracing the development of revolutionary activities and events.  The ambience of Pak Tsz Lane of early years is vividly re-created.

"In designing the layout of the garden, the URA has carried out detailed studies of the historical events, including interviews with the descendants of the Yang family of Furen Literary Society and worked closely with the Central & Western District Council," said Mr Cheung.

Mr Cheung added that a great deal of efforts has been made to retain all the existing trees in the garden, including a wall tree on a retaining wall.

"We also take the opportunity to integrate the garden with the future node of community activities by improving and strengthening its linkages with various open spaces in the vicinity," he explained.

It has also been planned that the present narrow pathway leading to the Pak Tsz Lane from Gage Street will be replaced with a new staircase linking the Pak Tsz Lane and open spaces in the vicinity.

Also joining the media preview, the Managing Director of the URA, Mr Quinn Law, said the existing refuse collection point on Gage Street will be upgraded for use in 2012 with its capacity capable of serving the need of residents in the area and appearance being in harmony with the surrounding environment. 

Noting that the whole project would cost some $40 million, Mr Law said the major improvement works is nearing completion and the garden will be handed over to the Leisure and Culture Services Department for its opening before the end of the year.

Mr Cheung extended his heartfelt thanks to the Central & Western District Council and a number of government departments including the Homes Affairs, Leisure and Cultural Services, Food and Environmental Hygiene and Highways for their co-operation and support, which made this meaningful project possible.

Also officiating at the media preview was Chairman Chan Tak-chor.

(ENDS)