The Former Central Police Station Compound (FCPSC), built between 1841 and 1925, comprises 16 historic buildings grouped under the former Central Police Station, the Former Central Magistracy, and the Victoria Prison.[2] Most of the city's historic colonial architecture had been bulldozed for development before the British government handed the territory back to China in 1997.[3]
The first building in the FCPSC is the Magistrate's House, with jail blocks, which were built in 1841. In 1899, the former Central Prison was renamed Victoria Prison (or Victoria Gaol). The site underwent numerous expansions and reconstructions over the next century. In 1862, the number of prisoners increased to 650, and the government decided to develop the land nearby.[4] The series of compounds hence formed Tai Kwun. Victoria Prison was decommissioned in 2006.[citation needed]
In 2008, the government of Hong Kong partnered with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to conserve and revitalise the complex,[5] which turned into one of the most significant and expensive revitalisation projects in the territory, costing HK$1.8 billion;[6] work began in 2011.[5][3][7]
The conversion was completed in phases. Work faced a setback when a wall and roof collapsed in 2016.[8][9] The Buildings Department prosecuted a subcontractor it deemed responsible for the accident, which was reportedly triggered by the failure of a brick pier that had been structurally undermined.[10] Tai Kwun partially reopened to the public in May 2018.[5]
Tai Kwun
The JC Contemporary stairs are an iconic spot for visitors
A FCPSC revitalisation project was established to conserve and renovate the heritage site. Operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, it took eight years and cost HK$3.8 billion, or about US$480M in 2018.[2]
Tai Kwun, named after the historical colloquial name of the compound,[3][6] is a mix of heritage and contemporary architecture, with 16 heritage buildings having been restored. An additional two new buildings were constructed, featuring designs inspired by the site's historic brickwork.[11]
The remodelled compound was opened to the public in three phases, beginning with the inaugural "100 Faces of Tai Kwun" exhibition, on 29 May 2018.[citation needed]
In 2018, Time magazine induced Tai Kwun in its "World's Greatest Places 2018" list.[12]
