HISTORY – Inside Central’s Abandoned Prison & Police Station, Hollywood Road


The old Central Police Station, Victoria Prison and the Central Magistracy are declared monuments located on Hollywood Road, Central. Originally developed in 1864, new blocks were added between 1910 and 1925. The Police Headquarters themselves were constructed in 1919. Below are some exclusive photos of what remains…

During World War II, the prison was occupied by the Japanese and most of the buildings were damaged by bombing. The prison was re-opened for use in 1946 after restoration…

When Hong Kong was later declared a port of first asylum for Vietnamese refugees, Victoria Prison became a transit and repatriation centre…

It was subsequently developed into an institution with modern management facilities for accommodating discharged inmates of both sexes prior to repatriation or deportation. It was officially decommissioned in 2006…

The Police Station site was earmarked for tourism-related restoration and development in 2003, but due to public objections the government delayed plans…

Many claim the compound should be kept in its original state and not turned into another shopping mall. 90% of respondents in a 2005 poll agreed the best option would be to open it as a museum. It would also be ideal for public events such as Detour Festival (in 2010) or gigs…

The Jockey Club has overall responsibility to transform the complex into “a centre of heritage, arts and leisure”…

Three companies – Herzog & de MeuronPurcell Miller Tritton and Rocco Design Architects Ltd agreed in 2010 to add two new buildings to the site – the “Old Bailey Wing” and “Arbuthnot Wing”…

It will also be connected to the escalator system in Central. The new buildings, occupying 22% of the total floor area, will provide arts, culture and building services space which cannot be accommodated in the heritage buildings.

Below is the official government propaganda video on the refurbishment and here is the government website. CNNgo also has an article about the future plans.

Click here for Paul Zimmerman’s response.

Victoria Prison female block

Via zh.wikipedia.org

Aerial view of Central Police Station & Victoria Prison on Hollywood Road

Via hongkongartwalk.com

"The CPS buildings were erected between 1864 and 1919, with the former Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison built in 1914 and 1841 respectively.  Most of Victoria Prison's original buildings were damaged by bombing during World War II."

Via devb.gov.hk

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