Central Market 中環街市
Central Market is located at 93 Queen’s Road, Central. It was established 83 years ago and was listed as a Grade 3 Historic Building. Now, it is revitalised into a mall, providing a comfortable environment to customers while keeping its own historical value at the same time.There are mainly four generations of the Central Market. At the beginning, Central Market is opened to the south of its present site in 1842. After that, it was moved to the present location due to the rapid population increase and higher demand for new markets. In 1895, the 3rd generation Central Market was built, which consisted of two 2-storey blocks with a central avenue in between. In 1939, a 4-storey building was built in Streamline Modern Style. Although it ended its operation in 2003, it was announced to be revitalized by the Urban Renewal Authority in 2009. After revitalizing for 3 years since 2017, it was reopened in 2021.There are a variety of shops and eateries in the Central Market, attracting hipsters to take photos and have meals. There are also shops selling local designed products and exhibitions promoting Hong Kong culture. Yet, it still keeps the old elements that are created before revitalization, such as staircases that are made of Terrazzo. All in all, the Central Market is a place with historical and modernized features, making it an interesting place to visit.
Tai Kwun 大館
Tai Kwun is located at 10 Hollywood Road, Central. It was established 181 years ago and was listed as a declared monuments. Now, it is revitalised as a Centre for Heritage and Arts, providing different historic and art exhibitions for public. Tai Kwun is formed by 3 buildings, including the Victoria Prison, Former Central Magistracy and Former Central Police Station, which are unique. At the begining, because of the high criminal rate in Hong Kong, Chief Magistrate Captain William Caine decided to built Victoria prision and Magistracy. Nevertheless, in 1864, the Victoria Prison was full, so the goal was moved to the Stonecutters Island. At that time, Central Police Station was then moved to vacant prison site. However, the goal in Stonecutters Island was not suitable for the construction of prison. Hence, in 1866, the Victoria Prison and Magistracy moved back to Central and formed a Central Police Station Compound with magistracy, prison and police station. In 1995, Hong Kong government announced Tai Kwun as a declared monument as Tai Kwun has witnessed the development of Hong Kong's criminal and justice system since the early days of British colonial rule. Although Tai Kwun ended its operation during 2003 to 2006, Hong Kong government and The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced a revitalisation paln in 2008. After revitalizing for 10 years, it was reopened in 2018 as a hub combining historical meaning and art creation.
Police Married Quarters (PMQ) 元創方
The Police Married Quarters (PMQ) is located at No.35 Aberdeen Street, Central. It was established 133 years ago and was listed as a a Grade 3 Historic Building. Now, it is revitalised as creative landmark, providing a recreational place for the public. People can attend different workshops and support the local create-preneurs and designers. The use of PMQ had been changed for 3 times. At the beginning, the Central School was moved to Hollywood Road and renamed as Victoria College in 1889. After that, in 1941, the college was occupied by the Japanese as a headquarters of a contingent of Japanese cavalry during the Second World War. During the war, the buildings were destroyed because of a fire accident. Hence, in 1964, school buildings of Victoria College were demolished and changed to the Police Married Quarters. Since all residents had evacuated from Police Married Quarters in 2000, the operation of quarters ceased. As the PMQ represents the post-war architecture style in 1950s, it has been rated as a Grade 3 Historic Building in 2010. In 2012, Hong Kong government announced a revitalization project of the PMQ, collaborating with the Musketeers Education and Culture Charitable Foundation Ltd. The PMQ eventually reopened in 2014 as a landmark of creative industry in Hong Kong.
Western Market 西港城
The Western Market is located in 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Shang Wan. It was established in 1906 as a North Block of the Western Market and it was built in Edwardian architectural style. Now, it is transformed and revitalized into a mall with historical characteristics.The Western Market was a 2-level old Western Market. Poultry stalls and fishmongers were located on the ground and first floor of the building. The two atticus on top was a hostel for shop owners as well as coolies. The Western Market was then replaced by the former Urban Council’s market in 1989 and left vacant. It was identified by the Antiquities and Monuments Office in 1990 as an declared monument in Hong Kong and it is the oldest market building in Hong Kong nowadays. In 1991, the Land Development Corporation renewed the market into a mall with 3 levels, moving in cloth shops originated in the Wing On Street beside as these shops suffered from the renovation of the street and lost their livelihood. The Western Market then became the centre of arts and crafts. It was then again revitalized in 2003 by adding some local shops and restaurant in it, attracting more customers and fostering its economy.The Western Market can be a new hotspots for hipsters and youngsters to check out, take photos, and spend their leisure time. The Western Market holds different markets and bazaar, people are more than welcome to join and learn more about this historical place.
