Page 58 - URA Annual Report 2021-22

OPERATING REVIEW
Western Market (Declared Monument)
The Government granted a five-year ‘hold-over’ of the land lease for URA to undertake repair and renovation works of Western Market in 2021/22. Structural and building services consultants appointed by the URA completed a condition survey of the building with recommendations on the repair, replacement and improvement works to be carried out to enhance the condition of the building, its vibrancy and appeal to the public.
M7 (Grade II Historic Buildings)
In 2021/22, 7 Mallory Street was rechristened as ‘M7’ with a revamp of its spatial uses, tenant mix and activity programmes. During the year, over 90 activities including exhibitions, performances and workshops were held with the implementation of special on-site arrangements and social distancing measures amidst the pandemic. A major place-making art technology programme named ‘Mallory Wishes Come True’ was launched in December 2021, featuring the city's first interactive multi-media ‘wishing tree’ installed in the public open space for people to make wishes and enjoy the special lighting with musical effects. It has attracted about 300,000 visitors.
A number of arts and cultural events were organised at M7 including (above) the installation of glamorous multi-media ‘Wishing Tree’ providing visitors with immersive experience, and (below) weaving workshops.
618 Shanghai Street (Grade II Historic Buildings)
Opened in November 2019, 618 Shanghai Street has since become a popular venue among local community members, and young adults to visit and enjoy a variety of creative programmes, shopping and dining options. All shops were leased to restaurant and retail operators aiming to accentuate the unique historical characters of the area and the preserved building clusters while serving the needs of the local community. In recognition of its outstanding performance in curating customer retail experience, the project scooped the Excellence Award in the ‘Best Retail Leasing Team’ category of the Institute of Shopping Centre Management Awards 2021. In 2021/22, 85 cultural, community and pop-up market store events took place with overwhelming response.
Filled with exhibitions and weekend markets events, the revitalised 618 Shanghai Street has become a popular place among the younger generation who has a fondness for arts and culture.
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