Page 52 - Urban Renewal Authority 2023-24 Annual Report

OPERATING REVIEW

Central Market (Grade III Historic Building)
Since officially opening to the public in April 2022, Central Market has established itself as a new landmark,
attracting a record number of visitors exceeding 40 million. By May 2024, approximately 2,000 events and
workshops have been conducted, covering a broad spectrum of themes including intergenerational
engagement, education, innovation, social inclusion, environmental awareness, as well as art and culture. To
acknowledge its exceptional contribution to creating a sustainable built environment, the project was honoured
with the Grand Award in the Existing Building Category for Completed Commercial Projects of the Green
Building Award 2023.

(Left) Central Market has become a popular place for hosting various cultural and promotion events, attracting over 40 million visitors since its
opening in 2022. (Right) One of the highlights in Central Market – to experience the old market ambience at its preserved fish stall.

Western Market (Declared Monument)
In 2021, the Government granted a 5-year “hold-over” of the land lease for the URA to undertake repair and
renovation works of Western Market. To prepare for the revitalisation of Western Market, a consultant was
appointed in June 2023 to carry out a comprehensive condition survey of the building and to develop
conservation proposals for consultation with the Antiquities and Monuments Office. The repair and renovation
works are anticipated to commence in 2025.

M7 (Grade II Historic Buildings)
Positioned as a place where “Culture Meets Community”, this preserved heritage at Mallory Street, Wan Chai,
has launched a series of promotional and community outreach programmes since early 2022 to infuse the
community with artistic and cultural features, including heritage workshops on the exchanges between new and
old generations and other festive programmes. In May 2024, M7 became the new landmark of Hong Kong
literature and art with the opening of the Museum of Hong Kong Literature. Celebrated by the opening
exhibition “Seek Richness of Literature amidst Flowers” held from May 2024 onwards, the
museum has attracted many visitors from local and overseas alike. The museum will
continue to host a variety of exhibitions, literary salons and writing workshops
to foster the inheritance and development of Hong Kong literature.

The opening of the Museum of Hong
Kong Literature enhances the importance
of M7 as a cultural and creative space in
the district.

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