Meaning Big Station, Tai Kwun (大館) was the colloquial name used by police officers and the public alike to refer to the former Central Police Headquarters and the law enforcement complex. The name has been adopted as a reminder of the historical importance of the compound by The Jockey Club CPS Limited the not-for-profit operator set up by The HK Jockey Club Charities Trust to operate the centre for heritage and art at the ‘revitalised’ Central Police Station compound.
“Tai Kwun aims to transform the once closed compound into a centre for heritage and art for all to enjoy, and a key aspect of openness is to bring in operators offering diverse services at a broad price range to cater for the different needs of the visitors,” said Euan Upston, Director of CPS as he announced the first group of companies allocated space.
“To support the integration of heritage, art and leisure elements, these outlets will be located at various parts of the site, providing service points for the visitors along heritage interpretation routes and between art and culture venues in the compound,” Mr. Upston said.
Lifestyle Investments has been appointed to provide integrated cultural and leisure services at the Central Magistracy building under the name “The Magistracy”. It will supposedly include a combination of art galleries and art workshops with free entry, alongside food and beverage outlets, lifestyle components and retail shops across 2,100 square metres of space.
A court room and the connecting holding cells in the building, with a combined area of approximately 200 square metres, will be used by the Tai Kwun heritage programme team for heritage interpretation programmes.
David Sarner, the CEO of Lifestyle Investments said, “We are honoured and excited to have the unique opportunity of participating in revitalising such an important symbol of Hong Kong history and contributing to the development of contemporary art and conservation of heritage in Hong Kong. Not only is the iconic Neo-Classical building a symbol of Hong Kong judicial history, but it is also physically configured in such a way that allows an opportunity to activate the magnificent maze of court rooms, magistrates’ chambers and holding cells into a dynamic and vibrant integrated outlet, a destination within a destination.”.
Hong Chi Association, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, will operate a food and beverage social enterprise called FT2, which stands for “farm to table”. The outlet will serve fresh farm food and provide a platform to show the artistic talents of the people with intellectual disabilities.
The outlet is on the ground floor of D Hall of Victoria Prison, the oldest dateable building in the compound. The space will be adjacent to six prison cells preserved for heritage interpretation and exhibitions, and will have open access to the adjoining Prison Yard.
“In line with our vision, FT2 will provide eight employment and training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities,” Aldan Kwok, General Secretary of Hong Chi Association said.
Menya Musashi has been appointed to operate an approximately a noodle shop on the ground floor of the Superintendent’s House and C Hall, two connected prison buildings bordering the police complex and the Central Magistracy. “With minimalist decoration compatible with the environment, we shall offer affordable, value for money food and drinks for visitors looking for a short break during their exploration of various parts of the site,” Frederick Che, Marketing Director of Menya Musashi said.
Selection of operators for another approximately 11 food and beverage outlets will be announced in 2016.