Opinion

Instagram-famous Choi Hung Estate’s fate demands new approach

Hong Kong’s approach to development has for too long prioritised demolishing and rebuilding instead of finding ways to preserve the city’s heritage

Choi Hung Estate has a special place in Hong Kong’s history and cries out for new ideas in urban planning

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People take photos at Choi Hung Estate on November 6. The Housing Authority reportedly plans to demolish and rebuild the 60-year-old estate that has become a tourist hotspot. Photo: Elson Li

John Hanzhang Ye is a PhD student in science and technology history at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and also holds an MPhil degree in sociology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Published: 9:30am, 21 Nov 2023

The redevelopment of the iconic Choi Hung Estate is on the Housing Authority’s agenda, according to media reports, which note that the city’s major public housing provider is working on 10 redevelopment projects as part of a push to meet high demand for affordable homes.

However, Choi Hung Estate has a special place in Hong Kong’s history. It is time the government reconsidered its strategy of equating redevelopment with reconstruction.

The estate was built 60 years ago. Distinguished by its colourful outer walls and Bauhaus-style architecture, the estate won a Silver Medal at the 1965 Hong Kong Institute of Architects Annual Awards. In addition to its design, the estate was host to important moments in Hong Kong’s history: it received Richard Nixon – who went on to become US president – in 1964, Britain’s Princess Margaret in 1966 and Princess Alexandra in 1967.