Hong Kong proposes open-air museums to preserve historic military sites and relics in country parks
- Conservation department has shortlisted Pinewood Battery in Lung Fu Shan Country Park and Shing Mun Redoubt for museum
- But some members of country parks board raise concerns over whether public will lose easy access to sites, while history interest group says upkeep more critical
Hong Kong conservation authorities have proposed establishing the first open-air museum in a country park in the city in a bid to preserve relics left behind during the second world war.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on Friday said it had shortlisted two grade two historic buildings – Pinewood Battery in Lung Fu Shan Country Park and the Shing Mun Redoubt in the Shing Mun Country Park – for the museum, while a consulting company was reviewing the advantages and limitations of the two sites.
“The proposed open museum should carefully conserve the historic relics to safeguard their heritage, integrity and authenticity,” a department spokesman said. “The historical interpretation should not only focus on the relic itself but also reflect a broader view of the cultural landscape, as well as the connection between the features.”
He added the department could only choose between the two sites because of limited resources, and that it would consider setting up more than one open-air museum in the future.
Pinewood Battery, located in Central and Western district, was built by the British Forces Overseas Hong Kong in 1905 near the University of Hong Kong. The fort is located at an altitude of 307 metres (1,007 feet), making it the highest and most prominent battery in the city.
