New World Development applies for compulsory sale of State Theatre Building with a view to conserve
Relevant companies of New World Development Company Limited ("New World Group", "the Group"; Stock Code: 17.HK) today made an application to the Lands Tribunal for a compulsory sale order in respect of State Theatre Building, a commercial and residential property located at 277-291 King’s Road, North Point. The application is made with a view to unifying the ownership of the building for redevelopment purpose.
A New World Group spokesperson said State Theatre Building consists of residential, commercial and the former State Theatre, and added that the Group has a view to conserve relevant part of the building being the former State Theatre. Yet, as legal proceedings for compulsory sale are onfoot, the Group is not in a position to confirm any development plan until it has acquired 100% ownership and conducted thorough inspection of the present condition and structure.
The New World Group has a long-standing interest in promoting arts and culture. In the case of State Theatre Building, although it is premature to discuss any future development plan at this stage, the Group will actively consider how to preserve the essence of the former State Theatre after it has successfully unified the ownership.
To work with community groups to collect oral history on North Point and the former State Theatre
With the aim to increase public understanding of the history of North Point, as well as of the former State Theatre’s historical significance and cultural value, New World Development announced that it would co-ordinate with community groups to carry out a series of community programs to collect the collective memories of Hong Kong people. The Group has specially invited the following advisors for the community programs: Prof Ho Puay-peng J.P., former Antiquities Advisory Board member and former chairman of The Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, Dr Ng Chun Hung, a Hong Kong popular culture scholar, Prof Joseph Ting, former Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Dr Fredric Mao, former Director of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre and Ms Wendy Ng, an architectural conservationist.
The Group will co-ordinate with community groups to organize a series of talks and guided tours, as well as activities to collect oral history and memories of North Point and the former State Theatre. These activities will explore and promote the cultural history of North Point, as well as the history, special features and cultural value about the former State Theatre. Schools, groups and members of the public will be invited to participate in these activities.