Wine plan axed as mansion seeks new lease of life

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the government is now more open-minded about the use of the historical mansion on the Tiger Balm Garden complex.

The mansion has remained vacant since being surrendered to the government in 2001.

"We have come up with different ideas for the commercial use of the mansion, such as an event venue for Chinese-style wedding celebrations and banquets, or even restaurants," Lam said. "However, it is best left to the market to decide."

The issue will be discussed by the Legislative Council's development panel on Tuesday, its last meeting before the summer recess.

The three-story Haw Par Mansion was built on a 2,030-square-meter site and includes a 1,290sqm private garden. It was built in 1935 by Aw Boon Haw, who perfected Tiger Balm heat rub, for the princely sum at the time of HK$16 million.

The government now says it has decided not to put the mansion under its regular revitalization scheme, and will instead invite proposals through a public tender. This will provide "greater diversity" to the mansion's heritage revitalization work while adding to the potential commercial value to the building.

Lam admitted the renovation would be expensive, with the basic upgrading works costing HK$45 million. This includes connecting electricity, water pipes, maintenance of the mansion, structural strengthening, installation of fire service facilities and access for the disabled.

She said the delay in the building's revitalization plan was due to the financial tsunami and poor market sentiment.

Under the proposed arrangement, the government will cap its renovation costs at HK$45 million, with the successful bidder paying the balance.The bidder will enjoy more flexibility in the renovation of the mansion and have more certainty about its investment.

Lam insisted the government will retain ownership on the heritage of the building.

It will carefully assess the proposals put forward by the bidders to achieve proper conservation and will not be guided purely by commercial considerations, Lam said.

"We consider that it is not a desirable option to turn Haw Par Mansion into a boutique hotel, considering its location and the size of the building," she said.

"The mansion isn't spacious enough to turn into a hotel, and we think tourists will not be interested in spending a night on Tai Hang Road [a residential area]."