Proper conservation could transfer historical sites into heritage and cultural attractions, Hong Kong Chief Secretary Rafael Hui told an urban-planning conference on Monday.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Institute of Planners and Urban Planning Society of China conference, Hui said both local and overseas visitors could appreciate Hong Kong's history through such sites.

Hui cited a number of examples to demonstrate how creative industries can interconnect with the cityscape and the community.

"The Central Police Station Compound is a notable example," he said. The compound includes the historical Central Police Station, the Former Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison.

"Not only are these buildings impressive examples of classical colonial architecture, they have witnessed the history of Hong Kong and the development of our judicial system," Hui said.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has received creative proposals from the public on its future use, and hopes the project would enrich visitors’ experiences by focusing on the cultural, retail, and dining attractions in the area.

"With these projects, we hope and expect that the character and landscape of the areas will evolve with the growth of these creative industries, leading to the evolution of supporting activities and ultimately, to urban regeneration," Hui said.

He cited the conversion and restoration of the Old Dairy Farm Building as an example. Built in 1892, it is now used by the Fringe Club, a leading contemporary art center.

"Hong Kong has long been a blend of Oriental and Western cultures and this is what makes us such a unique, international city," Hui said.

"We have an open and free society. We have the rule of law and rigorous protection of intellectual property rights. All these have provided a solid foundation for the development of creative industries in Hong Kong," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2007)