Jockey Club helps revitalise former explosives magazine into dynamic arts and cultural hub

02/09/2012

As a staunch supporter of heritage preservation, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated HK$102.5 million to help the Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK) revitalise the former British explosives magazine site on Justice Drive in Admiralty into a dynamic showcase of arts and cultural education named as “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Former Explosives Magazine”.

Today (9 February), Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson joined HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang , Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, Asia Society Co-Chair and ASHK Center Chairman Ronnie Chan and other guests at the grand opening ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Former Explosives Magazine. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Stevenson said the Club recognised the importance of preserving what were among the last vestiges of the British military presence in Hong Kong – buildings of significant historical and architectural merit, some dating from the mid-19^th century.

“We are delighted to be a participant in the project as it complements a number of the Club’s community initiatives in heritage conservation, arts and culture and most importantly, creates more educational opportunities for the younger generations to learn from the past,” he noted. “The Jockey Club is particularly proud to have its name attached to this great new facility. What’s equally important is that this project is not just one of heritage preservation but also coupled with revitalisation; the adaptive reuse of these heritage buildings into what has now become a totally revitalised and functioning set of buildings to serve the community as a centre for arts, culture and contemporary affairs.”

While Mr Chan also expressed his gratitude towards the Trust’s donation, noting that the Club was the first organisation to donate and the one contributed the most. 

The HKJC Former Explosives Magazine is divided into the Heritage Compound (the upper site) and the Entry Pavilion (the lower site), which are connected by an elbow-shaped double-decker footbridge. Architects have blended conservation with modern design so as to preserve the historic value and layout of the original structures.

The revitalisation works include the restoration of four derelict military compounds from the mid 19th century and early 20th century, three of which are Class 1 historical structures built by the British Army for storing explosives. The transformed compounds include a brand new art gallery and a theatre. Another significant historical feature is a restored munitions track that allowed the transportation of ammunition within the site.

Apart from restoring the historical structures, the HKJC Former Explosives Magazine is complemented by a new building, which houses a multi-function “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall”, conference rooms, visitor centre and rooftop garden etc. ASHK will organise free guided tours, as well as diverse public forums on culture, arts and contemporary affairs to enhance public understanding about Asian culture. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong’s best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city’s major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city’s growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.