The demolition of Eiver House, one of the last remaining cornerhouses in Hong Kong, began earlier this year as part of the redevelopment of To Kwa Wan.
Cornerhouses are walk-up buildings with rounded corners. “While there are still a number of these corner buildings left, few are positioned on such a perfectly curved horseshoe bend and few hug the road as fittingly as this one,” said a member of HKURBEX.
“To tackle the growing need for land, the government allowed these buildings to serve dual functions as a way to maximise space at the time. Thus, they were not built to be aesthetic, but utilitarian.”
“The distinctive corner of To Kwa Wan which this curved building fronted will change forever. Hundreds of residents and shop owners were displaced and evicted by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA).”
“While urban renewal is important in old districts like this in Hong Kong, the URA should work more with communities to lessen the displacement pressures.”
“The burdens of the displacement are particularly notable for the elderly, ethnic minorities and immigrants.”
The group said that while Eiver House was demolished, some other cornerhouses, such as Lui Seng Chun in Prince Edward, were preserved.
“While one structure has succumbed to an architectural death, others have been given a new lease of life. Long live the curve,” said HKURBEX.
Support HKFP | Code of Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
