The bureau invited revitalisation proposals from non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) for one of them - Watervale House, the Former Gordon Hard Camp, in Tuen Mun. The application deadline is noon on April 10, 2024.
The other two historic buildings are the Old Lunatic Asylum (Chinese Block) in Sai Ying Pun and No. 23 Coombe Road at the Peak. Relevant application arrangements will be announced in due course. Following a comprehensive review of the revitalisation scheme, the bureau decided to announce all the historic buildings included in the latest batch of the scheme and invite applications in phases.
This arrangement aims to expedite the assessment process and facilitate advance planning by interested organisations.
Watervale House, the Former Gordon Hard Camp, is a Grade 2 historic building. Built in 1933, it was originally a private residence. In 1959, the British War Department purchased the building and used it as an officers' mess.
Guided tours to Watervale House, the Former Gordon Hard Camp, will be arranged for NPOs on January 12, 2024, and a workshop will be held on January 15, 2024, for them to learn about the application procedures and assessment criteria. Interested NPOs can register online from now until January 8, 2024.
Following the comprehensive review, the revitalisation scheme allows NPOs with charitable status under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance to partner with non-charitable organisations to submit applications; and increases the maximum one-off grant to meet the starting costs and operating deficits of the social enterprises for the first two years of operation from $5 million to $6 million.
Watervale House, the Former Gordon Hard Camp