Hong Kong Considers Historic Grade for Kennedy Town Seawall Made Famous on Social Media
HKFP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong is moving to protect a modest seawall in Kennedy Town that has captured the hearts of mainland Chinese tourists, with authorities considering historic grade status for the New Praya waterfront. The Antiquities and Monuments Office has submitted a memorandum recommending Grade 2 status for the over-a-century-old seawall, which is invisible from the street but boasts sweeping harbour views. The Antiquities Advisory Board is scheduled to convene next Thursday to deliberate on the proposal, which would then enter a one-month public consultation period.
Key Points
- The seawall along New Praya, Kennedy Town, on Hong Kong Island's western end, is under consideration for Grade 2 historic status
- The Antiquities Advisory Board will meet to review the proposal on Thursday, September 11
- Hong Kong's Grade 2 classification denotes buildings "of special merit" where "efforts should be made to selectively preserve"
- The waterfront spot went viral on Xiaohongshu, with tourists queuing to photograph a street sign reading "New Praya, Kennedy Town"
- A % Arabica coffee branch near the sign has also become a magnet for visitors
- Development chief Bernadette Linn confirmed plans for a detached boardwalk requiring "small-scale reclamation"
- A bill passed last year removed the "overriding public need" requirement for Victoria Harbour reclamation projects
- The heritage appraisal will be uploaded for a one-month public consultation after the board meeting
Why It Matters
The proposed designation reflects Hong Kong's balancing act between preserving heritage and accommodating the surge of social media-driven tourism to formerly quiet neighbourhoods. The plan for a new boardwalk underscores the government's intent to shape visitor experiences while navigating updated reclamation rules that have simplified land-creation procedures in Victoria Harbour .
The proposed designation reflects Hong Kong's balancing act between preserving heritage and accommodating the surge of social media-driven tourism to formerly quiet neighbourhoods. The plan for a new boardwalk underscores the government's intent to shape visitor experiences while navigating updated reclamation rules that have simplified land-creation procedures in Victoria Harbour .