OREANDA-NEWS. March 14, 2013. Swire Properties hosted an appreciation cocktail to commemorate the completion of the Old Wan Chai Revitalisation Initiatives. The event was officiated by The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HK SAR Government.

Commenced in March 2009 and completed in November 2012, the project is a public-private partnership between the Hong Kong government and Swire Properties in revitalising the streetscape and historical features of the Old Wan Chai district and rebuilding a sense of identity for its neighbourhood community.

Martin Cubbon, Chief Executive of Swire Properties, expressed appreciation to relevant government departments, working groups and supportive parties. "Swire Properties is delighted to have had the chance to build on our expertise and experience through this collaboration with government departments, key stakeholders and the public," he commented. "It has been truly satisfying to oversee the rejuvenation of Old Wan Chai, one of the oldest and most interesting settlements in Hong Kong, and to bring changes which we hope will greatly benefit the local neighbourhood and also encourage the general public to visit and enjoy the area."

The cocktail was also attended by Mr Stephen Ng Kam-chun, Chairman of the Old Wan Chai Revitalisation Initiatives Special Committee, The Hon Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Development Bureau, The Hon Mr Barry Cheung Chun-yuen, Chairman of the Urban Renewal Authority, Wan Chai District Councillors, architects of the revitalisation initiatives and representatives from NGOs of Wan Chai District.

The revitalisation incorporated many design aspects, specifically improvements to the streetscape, street furniture, paving, lighting and greenery of the area, which includes two garden sites at Kwong Ming Street Children's Playground and Dominion Garden, and the interconnecting pedestrian network, including Sun Street, Moon Street, Star Street and St. Francis Street.