5. Architecture

After rejecting the previously proposed demolition of the Mills, the Nan Fung group decided to retain the original structure and keep the architectural details intact. Behind the decision, according to the Mills’ website, is “the desire to reinvent the way we think about development in Hong Kong”.[2] This reveals a new mindset of a younger generation of entrepreneurs who are willing to make a difference on the subject of industrial heritage by allying history, vision, and technology.

The decision did not appease the initial scepticism of the artistic community as to whether the building actually would be converted given the endemic issues around land development. Hong Kong’s government and real estate developers have been under constant disapproval on the part of citizens due to the overvaluation of the property market in a city where space, under fierce real estate speculation, is figuratively sold at the price of gold.

Finally, the conversion was adapted to the original structure. The community welcomed the decision.

[2] See at https://www.themills.com.hk/en/about-the-mills/history-heritage/