Whitfield Barracks
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Whitfield Barracks (Chinese: 威菲路兵房) were barracks in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
It is named after Henry Wase Whitfield, the commander of British Army in Hong Kong.
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[edit] History
In the 1890s, the Barracks were first built for the British Indian garrisons. Twenty five barrack blocks were built by 1906; the Barracks were developed in subsequent years. By 1910, there had been 85 barrack buildings constructed. A mosque was also built at the southeastern corner of the site for worship by the garrison.[1]
It belonged to the British Military Force when Hong Kong was under British rule. The premises was later returned to the Government of Hong Kong in 1967. In 1970, Urban Council redeveloped the site into the Kowloon Park.[1]
The Government ignited some controversy when it made proposals in 1982 for a strip of retail premises fronting Nathan Road included to be carved into the hill of Kowloon Park. The move was opposed by the Urban Council, as well as the moslem community, whose mosque was close by[2].
Blocks S4, S61 and S62 of barracks are "Grade III historical buildings" which were constructed in circa 1910. They are a pair of identical two storied colonial military barrack blocks. The roofs are pitched with Chinese tiles with tar finish. Blocks S61 and S62 have become the home for the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Block S4 now houses Health Education Exhibition and Resources Centre.
[edit] See also
- Kowloon Park
- Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre
- Health Education Exhibition and Resources Centre
- Henry Wase Whitfield
- British Forces Overseas Hong Kong
- Victoria Barracks, Hong Kong
[edit] References
- ^ a b The Geographical Information System on Hong Kong Heritage
- ^ Michael Chugani, Kowloon Park land sale plan tipped to spark row, South China Morning Post, Jan 10, 1982
