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SCMP

Tung vows to make library a world-class cultural centre
By Shirley Lau
This article was first published on May 17, 2001
After years of controversy and months of delay, the $690 million Central Library opened yesterday (May 16, 2001) with a commitment from Tung Chee-hwa to make it a world-class cultural centre.
The 12-storey building in Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay, contains 1.2 million items and a new system that allows the public to retrieve digitalised information such as maps and posters.
Measuring 33,800 square metres, the complex features a toy library, a map library and more than 2,000 seats.
The Chief Executive said at yesterday’s ceremony that the library would play a pivotal role in supporting education reform and cultural development.

“The Government is committed to further developing it into a world-class library,” he said.
Controversy flared up again yesterday as veteran soldiers voiced anger at officials for allegedly sullying the courtyard of their neighbouring clubhouse.
Jack Edwards, honorary chairman of the World War II Veterans’ Association, said members had been subjected to months of disturbance since they let government contractors use the courtyard to facilitate building work in January.
He said the work had forced the permanent closure of the back door and roughened a path leading to the structure, which is under a flyover at Moreton Terrace.
“They have promised to repair it. I was hoping they would do it before the opening. The path is so rough and it can be dangerous for the old men,” he said.
A spokeswoman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said it would look into the complaint.

The library has been plagued by controversy since 1995 when the public and arts groups criticised the design, with some likening it to a shopping mall.
A row erupted in July 1997 between Urban Services director Elaine Chung Lai-kwok and Urban Council chairman Ronald Leung Ding-bong, who accused Ms Chung of falsely claiming to have gained his approval for a new design. The complex was further dogged by a five-month delay to its opening.


Hong Kong’s HK$690 million Central Library opens in Causeway Bay in 2001 – SCMP archive

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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s Central Library was mired by controversy and criticism prior to its opening in May 2001. Photo: David Wong

About 600 people queued to be among the first to explore the new library. Photo: David Wong

Tung Chee-hwa (left) and Lam Woo-kwong (right) and other guests ride in the glass lift during the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay on May 16, 2001. Photo: Antony Dickson

In 1946, Hong Kong’s governor Sir Mark Young returns after WWII – SCMP archive

Sir Mark Young (left) in an undated picture. He was serving as Hong Kong’s governor when the territory fell under Japanese occupation in 1941. Photo: SCMP Archive

A clipping from the front page of SCMP’s May 1, 1946 morning issue. Photo: SCMP

HSBC’s HK$5 billion headquarters opens in Hong Kong in 1986 – SCMP archive

The new HSBC building on the evening of its official opening on April 7, 1986. Photo: SCMP

An exterior view of the HSBC headquarters at its opening ceremony. Photo: SCMP

A clipping from the front page of SCMP’s April 8, 1986 issue. Photo: SCMP

HSBC’s headquarters under construction. Photo: Handout

Then-governor Sir Edward Youde (right) getting ready to cut the ribbon to officiate at the opening ceremony of the new headquarters. Photo: SCMP

Dragon dancers performing at the opening ceremony. Photo: SCMP

Coldstream Guards performing at the opening ceremony. Photo: SCMP

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Hong Kong

Society

25 years ago, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay opened to the public after years of controversy and months of delays


25 years ago, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay opened to the public after years of controversy and months of delays.


From our archives

Leisure and Cultural Services Department

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}25 years ago, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay opened to the public after years of controversy and months of delays

Tung vows to make library a world-class cultural centre

25 years ago, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay opened to the public after years of controversy and months of delays