Architects: G.W. Grey, S.F. Liu, Hong Kong, 1952
The State Theatre (known as Empire Theatre until 1959) was opened in 1952. This significant example of Post-War Modern Movement architecture had been assessed by Docomomo International as a structure worth preserving due to its importance as a piece of tangible heritage in the North Point region as well as its unique physical construction.
A couple of years ago in 2014, there were concerns among conservationists and North Point residents due to the threat of its demolition in order to redevelop its lot as two high-rise commercial towers. Hence in 2016, the guided-tour agency Walk-In Hong Kong launched a Conservation Advocacy Campaign titled “Save our State” and successfully lobbied the Antiquities and Advisory Board to upgrade its heritage grading status from Grade Three to a Grade One. Recognizing State Theatre’s cultural significance to Hong Kong, New World Development Limited acquired 95% of the complex as its first conservation project.
Update: This article was published in 2014 due to concerns among conservationists and North Point residents due to the threat of its demolition before the official grading by the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB). Hence in 2016, the guided-tour agency Walk-In Hong Kong launched a Conservation Advocacy Campaign titled “Save our State” and successfully lobbied the AAB to upgrade its heritage grading status from Grade Three to a Grade One. Recognizing State Theatre’s historical and cultural significance to Hong Kong, New World Development Limited acquired 95% of the complex as its first conservation project.
For Further Information:
Buildings, Sites & Neighborhoods: State Theatre
News from Docomomo International: State Theatre
Urban Dialogues: General Post Office & State Theatre