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The phase III of the Central and Western Heritage Trail, the Western District and the Peak Route, is opened for the public today (December 9). Setting up by The Leisure and Cultural Services Department's (LCSD's) Antiquities and Monuments Office, the Heritage Trail links up all the historic buildings and sties in the two Districts, allowing local people and tourists to know more about Hong Kong in the past.

Officiating at today's opening ceremony, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lam Woon-kwong, noted that Hong Kong Government devoted great effort in preserving the historic buildings and relics. He said the establishment of the Central and Western Heritage Trail was one of the effective ways to introduce the Hong Kong's history to the public and tourists.

The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Paul Leung Sai-wah, said at the ceremony that the Central and Western District was rich in cultural relics.

He said: "The Central and Western Heritage Trail is made up of three routes, namely the Central Route, the Sheung Wan Route and the Western District and the Peak Route. These routes were scheduled to be opened in three phases. The first two routes have already been set up since 1997 and 1999. With the wide publicity of the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the Education Department and other institutions, the Trail has attracted a large number of visitors.

"The Western District and the Peak Route is the final phase of the Trail. It links up 25 historical buildings and sites, including the historical structures in the University of Hong Kong, churches, schools and boundary stone, enabling the visitors to refresh their memories about the Western District and the Peak in the past," said Mr Leung.

Mr Leung also took the opportunity to thank all parties supporting the Central and Western Heritage Trail and the opening ceremony, including the Antiquities Advisory Board, the Central and Western District Council, the owners of the historical buildings and sites along the route, the school teachers and students in the district, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Scout Association of Hong Kong and the Peak Cafe.

As The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated two million sponsorship for the Central and Western Heritage Trail, Mr Leung made a special thanks to them.

He said: "I wish to extend special acknowledgment to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for its generous donations. Over the years, the Jockey Club has spared no efforts in the promotion of local heritage preservation by providing subsidies to conserve historical structures and organising heritage educational programs."

Other officiating guests of the opening ceremony were Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor David Lung Ping-yee; Chairman of the Central and Western District Council, Mr Wu Chor-nam; Executive Director of Charities and Corporate Secretariat of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr David Yau; Chairmn of the Council of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, Mr Edward Ho Sing-tin; and Acting Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourist Association, Mrs Grace Lee.

The Antiquities and Monuments Office has published a free guide map to introduce the background of the historical buildings and sites on the Trail. The maps are availabe for collection at the Antiquities and Monuments Office at 136 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

End/Saturday, December 9, 2000

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