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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, today (September 16) visited the Tsang Tai Uk to see how maintenance of its ancestral hall was progressing.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Heritage, Mr Jack Chan, Mr Tsang toured the open courtyard and the ancestral hall of the residence, a Grade I historic building constructed in 1847. The residence is a notable example of a traditional Hakka style walled village house, and it is also the best preserved one in Hong Kong.
During his visit, Mr Tsang was briefed on the progress of the application for financial assistance for restoration of the building's ancestral altar and front hall roof, and the main hall and ritual hall of the ancestral hall. The financial assistance scheme was introduced following the Chief Executive's 2007-08 Policy Address which announced that financial support would be offered to privately owned graded historic buildings in a bid to conserve historical and heritage sites for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Mr Tsang said the application was approved in July this year, with $1 million being granted. The appointment of a consultant for the renovation works would begin soon.
Before ending his visit, Mr Tsang also met representatives of the village to exchange views on preserving the historic building.
Ends/Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:58
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