KOWLOON WALLED CITYA historical perspective

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Location: Kowloon City

Area: 0.026 sq km

Population: 50,000 in 1987

Redevelopment in late 1980s

Compensation to residents: $2.7 billion

Affected population: 33,000

Evacuation started: 1991

Demolition started: 1992

Original land use: residential land use

Present land use: recreational land use

HISTORY OF THE WALLED CITY It served as a watchpost

defending the area against pirates and managing the production of salt since Song Dynasty (960 – 1279)

Later it was rebuilt as a fort in the mid-1800s

After 1950s, Mainland China refused to take control of the city. HK Police had no right to control, so did the British government. ( 三不管 )

PROBLEMS OF THE WALLED CITY

1898 – roughly 700 1971 – 10,000 1980s – 35,000 1987 – 50,000 Population density of

1,923,077/sq km Due to the migration

of low-income group from Mainland China

They could only afford cheaper housing in the walled city.

Rapid population growth High building density

PROBLEMS OF THE WALLED CITY

Since Britain adopted a “hands-off” policy, the walled city was virtually ruled by anti-Manchurian Triads in 1973-74.

Since then, the walled city became a hotbed of criminal activities, e.g. brothels, casinos, opium dens, cocaine parlours, food courts serving dog meat and secret factories.

A concentration of unsanitary dentist clinics run by those unlicensed dentists.

Social issues Hotbeds of criminals

PROBLEMS OF THE WALLED CITY

Square buildings with high density folded up

Illegal electricity and water supply done by the residents themselves

Buildings of no more than 13-14 stories high due to height restriction of the previous airport

Poor building quality Lots of temporary and

illegal structures Clogged up with refuse

(hygiene problems) High risk of fire

Urban decay Urban blight

EVACUATION AND DEMOLITION OF THE WALLED CITY

After the Joint Declaration in 1984, the PRC agreed with British authorities to demolish the walled city and resettle its inhabitants

The mutual decision to tear down the walled city was made in 1987

Evacuations started in 1991, affecting 30,000 people

Demolition work started in 1992 Reconstruction of the walled city to the

Kowloon Walled City Park in August 1995.