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Kowloon walled city. A historical perspective. 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
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Kowloon walled city A historical perspective
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 Kowloon walled city
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 Rapid population growth High building density • 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.
Problems of the walled city Social issues Hotbeds of criminals • 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.
Problems of the walled city Urban decay Urban blight • 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
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.
