Sustainable heritage revitalization in Hong Kong : identifying critical success factors and pathways for future policy and practice

Abstract

Heritage buildings are solid records of the city’s past, and thus the loss of heritage buildings should be avoided; But in a globalized metropolis like Hong Kong, economic development and urban renewal remains crucial. The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings emerges as one of the strategic solutions to preserve built heritage while addressing contemporary needs. As adaptive reuse becomes more prevalent in Hong Kong, it is increasingly important to understand the factors that drive project success. This dissertation thus investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) for the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Hong Kong, it examines how the CSFs are interpreted and applied within Hong Kong’s unique cultural and economic context. Contextual barriers and possible solutions would be evaluated after identifying the CSFs. This study adopts a qualitative research approach to capture more in-depth insights towards heritage adaptive reuse in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews with industry experts and desk studies are carried out to obtain intensive insights into the topic. Four key CSFs are identified in this study: comprehensive research and planning, compatible use, minimal intervention, and a well-suited operator and sustainable operation model. Project outcomes are also significantly influenced by sub-themes which include government support, business viability and public engagement in Hong Kong. The findings of this study highlight the importance of context-specific considerations in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects, particularly within high-density and market-driven environments like Hong Kong. This research also contributes to the broader discussion on adaptive reuse by offering insights that may inform future conservation policy making and practice.