Jessville building up for preservation

The Grade 3 historic building was constructed in 1931.

According to the Development Bureau, the Executive Council has approved the upholding of an earlier decision to partially lift the Pokfulam Moratorium to facilitate the revised preservation and development proposal for the Jessville building on Pok Fu Lam Road.

Constructed in 1931, Jessville is a private residence built in the Italian Renaissance architectural style with Art Deco variations. The Antiquities Advisory Board has confirmed it as a Grade 3 historic building.

Following discussions co-ordinated by the Commissioner for Heritage's Office, the owners have proposed preserving Jessville under a preservation-cum-development proposal.

The council approved the partial lifting of the Pokfulam Moratorium to facilitate the proposal in 2009. The owners recently proposed reducing the scale of development to ensure the financial viability of the project.

Under the revised proposal, the owners will build a single new residential tower on the site while preserving Jessville and converting it into four residential units. The owners will set up a viewing podium for the public to appreciate the historic building. However, they will not allow public visits, for privacy and security reasons.

The site is subject to the Pokfulam Moratorium, whereby, out of traffic concerns, administrative restrictions are imposed on developments requiring lease modification.

The traffic impact of the original proposal on Pok Fu Lam Road and nearby junctions was considered insignificant. The traffic impact of the revised proposal will be further lessened because of the reduced development scale.