It is named after Henry Wase Whitfield, the commander of British Army in Hong Kong.
History
In the 1890s, the Barracks were first built for the British Indian garrisons. Twenty five barrack blocks were built by 1906; the Barracks were developed in subsequent years. By 1910, there had been 85 barrack buildings constructed. A was also built at the southeastern corner of the site for worship by the garrison.
It belonged to the when Hong Kong was under . The premises was later returned to the Government of Hong Kong in 1967. In 1970, Urban Council redeveloped the site into the Kowloon Park.
The Government ignited some controversy when it made proposals in 1982 for a strip of retail premises fronting Nathan Road included to be carved into the hill of Kowloon Park. The move was opposed by the Urban Council, as well as the moslem community, whose mosque was close by.
Blocks S4, S61 and S62 of barracks are "Grade III historical buildings" which were constructed in circa 1910. They are a pair of identical two storied colonial military barrack blocks. The roofs are pitched with Chinese tiles with tar finish. Blocks S61 and S62 have become the home for the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Block S4 now houses Health Education Exhibition and Resources Centre.
1 comment:
I served in 3 amphibious observation troop Royal Artillery during 1958/9 loved every moment of it.Since it has become Kowloon park my wife and I have been coming back to H K for 15 years We have always stayed in the B P I hotel over looking the park ,we spend many hours looking down on the park .its a lovely site to behold,the layout of the park is superb ,and so full of things to see.If you want some where to relax for a while there is nothing nicer than a visit to Kowloon park, My wife and I recommend it to both the young and elderly
Carol and Donald Stallwood Chalfont st Giles. Bucks England.
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